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Cost of Living Victoria, British Columbia

Cost of Living Victoria, BC: Budget-Friendly or Expensive?

Cost of Living Victoria, BC:

  • For 1 person (who rents), the average cost of living in Victoria is CAD 2800 per month.
  • For 3 persons (1 child family) CAD 5600 per month
  • For 4 persons (2 children family) CAD 7300 per month

A lot of factors contribute to this average, including housing costs, transportation costs, grocery costs, entertainment costs, etc. A recent (2022) report found that the cost of living in Victoria is now higher than in Vancouver. So, we can consider Victoria as an expensive city in British Columbia Province.

Although prices have increased in recent years, the cost of living in Victoria, BC remains relatively low compared to other Canadian cities of similar size 👍

If you are seeking 2nd option rather than Vancouver, then go for Victoria. 

Table of content

  • A glimpse of Victoria City, British Columbia
  • Victoria Living Wage Rates & Comparison Between Cities in British Columbia
  • Cost of Living Victoria, BC and Other Provinces in Canada
  • Cost of Living in Victoria, BC: Breaking Down Expenses for Residents
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  • Last Words  

A Glimpse of Victoria City, British Columbia

Victoria is a vibrant city, located on the southeastern portion (Vancouver Island) of British Columbia with a population of over 92K+ (2017).

This city offers a wide variety of activities and attractions, a stunning harbor, vibrant culture, outdoor recreation, galleries & more so that you can make the most out of your time in this amazing city. Moreover, Victoria, Canada’s one of the best cycling cities.

  • Province: British Columbia
  • Area: City 19.47 km2 (7.52 sq. mi), Urban 215.88 km2 (83.35 sq. mi) & Metro 696.15 km2 (268.79 sq. mi)
  • Population: 92,141 (2017)
  • Time zone: UTC–08:00 (PST), In Summer (DST): UTC−07:00 (PDT)
  • Website: victoria.ca

Salaries & Financing

According to Numbeo data, the average net salary (After Tax) is CAD 4,322.04 per month. Plus, the yearly Mortgage Interest Rate is 5.14%.

Living Wage for Families Campaign published an annual report recently. They mentioned that 2 parents need to earn a minimum of $24.08 an hour for a full-time job in Metro Vancouver in order to raise 2 children. A living wage is $24.29 for 2022 in Victoria. Whereas British Columbia’s minimum wage is $15.65 per hour.

The latest information from CBC (November 2022): Based on the living wage report, Victoria is now more expensive to live in than Vancouver.

Victoria Living Wage Rates & Comparison Between Cities in British Columbia

The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) reports that the living wage for families in Greater Victoria is now $24.29 per hour, up from $20.46 a year ago. Cause – rising food prices & ultimately living cost in Vancouver. Therefore, living wages have increased significantly across British Columbia, with the highest increase in Greater Victoria at 20%.

Daajing Giids & Golden are 2 regions that offer the highest living wage rate.

In contrast, Fraser Valley and Kamloops are the 2 regions with the lowest living wage rate. These living wage rates are updated annually to ensure that individuals and families have enough money to cover their basic needs.

Metro Vancouver’s living wage is $24.08. Nanaimo residents must earn $20.49 and Cowichan Valley residents must earn $23.53 in order to make ends meet.

Cities of British Columbia Province

Living wage rates per hour (2022)

Greater Victoria

$24.29

Cowichan Valley

$23.53

Nanaimo

$20.49

Comox Valley

$20.26

Daajing Giids

$25.87

Prince Rupert

$22.69

Prince George

$21.19

Dawson Creek

$20.53

Powell River

$23.33

Metro Vancouver

$24.08

Fraser Valley

$18.98

Kamloops

$19.14

Kelowna

$22.88

Grand Forks

$20.05

Revelstoke

$23.60

Castlegar

$20.54

Golden

$25.56

Nelson

$20.83

Trail

$21.13

Columbia Valley

$21.85

Cranbrook

$21.90

Fernie

$23.58

Living Cost of Provinces in Canada

Look, as a well-wisher, I want to let you know the numbers so that you can compare British Columbia’s living costs with other provinces.

Note: Keep in mind that the following living cost shows an average range. It could be slightly higher or lower based on the economic stability of that province or overall national economic stability, inflation, and any other uncertain factors.

