Cost of living in Vancouver
Vancouver, a bustling city on the west coast of Canada, is known for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant cultural scene. Understanding the cost of living in Vancouver 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 plan your budget effectively.
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 $12.17 and $35.8.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $85.93, with prices ranging from $57.29 to $143.22.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10.74, with a range between $10.03 and $12.89.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4.3 to $7.88, imported beer $5.73 to $10.03, cappuccino $2.51 to $5.73, and Coke/Pepsi $1.43 to $2.86.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.07 and $3.58 per liter, averaging $1.86.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.79 and $4.74, with an average price of $2.91.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.15 to $5.36, averaging $3.96.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.99 to $7.16 per kg, while oranges range from $1.89 to $7.89 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.36 and $5.73 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.43 to $3.58 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $1.83 and $2.86, with a monthly pass priced between $75.19 and $135.66.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.2 and $1.54 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3.04, with a cost of $1.45 to $1.79 per km and $21.48 to $27.88 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1790.21 to $2506.29, averaging $2019.08.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1432.17 to $2005.03, averaging $1690.9.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $3007.55 to $4314.4, averaging $3641.09.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $2148.25 to $3580.42, averaging $2765.41.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $8478.65 to $14259.54, averaging $10350.15.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $6166.29 to $9249.43, averaging $7206.66.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $55.33 and $170.43, averaging $100.72.
- Internet - Internet services range from $39.38 to $85.93, with an average cost of $57.22.
Cost of Living Rankings
Vancouver ranks 2nd 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
Markets
Markets
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"
Vancouver is known for its high cost of living, particularly in terms of housing and dining. Rent prices in the city centre are significantly higher than those outside the centre.
Transportation costs are moderate, with public transport offering a cost-effective option for getting around the city.
Grocery prices vary, with some items like milk and bread being relatively affordable, while others, such as cheese and beef, are more expensive.
Utilities and internet costs are reasonable, but it's important to budget for these monthly expenses.
Conclusion
Living in Vancouver offers a vibrant lifestyle with access to beautiful natural surroundings and a diverse cultural scene. However, the cost of living is relatively high, especially for housing and dining.
Prospective residents should carefully consider their budget and explore options for saving on housing and transportation to make the most of living in this dynamic city.