Cost of living in North Vancouver
North Vancouver, located in the beautiful province of British Columbia, Canada, is known for its stunning natural landscapes and vibrant community. Understanding the cost of living in this city is crucial for both current residents and those considering a move.
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 $15.74 on average, with a range between $12.17 and $32.21.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $69.78, with prices ranging from $50.1 to $128.82.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10.02, with a range between $8.59 and $10.74.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4.29 to $5.73, imported beer $4.29 to $7.16, cappuccino $2.5 to $5.01, and Coke/Pepsi $1.36 to $2.86.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.07 and $4.47 per liter, averaging $2.22.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.79 and $3.58, with an average price of $2.44.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.86 to $5.01, averaging $3.74.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $3.16 to $5.28 per kg, while oranges range from $2.5 to $4.4 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.58 and $4.05 per kg, and lettuce costs $2.15 to $3.57 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $2.33 and $3.26, with a monthly pass priced between $75.15 and $100.37.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.15 and $1.47 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.62, with a cost of $1.56 to $1.62 per km and $27.86 to $31.46 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1646.05 to $1932.32, averaging $1801.11.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1574.48 to $1789.19, averaging $1663.94.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2862.7 to $6441.07, averaging $3363.67.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $2504.86 to $4294.04, averaging $3399.45.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $5392.42 to $10019.44, averaging $8089.86.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $4622.07 to $7549.38, averaging $5727.06.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $61.84 and $322.05, averaging $133.59.
- Internet - Internet services range from $57.25 to $78.72, with an average cost of $64.41.
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
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Rent Per Month
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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
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"Key Takeaways"
North Vancouver offers a relatively high cost of living, particularly in terms of housing and dining. The city's beautiful surroundings and quality of life come with a price, especially for those living in the city centre.
Transportation costs are moderate, with public transport and fuel prices being reasonable. However, housing remains the most significant expense, with high rental and purchase prices.
Grocery prices are varied, with some items like milk and eggs being more expensive than the national average. Utilities are also a considerable expense, though internet costs are fairly standard.
Conclusion
In conclusion, North Vancouver is a desirable place to live, offering a high quality of life amidst stunning natural beauty. However, potential residents should be prepared for the high cost of living, particularly in housing and dining.
For those considering a move, it's advisable to budget carefully and explore options for saving on housing and groceries. Despite the costs, the lifestyle and environment in North Vancouver make it a worthwhile choice for many.