The range of living costs in Canada (Between provinces) is enlisted in the following table:

Provinces

Housing (CAD)

 

*Rent for 1-bed

Food (CAD)

 

*Grocery for 1-2 person

Transport (CAD)

 

*Public transport for 1-2 person

Alberta

$1520 – 1780

$280 -390

$100 – 150

British Columbia

$1750 – 2250

$260 – 370

$85 – 150

Manitoba

$1100 – 1280

$225 – 345

$105 – 180

New Brunswick

$900 – 1050

$250 – 345

$90 – 165

Newfoundland

and Labrador

$920 – 1180

$260 – 390

$70 – 120

Nova Scotia

$1350 – 1450

$330 – 450

$82 – 138

Ontario

$1870 – 2150

$290 – 480

$165 – 250

Prince Edward

Island

$1160 – 1290

$335 – 440

$20 – 60

Quebec

$765 – 880

$261 – 370

$80 – 135

Saskatchewan

$950 – 1150

$302 – 480

$100 – 180

*Data updated: January 2023

Do you need moving assistance? Do Onsite Estimates here: Onsite Estimates

Cost of Living Victoria, BC: Breaking Down Expenses for Residents

Victoria, British Columbia is a beautiful city.

Mild climate. Plus, plenty of activities to enjoy.

In addition, picturesque scenery. Vibrant culture and diverse population & so much more…

But, Victoria is expensive. Yeah, it’s really EXPENSIVE!

Cost of Living in Victoria, British Columbia

Consider the cost of living when making the decision to move to Victoria. In this article, we will discuss the cost of living in Victoria, British Columbia, and provide some tips on how to make your money go further.

Note: Keep in mind that the following living cost shows an average range. It could be slightly higher or lower based on the economic stability of that province or overall national economic stability, inflation, and any other uncertain factors.

Expenses

1 person

[In CAD]

3 persons (1 child family) [In CAD]

4 persons (2 children family) [In CAD]

Monthly Rent

$1600 – 1850 (1-bed)

$2200-3000

$3000 – 3200 (3-bed)

Clothing

$CAD100

$100 – 120

$150 – 160

Schooling

$550-1250

$1100-1800

Entertainment

$50 – 100

$120 -150

$150 – 180

Utilities

$150 – 200

$250-320

$250-320

Transportation

$200 – 250

$500 – 550

$500 – 600

Groceries

$400 – 500

$1300 – 2000

$2000 – 2200

Restaurants

$200 – 250

$350 – 500

$450 – 600

Other

$100 – 120

$150 – 300

$200 – 400

Provincial tax

7% on the purchase price (Goods & Services)

*Data updated: January 2023

*Consider Global Inflation (If you are reading this article after a certain period)

Pro tips:

If you are a budget guy, I can assure you that you can save a lot of money ($$$) by executing of your plan. You can find a few ways to save money.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Frequently Asked Questions

How much will I make after taxes in Victoria?

On average, you can make CAD 4,322.04 per month. 

What are the biggest industries in Victoria?

7 biggest industries in Victoria are as follows – 

  • Food
  • Professional services
  • Tech Industry
  • Creative industry
  • International Education
  • Retail and Supply chain
  • Tourism

Is Victoria cheaper than Vancouver?

No. A recent study found that Victoria is more expensive than Vancouver.

Can I commute to Vancouver from Victoria for work?

Commuting from Victoria to Vancouver for work is possible, as the two cities are connected by a short ferry ride and a highway. But, the distance is around 130+ KM. So, I recommend you rent a house in Vancouver if you need to attend any event or job on a daily basis.

 

Read moving tips and tricks here.

Last words

Victoria has the highest living cost compared to other cities in British Columbia (BC) province. Even the cost is higher than in Vancouver. Cause – higher housing costs, transportation costs, grocery costs, and other day-to-day costs.

In addition, Victoria’s proximity to the ocean and its reputation as a tourist destination also contribute to higher prices. Furthermore, the cost of living in Victoria has increased in recent years due to a growing population and increased demand for housing, services, and goods.

Lastly, note down the info – added 6.8% inflation rate (2022) is another cause of the price hike. If you can manage a handsome income stream and love to live in a populated city like Victoria, then my suggestion is – Listen to your heart. Just GO for it.

 

Interested in Living in Vancouver vs. Toronto? Read the article: Click here

Living in Calgary vs Toronto [Including Cost of Living & Salary] – Click here

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