Cost of living in Victoria
Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia, Canada, is known for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant cultural scene. Understanding the cost of living in Victoria is crucial for anyone considering moving to or visiting this charming city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the various 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 $10.74 and $32.22.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $85.93, with prices ranging from $64.45 to $107.41.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10.56, with a range between $8.59 and $10.74.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4.3 to $7.16, imported beer $5.01 to $8.59, cappuccino $2.69 to $5.73, and Coke/Pepsi $1.79 to $2.86.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $2.03 and $4.29 per liter, averaging $2.87.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.97 and $5.01, with an average price of $3.18.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.97 to $5.59, averaging $4.23.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.61 to $5.01 per kg, while oranges range from $2.86 to $7.16 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.43 and $5.01 per kg, and lettuce costs $2.13 to $3.58 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $1.79 and $2.51, with a monthly pass priced between $60.87 and $71.61.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.17 and $1.5 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.86, with a cost of $1.28 to $2.58 per km and $32.22 to $39.38 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1288.95 to $1861.82, averaging $1532.23.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1145.73 to $1646.99, averaging $1330.13.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2291.47 to $3580.42, averaging $2839.24.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $2005.03 to $2864.33, averaging $2440.1.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $5626.74 to $13695.1, averaging $6702.75.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $4902.2 to $8605.18, averaging $6905.73.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $93.09 and $250.63, averaging $152.36.
- Internet - Internet services range from $57.29 to $107.41, with an average cost of $75.72.
Cost of Living Rankings
Victoria ranks 1st 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"
Victoria offers a moderate cost of living with relatively high housing costs, especially in the city centre. Dining and grocery prices are comparable to other Canadian cities, while transportation is affordable with efficient public transit options.
To save on expenses, consider living outside the city centre and utilizing public transportation. Shopping at local markets can also help reduce grocery bills.
Conclusion
Victoria, Canada, presents a balanced cost of living with its beautiful surroundings and cultural richness. While housing can be pricey, especially in the city centre, other expenses like transportation and groceries are manageable.
Prospective residents should weigh the benefits of living in such a vibrant city against the higher housing costs, and explore ways to economize on daily expenses.