If you do choose to buy a home, townhouse, duplex, or condominium, then be aware that you will need to have money for a down payment. Most banks and mortgage providers will require a down payment of at least 10% of the total cost of the house. That means if you want to buy a $100,000 home, you'll need a $10,000 down payment.

If you opt to rent an apartment, a room, a home, or a duplex, then you will also need to be prepared to pay some money upfront. Most landlords in Canada expect you to pay first and last month's rent after you sign the lease. Many landlords will also require you to provide a reference's contact information. The reference MUST be someone living in Canada. Your employer, for example, may be a good reference.

Regardless of whether your rent or buy, you can expect to pay between $350 and $2000 a month depending on the living quarters you select. As a general rule, you shouldn't spend more than 50% of your income on housing costs, including your utility bills and mortgage/rent payments. That means you'll want to establish a budget before you start house/apartment hunting in Canada.

Also, keep in mind that housing costs vary considerably, even within the same province. You can save money on your housing if you do some research and focus on areas outside of major cities.