Cost of living in Burnaby
Burnaby, located in the heart of British Columbia, Canada, is known for its vibrant community and proximity to Vancouver. Understanding the cost of living in Burnaby is crucial for anyone considering moving to or living in this dynamic city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you make informed financial decisions.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $17.9 on average, with a range between $10.74 and $28.64.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $71.61, with prices ranging from $50.13 to $93.09.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $9.31, with a range between $8.59 and $10.74.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $2.86 to $7.16, imported beer $3.58 to $9.31, cappuccino $2.86 to $4.3, and Coke/Pepsi $1.07 to $2.51.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.08 and $3.58 per liter, averaging $2.14.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.86 and $3.58, with an average price of $2.36.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.15 to $4.65, averaging $3.13.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.72 to $5.01 per kg, while oranges range from $1.43 to $5.01 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.9 and $6.44 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.07 to $3.22 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $1.79 and $2.69, with a monthly pass priced between $73.04 and $75.19.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.15 and $1.45 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3.22, with a cost of $1.43 per km and $25.06 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1790.21 to $2291.47, averaging $2022.94.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1575.38 to $1790.21, averaging $1682.8.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $3222.38 to $5012.59, averaging $3938.46.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $2506.29 to $2864.33, averaging $2625.64.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $3483.95 to $11561.79, averaging $7163.5.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $1695.73 to $9249.43, averaging $4722.51.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $87.36 and $214.83, averaging $128.46.
- Internet - Internet services range from $35.8 to $68.03, with an average cost of $54.73.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for Canada are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Canada, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
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Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
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Sports And Leisure
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Clothing And Shoes
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Buy Apartment Price
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Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Burnaby offers a diverse range of dining options, with prices varying significantly between casual and upscale restaurants.
Grocery prices in Burnaby are relatively moderate, with essentials like milk and bread being affordable.
Transportation costs are reasonable, with public transport being a cost-effective option for daily commuting.
Housing in Burnaby can be expensive, especially in the city centre, but there are more affordable options outside the centre.
Utilities and internet services are reasonably priced, contributing to a balanced cost of living.
Conclusion
Burnaby presents a balanced cost of living, with affordable options in dining and transportation, though housing can be on the pricier side, especially in central areas.
For those considering a move to Burnaby, it's important to budget for higher housing costs while taking advantage of the city's efficient public transport and diverse dining scene.