Cost Of Living For a Single Person in British Columbia 2024

Single person cost of living chart - individual average monthly expenditure in British Columbia

Average Monthly Expenditure

Currency: CAD
640 4,500 30,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$470 $3,300 $22,000

Average monthly spending for a single person or individual in British Columbia

How much money does an individual need in a month to survive in British Columbia?

A single person in British Columbia spends around 4,500 CAD per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a single individual can survive with a monthly budget as low as 640 CAD or as high as 30,000 CAD. Location and income are very important factors and have a huge influence on expenditure and budget.


Prices and cost of goods and services in British Columbia


Chart showing the prices and cost of grocery, food, restaurant meals, market, and beverages in British Columbia

Dining, food, and beverages costs


Fast food combo meal

6.4 CAD 13 CAD 21 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.7 $9.5 $16

Restaurant meal for one

23 CAD 34 CAD 68 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17 $25 $50

Fine dining meal for one

45 CAD 68 CAD 270 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$33 $50 $200

Cappuccino or latte

5.4 CAD 8.6 CAD 13 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4 $6.3 $9.5

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle

4.3 CAD 5.2 CAD 6.4 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.2 $3.8 $4.7

12 eggs

3.2 CAD 4.3 CAD 6.4 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.4 $3.2 $4.7

Fresh whole chicken

7.3 CAD 9.5 CAD 13 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.4 $7 $9.9

Pack of beef

8.6 CAD 13 CAD 26 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.3 $9.5 $19

Medium bag of rice

3.5 CAD 4.7 CAD 6.7 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.5 $3.5 $4.9

Bag of tomatos

1.3 CAD 1.7 CAD 3.2 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.95 $1.3 $2.4

Bag of apples

2.3 CAD 3 CAD 5 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.7 $2.2 $3.6
Chart showing the prices and cost of commute, travel, and transportation in British Columbia


Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride

5.7 CAD 6.8 CAD 14 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.2 $5 $10

Average car full tank

32 CAD 43 CAD 86 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$24 $32 $63

Average car 1-day rental

36 CAD 47 CAD 71 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26 $35 $52

Average car price

16,000 CAD 32,000 CAD 43,000 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$12,000 $24,000 $32,000

Bus ticket one way

1.2 CAD 1.8 CAD 3.6 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.87 $1.3 $2.6

Car Service

47 CAD 71 CAD 140 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$35 $52 $100
Chart showing the prices and cost of utility, energy, water, and gas in British Columbia


Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual

39 CAD 270 CAD 1,800 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$28 $200 $1,300

Internet and cable

32 CAD 64 CAD 86 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$24 $47 $63

Mobile phone charges

26 CAD 43 CAD 130 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$19 $32 $95

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket

16 CAD 21 CAD 32 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$12 $16 $24

One month gym membership

57 CAD 71 CAD 140 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$42 $52 $100
Chart showing the prices and cost of clothing and accessories in British Columbia


Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants

42 CAD 59 CAD 89 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$31 $44 $65

Woman dress

40 CAD 55 CAD 180 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$29 $40 $130

Woman shoes

37 CAD 51 CAD 120 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$28 $37 $87

Men's shoes

32 CAD 40 CAD 79 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$24 $29 $58

Men suit

36 CAD 45 CAD 240 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26 $33 $170

Regular t-shirt

18 CAD 24 CAD 71 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $17 $52
Chart showing the prices and cost of housing, accommodation, and rent in British Columbia


Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment

590 CAD 890 CAD 2,400 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$440 $650 $1,700

1-bedroom apartment

890 CAD 1,400 CAD 3,600 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$650 $1,000 $2,600

2-bedroom apartment

1,200 CAD 1,800 CAD 4,700 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$870 $1,300 $3,500

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment

120,000 CAD 180,000 CAD 360,000 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$87,000 $130,000 $260,000

1-bedroom apartment

140,000 CAD 240,000 CAD 890,000 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$100,000 $170,000 $650,000

2-bedroom apartment

240,000 CAD 710,000 CAD 1.4M CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$170,000 $520,000 $1M
Chart showing the prices and cost of furniture in British Columbia


Furniture Costs


King Size Bed

640 CAD 810 CAD 1,100 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$470 $590 $790

Double Bed

430 CAD 640 CAD 810 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$320 $470 $590

Single Bed

380 CAD 500 CAD 640 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$280 $360 $470

Living Room

720 CAD 920 CAD 3,200 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$530 $680 $2,400

Dining Table

320 CAD 430 CAD 810 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$240 $320 $590

Sofa or Couch

430 CAD 590 CAD 1,300 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$320 $430 $950
Chart showing the prices and cost of electronic devices and appliances in British Columbia


Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set

430 CAD 640 CAD 1,300 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$320 $470 $950

Fridge or Freezer

380 CAD 590 CAD 810 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$280 $430 $590

Washing Machine

500 CAD 720 CAD 1,300 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$360 $530 $950

Stove or Cooker

460 CAD 590 CAD 810 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$340 $430 $590

Mobile Phone

540 CAD 640 CAD 920 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$390 $470 $680

Laptop or Computer

590 CAD 720 CAD 1,300 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$430 $530 $950
Single person or Individual cost of living and expenditure to income ratio in British Columbia

Single person expenditure to income ratio in British Columbia

Analysing the how affordable it is for an individual to live in British Columbia

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in. Individuals usually spend a larger chunk of their income than other population groups. A typical and healthy expenditure percentage for a single individual ranges between 70% to 80%.


Spending to Income Ratio

77%

68% to 86%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Individuals in British Columbia spend around 77% of their monthly income. Some individuals spend as low as 68% of their income while some as high as 86%.

Distribution of monthly cost of living expenses of a single person in British Columbia

How do individuals spend their money in British Columbia?

We asked thousands of individuals about their spending habits and expenditure break down.


The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing and accomodation expenditure for individuals

Accomodation Cost32%

32% of total expenses on average (20% to 44%)

LOW$170   230 CAD
AVERAGE$1,200   1,600 CAD
HIGH$8,000   11,000 CAD
Per Month

Individuals in British Columbia typically spend from 20% to 44% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 32% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 1,600 CAD with expenditure ranging from 230 CAD to 11,000 CAD. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses.

Electricity, utilities, energy, water, internet, and mobile expenditure for individuals

Cost of utilities8%

8% of total expenses on average (4% to 13%)

LOW$28   39 CAD
AVERAGE$200   270 CAD
HIGH$1,300   1,800 CAD
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in British Columbia ranges from 4% to 13% of total expenses with 8% being the average for most individuals. The average monthly cost of utilities is 270 CAD with 39 CAD and 1,800 CAD being the upper and lower limits for a single person.

Transport, fuel, and commute expenditure for individuals

Cost of transport and fuel6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$38   52 CAD
AVERAGE$270   360 CAD
HIGH$1,800   2,400 CAD
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether a single person resides near school and work, but roughly speaking a single person would expect to spend from 52 CAD to 2,400 CAD in a month on commuting with 360 CAD being the norm for most individuals. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 6% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 12%.

Food, groceries, and basic shopping expenditure for individuals

Food and Groceries Cost18%

18% of total expenses on average (12% to 23%)

LOW$76   100 CAD
AVERAGE$530   720 CAD
HIGH$3,500   4,800 CAD
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries and basic houshold items for a typical person in a month in British Columbia is 720 CAD. The cost of groceries can range between 100 CAD to 4,800 CAD. Individuals spend on average about 18% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 12% and 23% respectively.

Healthcare and medical services expenditure for individuals

Cost of healthcare11%

11% of total expenses on average (5% to 15%)

LOW$43   58 CAD
AVERAGE$300   410 CAD
HIGH$2,000   2,700 CAD
Per Month

Individuals in British Columbia allocate 5% to 15% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending on medical services and clinic visits is around 11%. The range of medical expenses range from 58 CAD to 2,700 CAD with 410 CAD being the norm for most individuals.

Leisure and shopping expenditure for individuals

Cost of leisure and shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (3% to 6%)

LOW$24   32 CAD
AVERAGE$170   230 CAD
HIGH$1,100   1,500 CAD
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 32 CAD to 1,500 CAD with 230 CAD being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 3% to 6% of total expenses with an average of 3% for most individuals.

Education and schooling expenditure for individuals

Cost of education and schooling2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$9.5   13 CAD
AVERAGE$66   90 CAD
HIGH$440   600 CAD
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different individuals. On average, education constitutes 2% of the monthly expenditure of individuals with 1% and 4% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 90 CAD per month with 13 CAD being the minimum spent amount and 600 CAD being the maximum.

Other Expenses20%

20% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$85   120 CAD
AVERAGE$600   810 CAD
HIGH$4,000   5,400 CAD
Per Month
Percentage of individuals who manage to save money from their income every month in British Columbia

What percentage of individuals in British Columbia are able to save money and how much can they save?


Percentage of individuals that reported their ability to save money


Saving Money
77%
Not Saving
23%

Almost 77% of surveyed individuals in British Columbia said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 23% reported that they have to utilize their whole income to survive.


A single person savings to income ratio in British Columbia

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


How much money do individuals manage to add to their savings?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.

