If you have a sound comprehension of the cost of living in Vancouver, you can have a better plan when you’re going to this city. Vancouver is one of the most livable cities in the world and is a dream destination for international students. However, the coastal city requires a high living cost, so you are asked to carefully make financial plans. Our blog, centered on the cost of living in Vancouver, CA, offers you a detailed introduction to help you make a sound decision. Are you ready to explore this stunning city?
Cost of Living in Vancouver in Terms of Grocery
In general, the average cost of living in Vancouver for groceries is higher than the national average statistics, which is attributed to the high costs of import and transportation. According to the survey, the average cost of life Vancouver of a single person is from CA $350 to $450, while that of a family of four is more than CA $1,000. Here is a form of the average price of goods in the grocery market.
| Average Cost of Different Items | |
|---|---|
| Items | Price |
| Milk (regular), (1 liter) | 2.79 C$ |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | 4.30 C$ |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | 5.41 C$ |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | 5.68 C$ |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | 16.80 C$ |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | 18.92 C$ |
| Beef Round (1kg) | 22.27 C$ |
| Apples (1kg) | 5.97 C$ |
| Banana (1kg) | 1.99 C$ |
| Oranges (1kg) | 5.25 C$ |
| Tomato (1kg) | 6.71 C$ |
| Potato (1kg) | 4.16 C$ |
| Onion (1kg) | 3.98 C$ |
| Lettuce (1 head) | 3.51 C$ |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | 2.40 C$ |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | 22.00 C$ |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) | 4.35 C$ |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | 5.17 C$ |
| Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) | 21.00 C$ |
Compared with other Canadian cities, Vancouver has similar prices of food. But there are some exceptions of the cost of living Vancouver. For example, in the winter, there are no fresh vegetables and fruit locally, so their prices begin to soar. Another one is bread usually costs more than other areas at any time.
Living Expenses in Vancouver Regarding Transportation
The expenditure on transportation is an important part of the cost of living in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Though it has a temperate climate, you still need to wear warm clothes when you commute because the average temperature is only about 4 degrees Celsius (39 Fahrenheit). Compared with other areas in North America, the transportation costs are as high as those in major European cities. There are more details on the cost of living Vancouver British Columbia of transportation.
| Average Cost of Different Transportation | |
|---|---|
| Type | Price |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | 3.25 C$ |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | 120.00 C$ |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | 5.00 C$ |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | 2.18 C$ |
| Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | 38.93 C$ |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | 1.89 C$ |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) | 34,697.50 C$ |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) | 28,346.89 C$ |
Translink, the authority of the regional transportation network in Vancouver, operates the local public transportation. It provides various comfortable and convenient ways for the residents, including Buses, SkyTrain, SeaBus, and West Coast Express. With Translink, the monthly cost of living in Vancouver for transportation is about CA $136, and if you wanna take a single trip, the fares are about CA $4. If you want self-driving travel, you have to pay a lot because Vancouver, with an average price of CA $2, is home to the highest gasoline prices in Canada. Besides, parking is also costly, which averagely costs CA $200 per month, and the annual car insurance premiums can go beyond CA $1,800.
Cost of Living Index Vancouver for Entertainment
The cost of living in Vancouver depends on different choices. It has fabulous cultural diversity and an attractive natural environment. Except for various attractions, it also has the largest Chinatown in Canada and is nicknamed “Hollywood North” due to its significant role in the film industry. The table form of the cost of living index Vancouver for entertainment is presented here.
| Average Cost of Different Entertainment | |
|---|---|
| Type | Price |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | 64.96 C$ |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) | 19.92 C$ |
| Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat | 16.00 C$ |
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | 25.00 C$ |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | 100.00 C$ |
| McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | 15.00 C$ |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) | 8.50 C$ |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | 10.00 C$ |
| Cappuccino (regular) | 5.70 C$ |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) | 3.00 C$ |
If you wanna watch performances with low living expenses in Vancouver, such as theatrical productions, you can pay attention to the art houses in the community, which present all kinds of shows by amateurs.
