Cost of living in Squamish
Squamish, 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 Squamish is crucial for anyone considering moving to or visiting this picturesque town.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the cost of living in Squamish, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities. Whether you're planning a move or just curious about the expenses, this overview will help you make informed decisions.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $17.88 on average, with a range between $14.3 and $17.88.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $71.51, with prices ranging from $57.21 to $85.81.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10.01, with a range between $7.87 and $11.44.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4.29 to $5.72, imported beer $4.29 to $7.15, cappuccino $2.15 to $5.01, and Coke/Pepsi $1.43 to $2.86.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.94 and $3.57 per liter, averaging $1.74.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.15 and $6.44, with an average price of $3.42.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.14 to $10.01, averaging $3.43.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.15 to $5.51 per kg, while oranges range from $2.5 to $12.16 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.79 and $2.15 per kg, and lettuce costs $2.14 to $3.57 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $1.43.
- Monthly Pass - A monthly pass for public transport is priced between $27.89 and $33.61, averaging $30.75.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.15 and $1.43 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.15, with a cost of $1.79 per km and $22.88 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1430.18 to $1787.72, averaging $1644.7.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1430.18 to $1644.7, averaging $1519.56.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2860.35 to $3575.44, averaging $3217.9.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $2145.26 to $3217.9, averaging $2831.75.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre is $5965.29.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $71.51 and $209.36, averaging $118.49.
- Internet - Internet services range from $42.91 to $107.26, with an average cost of $59.35.
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"
Squamish offers a moderate cost of living with relatively affordable dining and transportation options. However, housing costs, especially in the city centre, can be on the higher side.
Grocery prices vary significantly, with some items like eggs and bread showing a wide price range. Utilities and internet services are reasonably priced, contributing to manageable monthly expenses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Squamish presents a balanced cost of living, with affordable options in dining and transportation. Housing remains a significant expense, particularly for those seeking accommodation in the city centre.
Prospective residents should consider these factors when planning their budget. Overall, Squamish's cost of living aligns with its appeal as a desirable place to live, offering both natural beauty and a vibrant community.