Saving to Income Ratio

17% 27% of income 37%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

210 CAD
$150
1,900 CAD
$1,400
13,000 CAD
$9,300
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for individuals

Saving To Income Ratio% Individuals
0% - 10%29%
10% - 20%23%
20% - 30%16%
30% - 40%16%
40% - 50%12%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Individuals that are able to save money can put anywhere from 17% to 37% of their monthly income to their savings, with 27% being the average for most individuals. The average monthly amount of money that individuals can put aside is 1,900 CAD with 210 CAD and 13,000 CAD being the minimum and maximum respectively.

Reasons that make it difficult for individuals to save money in British Columbia

Saving Challenges in British Columbia

Reasons that make it difficult for individuals to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in British Columbia. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income6%
High Expenses9%
Debt and Loans17%
Lack of Budgeting Skills11%
Impulsive Spending10%
Financial Emergencies6%
Living the moment6%
Will do it later18%
Inflation11%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability3%

Around 6% of the individuals said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 9% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 17% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 11% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 10% of individuals blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 6% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 6% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 18% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 11% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Where do individuals choose to put their savings in British Columbia

Typical saving choices for individuals in British Columbia

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds11%
Gold11%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts11%
Cash Savings17%
Real Estate10%
Investment6%
Stocks6%
Bonds6%
Mutual Funds3%
Certificates of Deposit3%
A typical and healthy budgeting structure. The 50-30-20 rule

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Income and cost of living compatibility. Is it affordable or economical for individuals to live in British Columbia

Affordable living in British Columbia

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked individuals one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in British Columbia?


Yes
84%
No
16%

Around 84% of surveyed individuals think that living in British Columbia is affordable with proper budgeting while 16% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

How easily is cost-cutting for individuals. Are there plenty of low-cost options in British Columbia

Low-cost alternatives in British Columbia

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked individuals how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options65%

Few low-cost options35%


Based on the survey, 65% of the individuals living in British Columbia have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 35% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds For Individuals

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked individuals of British Columbia whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes82%

No18%


Based on the survey, 18% of the individuals living in British Columbia said that they don't have an emergency fund while 82% said that they do.

Financial literacy and difficulty in budgeting and financial planning for individuals in British Columbia

Financial Literacy in Canada

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy75%


We asked individuals in British Columbia whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 25% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 75% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether single people of Canada have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 21% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 79% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance21%

Easily manages finances79%

Financial goals and targets of single people living in British Columbia

Financial goals of individuals in British Columbia

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in British Columbia, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund7%
Debt Reduction35%
Retirement Savings8%
Education Funding8%
Homeownership17%
Investing8%
Travel or Lifestyle10%
Healthcare Expenses10%
Financial Independence8%

Around 7% of individuals said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 35% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 8% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 8% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 17% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 8% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 10% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 10% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Chart showing the percentage of individuals who are in debt in British Columbia

Debt, loans, and mortgages in British Columbia


Percentage of individuals who are in debt


In Debt
26%
Debt Free
74%

According to the survey, 26% of the individuals in British Columbia have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 74% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Chart showing debt-to-income ratio in British Columbia

Debt-to-income ratio in British Columbia

Debt to income ratio

27%

18% to 38%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 27% of a single person's monthly income in British Columbia goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%13%
40% - 50%12%
30% - 40%14%
20% - 30%14%
10% - 20%17%
0% - 10%27%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in British Columbia pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 13% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 12% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 14% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 14% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in British Columbia

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage12%
Auto Loan21%
Student Loan3%
Credit Card26%
Personal Loan38%

12% of debtors in British Columbia confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 26% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 21% of people and personal loans rose at 38%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in British Columbia.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in British Columbia

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked individuals of British Columbia how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never54%
Once a year22%
Twice a year12%
Three times a year8%
Four times a year4%
Housing and accommodation affordability, property price to income ratio, rent to income ratio, and housing affordability index chart in British Columbia

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in British Columbia

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in British Columbia

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

590 CAD 890 CAD 2,400 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$440 $650 $1,700

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

890 CAD 1,400 CAD 3,600 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$650 $1,000 $2,600

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

1,200 CAD 1,800 CAD 4,700 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$870 $1,300 $3,500

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

1,400 CAD 2,400 CAD 6,500 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,000 $1,700 $4,800

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

2,800 CAD 7,100 CAD 14,000 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,100 $5,200 $10,000

Townhouse monthly rent cost

2,400 CAD 3,600 CAD 10,000 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,700 $2,600 $7,500

House monthly rent cost

2,800 CAD 7,100 CAD 14,000 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,100 $5,200 $10,000

Villa monthly rent cost

3,600 CAD 8,900 CAD 14,000 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,600 $6,500 $10,000

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in British Columbia ranges between 590 CAD and 2,400 CAD, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 890 CAD to 3,600 CAD. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 1,200 CAD and 4,700 CAD per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 1,400 CAD to 6,500 CAD. The average rent of a townhouse in British Columbia is around 3,600 CAD while house rental costs can be as high as 7,100 CAD per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 3,600 CAD to 14,000 CAD per month.



