How expensive is life in Canada? A cost of living review by province and territory

Much like Ontario, cost of living is high in British Columbia—Vancouver is one of the most expensive cities in Canada, but one of the most popular too with an often-praised high quality of life. Victoria, the provincial capital, and Kelowna in the Okanagan Valley are cheaper and enjoyable cities.

Average wages in British Columbia

The minimum wage is $17.40 per hour, as of June 1, 2024.

Use the Government of British Columbia’s Cost of living calculator to compare cities or figure out your monthly budget with all expenses (rent, transportation, etc.).

Cost of living in Vancouver

Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the most expensive Canadian cities, alongside Toronto. But hey, it’s worth it for the quality of life and picturesque location!

Rent prices

According to the CMHC, a bachelor apartment starts from $1,529 per month and a one-bedroom apartment starts from $1,786 per month. Rent prices vary from one neighbourhood to another and many will be far above average. RentSeeker suggests a bachelor apartment is $2,416 and a one-bed is $2,596 per month, on average.

North Vancouver and West Vancouver are both pricey—the rent for a bachelor apartment in West Vancouver is often higher than downtown.

You’ll find more affordable options further out—in Marpole, for instance, on the southern edge of the city of Vancouver. Rent is cheaper in Richmond, Burnaby, New Westminster and Surrey, but it’s also on the rise.

Public transportation

TransLink manages public transit services for the Metro Vancouver area. Bus services operate throughout most of the region under a subsidiary of TransLink, Coast Mountain Bus Company. There’s an efficient network of rapid transit (the SkyTrain), buses, the SeaBus (between Waterfront Station in Downtown Vancouver to Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver) and the West Coast Express (a train connecting Waterfront Station in Downtown Vancouver to Mission). For more information, read the Visitor’s guide to public transit.

There are three fare zones in Vancouver.

• Single trip: $3.20 for one zone, $4.65 for two zones, $6.35 for three zones
• Monthly pass: $107.30 for one zone, $143.50 for two zones, $193.80 for three zones
• Day pass: $11.50

For more information, read Fare prices and zones.

Food

Much like in Toronto, food is pricey—look around for cheaper stores, specials and other options that work for you. Chinatown is usually a good place to buy rice (duh!) and fresh produce from independent retail stores.

Entertainment

• Restaurants: a meal and a non-alcoholic drink sets you back an average of $40 (plus tax and tip). However, Vancouver boasts amazing Asian restaurants where you can enjoy top-quality sushi or Chinese noodles for lower prices. Don’t hesitate to try hole-in-the-wall neighbourhood restaurants!
• Bars: a beer is $8 and your favourite cocktail $15-$20 (plus tax and tip)
• Movie theatre: a ticket is $15 (but Cineplex offers cheaper admission on Tuesdays!)

Cost of living in Victoria

Victoria, the provincial capital, is on Vancouver Island, a 90-minute ferry ride from Vancouver. Then it’s another 30 kilometres to reach Victoria proper, the economic heart of Vancouver Island, surrounded by parks and mountains.

Rent prices

Victoria is more affordable than Vancouver. According to the CMHC, a bachelor apartment starts from $1,215 per month and a one-bedroom apartment at $1,421 per month.

Public transportation

The bus service is provided by BC Transit:

• Single trip, cash fare: $2.50
• 10 single-trip tickets: $25
• Monthly pass: $85
• Day pass: $5

Entertainment

• Restaurants: a meal and a non-alcoholic drink sets you back anywhere from $15 (plus tax and tip) to $60-$75 for a fancier restaurant
• Bars: a beer is $8 and your favourite cocktail $15 (plus tax and tip)
• Movie theatre: a ticket is $15 (but Cineplex offers cheaper admission on Tuesdays!)