Vancouver Cost of Living for Healthcare
In Vancouver, there is a well-rounded healthcare system for local residents. The Medical Services Plan (MSP) provides important healthcare services for the residents and covers the main cost of living in Vancouver regarding healthcare, including doctor visits and hospital care. The examples about Vancouver cost of living for healthcare are as follows.
| Average Cost of Different Healthcare | |
|---|---|
| Type | Price |
| Employer-sponsored health insurance | 85.68 C$ |
| Non-employer-sponsored health insurance | 111.79-260.58 C$ |
| Gym | 73.29 C$ |
Though the MSP covers many kinds of healthcare, it doesn’t include routine dental and vision care, alternative medicine, or prescription medications. The cost of living in Vancouver, CA, in terms of private insurance, depending on different coverage levels, ranges from CA $50 to $200 per month. Compared with other cities without healthcare systems, the cost of life in Vancouver is a little lower.
Living Expenses in Vancouver for Education
In Vancouver, residents can get access to public education without fees from kindergarten to grade 12. While higher education, compared with the US, the cost of living in Vancouver for education is much more affordable. For example, the tuition fees for undergraduates are from CA $5,000 to $7,000 per year, while the cost for postgraduates ranges between CA $20,000 to $35,000. Here is more information about the cost of education.
| Average Cost of Education | |
|---|---|
| Type | Price |
| Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child | 1,614.91 C$ |
| International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child | 23,812.50 C$ |
| undergraduates | 5,000 to 7,000 C$ |
| Postgraduates | 20,000 to 35,000 C$ |
Education costs are a necessary part of Canada Vancouver cost of living, so it’s important for the residents to have a comprehensive plan of expenditure. For international students, they can browse the official websites of universities to get more details, such as scholarships.
Cost of Living in Vancouver Canada for Accommodation
In general, the Canada Vancouver cost of living for accommodation is higher than the national average. Vancouver, as well as Toronto, ranks among the most costly cities in Canada to buy an apartment. Shared student flats can cost less each month and make it affordable to live in Vancouver.
| Average Cost of Different Accommodation | |
|---|---|
| Type | Price |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | 2,774.47 C$ |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | 2,316.08 C$ |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre | 4,876.00 C$ |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre | 3,819.23 C$ |
How Can uhomes.com Help?
For international students, our online platform, uhomes.com, can provide you with various cost-effective options of living. You can find the perfect accommodation tailored to your needs with a couple of clicks. From budget-friendly options to luxurious student accommodations in Canada, we can offer you the best option！
Conclusion of Cost of Living in Vancouver
After learning about the cost of living in Vancouver, some may wanna move to the fabulous city. Compared with other cities, it has better weather, nature and activities, and is an amazing destination if you seek a great living environment. We hope our blog will help you to better understand the Vancouver cost of living before you take the trip. May all these tips work!
FAQ about Cost of Living in Vancouver
Is Vancouver expensive to live in?
Yes. Vancouver ranks among Canada’s most expensive cities, with exceptionally high housing costs being the primary challenge. Both rentals and home purchases command premium prices due to limited supply and strong demand. While daily expenses like groceries and utilities add to the financial burden, many residents adapt through shared accommodations or suburban living. Despite affordability concerns, the city’s natural beauty and quality of life maintain its appeal. The cost of living remains significantly higher than most Canadian urban centers.
Is $50,000 enough to live in Vancouver?
$50,000 is $12,250 less than the average yearly salary of $62,250 in Vancouver. A salary of $50,000 per year means that you would be taking home about $40,285 per year after taxes, or $3,357 per month to pay for things like housing, transportation, groceries, and entertainment.
How much money do I need to live in Vancouver?
What is the average monthly cost of living in Vancouver? The average cost of living in Vancouver is $3,793.63 per month. Vancouver is one of Canada’s most picturesque cities, renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, including mountains, ocean views, and forests.
