Cost of living in Kelowna
Kelowna, located in the heart of British Columbia's wine country, is known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant community. Understanding the cost of living in Kelowna is crucial for anyone considering moving to or living in this beautiful 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 $17.90 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 $69.82, with prices ranging from $50.13 to $114.57.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10.74, with a range between $8.59 and $11.46.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4.30 to $7.16, imported beer $5.01 to $8.59, cappuccino $3.22 to $5.73, and Coke/Pepsi $1.61 to $2.86.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.04 and $3.58 per liter, averaging $1.77.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.64 and $4.30, with an average price of $2.91.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.79 to $4.30, averaging $3.68.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.61 to $5.01 per kg, while oranges range from $2.86 to $6.31 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.79 and $6.27 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.79 to $3.22 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $1.79 and $3.58, with a monthly pass priced between $50.13 and $53.71.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.15 and $1.32 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.86, with a cost of $1.73 to $1.86 per km and $34.37 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1181.54 to $1646.99, averaging $1348.05.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $984.61 to $1432.17, averaging $1153.01.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2076.64 to $2506.29, averaging $2213.89.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1790.21 to $2148.25, averaging $1941.69.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $3866.85 to $7707.86, averaging $6129.11.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $2864.33 to $5012.59, averaging $3923.96.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $85.93 and $286.43, averaging $164.90.
- Internet - Internet services range from $57.29 to $107.41, with an average cost of $72.26.
Cost of Living Rankings
Kelowna ranks 3rd on the Cost of Living rankings in Canada. 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
Restaurants
Restaurants
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Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Kelowna offers a relatively moderate cost of living compared to larger Canadian cities, with affordable dining and transportation options.
Housing costs can vary significantly depending on location, with city centre apartments being more expensive.
Grocery prices are reasonable, but some items like beef and cheese can be on the higher side.
Utilities and internet costs are fairly standard, but it's wise to budget for higher utility bills during colder months.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kelowna presents a balanced cost of living with its mix of affordable and premium options across various categories.
Prospective residents should consider their lifestyle preferences and budget accordingly, especially when it comes to housing and transportation.
Overall, Kelowna's cost of living is manageable, making it an attractive option for those seeking a vibrant community with beautiful surroundings.