Apartment and house prices in British Columbia

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

120,000 CAD 180,000 CAD 360,000 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$87,000 $130,000 $260,000

1-bedroom apartment price

140,000 CAD 240,000 CAD 890,000 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$100,000 $170,000 $650,000

2-bedroom apartment price

240,000 CAD 710,000 CAD 1.4M CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$170,000 $520,000 $1M

3-bedroom apartment price

790,000 CAD 1.2M CAD 3.6M CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$580,000 $870,000 $2.6M

Townhouse price

1M CAD 2.4M CAD 8.9M CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$750,000 $1.7M $6.5M

House price

1.2M CAD 7.1M CAD 10M CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$870,000 $5.2M $7.5M

Villa price

1.4M CAD 7.9M CAD 12M CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1M $5.8M $8.7M

The average price of a studio apartment in British Columbia can range from 120,000 CAD to 360,000 CAD depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 140,000 CAD to 890,000 CAD. A villa can cost you 7.9M CAD on average with prices ranging from 1.4M CAD to 12M CAD.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in British Columbia will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


49 x143 monthly income 234
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in British Columbia can be x143 to x234 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x143 multiples of the average monthly salary in British Columbia.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


25% 36% of income 46%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in British Columbia is around 36%. This means that people pay 36% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 25% to 46% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
33%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
2.3%
AVERAGE
3.2%
TO
4.2%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


10 CAD 130 CAD 1,300 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.

Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in British Columbia

Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.


Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in British Columbia

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / A single person

39 CAD 270 CAD 1,800 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$28 $200 $1,300

Internet and cable cost

32 CAD 64 CAD 86 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$24 $47 $63

Mobile phone bill and charges

26 CAD 43 CAD 130 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$19 $32 $95

Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.


The average monthly energy and water consumption of individuals is around 270 CAD. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 32 CAD to 86 CAD with 64 CAD being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 43 CAD but can range between 26 CAD and 130 CAD depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.


Energy / Utility expense to income ratio


( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100


2.1% 5.3% of income 9.5%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average utility-to-income ratio in British Columbia is around 5.3%. This means that people pay 5.3% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 2.1% to 9.5% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in British Columbia

Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Prices and cost of goods and services in British Columbia

Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.

Fast food combo meal price

6.4 CAD 13 CAD 21 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.7 $9.5 $16

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in British Columbia is approximatly 13 CAD with meal cost ranging from 6.4 CAD to 21 CAD. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

23 CAD 34 CAD 68 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17 $25 $50

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 23 CAD and 68 CAD with 34 CAD being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in British Columbia.

Fine dining meal for one price

45 CAD 68 CAD 270 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$33 $50 $200

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 45 CAD to 270 CAD with the average cost being 68 CAD for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in British Columbia.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

5.4 CAD 8.6 CAD 13 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4 $6.3 $9.5

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in British Columbia is around 8.6 CAD. Price ranges between 5.4 CAD and 13 CAD depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.



Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

4.3 CAD 5.2 CAD 6.4 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.2 $3.8 $4.7

The average price of a large bottle of milk in British Columbia is 5.2 CAD. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 6.4 CAD and the minimum being 4.3 CAD depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

3.2 CAD 4.3 CAD 6.4 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.4 $3.2 $4.7

A dozen eggs costs around 4.3 CAD on average with 3.2 CAD and 6.4 CAD being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

7.3 CAD 9.5 CAD 13 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.4 $7 $9.9

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in British Columbia is between 7.3 CAD and 13 CAD depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 9.5 CAD.

Pack of beef price

8.6 CAD 13 CAD 26 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.3 $9.5 $19

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 13 CAD. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

3.5 CAD 4.7 CAD 6.7 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.5 $3.5 $4.9

A bag of rice in British Columbia costs around 4.7 CAD on average with prices rangeing between 3.5 CAD and 6.7 CAD depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

1.3 CAD 1.7 CAD 3.2 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.95 $1.3 $2.4

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 1.3 CAD to 3.2 CAD. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

2.3 CAD 3 CAD 5 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.7 $2.2 $3.6

A bag of apples costs 3 CAD on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.


Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio


( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100


18% 26% of income 33%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average grocery-to-income ratio in British Columbia is around 26%. This means that individuals spend 26% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 18% to 33% depending on salary and location.


Expenditure on food and grocery for individuals

Individuals' spending on grocery ranges from 100 CAD to 4,800 CAD with the location, income being the most determinite factors.

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