Cost of Living in Vancouver

As one of the most expensive cities in Canada, Vancouver’s cost of living is high, and you should budget accordingly. Accommodation is in demand, and rental prices reflect this, although free basic healthcare and schooling help ease the burden of Vancouver’s high price tag.

Cost of accommodation in Vancouver

The cost of accommodation in Vancouver indicates the city’s cosmopolitan appeal and strong job market. Throngs of people, including Canadian citizens, head to the city each year in search of a fresh start. As a result, the demand for accommodation in Vancouver is high, and the rent is expensive. Rental prices are constantly fluctuating, but with an upward trend in costs.

Some neighbourhoods offer more affordable rental options than central Vancouver. Burnaby’s South Slope and Richmond’s Steveston area consistently rank among the better value choices. The Sunset Victoria Fraserview area is also relatively affordable, with one-bedroom units running well below the city average.

Accommodation and Utilities in Vancouver

Cost of transport in Vancouver

Getting around in Vancouver can be pricey, but you can save a fair bit by using the extensive public transport system, which comprises buses, trains, the SkyTrain, trams, and ferries. Vancouver’s public transport is known for being reliable and efficient, and with ongoing SkyTrain and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) expansions, it keeps improving.

If you want to save money, consider purchasing a monthly pass. There are affordable monthly pass options with discounts for seniors, youth, and students.

Having a car isn’t necessary in Vancouver, especially if you live in an area close to the city centre. With the rising cost of fuel, if you are considering getting a car, you will need to budget to run it.

Public Transport and Driving in Vancouver

Cost of groceries in Vancouver

The cost of groceries in Vancouver can be quite high, especially in downtown areas where prices are often inflated, making it easy to feel like you’re paying through the nose. You can make your money go further by heading to the suburbs, where groceries are typically cheaper.

Inflation has driven food prices up dramatically in recent years, with significant increases across most food categories. This is partly ascribed to supply chain disruptions and increased demand. To save on your grocery bill, consider buying seasonal produce and shopping in bulk at shops like Walmart, Costco, or Bulk Barn.

There are also local initiatives like the UBC Sprouts Produce Market, which offers fresh produce on a by-donation basis, and Quest Food Exchange, which supports those facing food insecurity. There are also plenty of wallet-friendly markets throughout Vancouver where you can get fresh and high-quality produce.

Cost of entertainment and eating out in Vancouver

Dining out in Vancouver can cost you a pretty penny, but the city boasts world-class eateries that are undoubtedly worth shelling out for occasionally. It’s not all fine dining, though, and you will surely find a variety of good restaurants that won’t break the bank.

Vancouver’s nightlife has benefited from licensing changes, and new rules have made it easier than ever for non-traditional businesses to serve alcohol. You can now enjoy a drink at more diverse venues like spas, barbershops, bookshops, and art galleries.

The Granville Entertainment District is undergoing revitalisation, with City Council approving a 20-year transformation plan in 2025 to enhance the area’s nightlife and entertainment options.

In terms of activities, much of what there is to do in Vancouver is based outdoors and is often free to enjoy. Popular pursuits include hiking and biking at Lynn Canyon Park and relaxing at Stanley Park. In the summer, many Vancouver residents usually head for one of the city’s beaches. During winter, you can visit Vancouver’s museums and galleries, where entrance fees are reasonable.

Shopping, Attractions and Activities in Vancouver

Cost of healthcare in Vancouver

The cost of basic healthcare in Vancouver, as in the rest of Canada, is free for all citizens and work permit holders. MSP premiums were eliminated in 2020, which has improved healthcare accessibility. Those with maintained status while awaiting work or study permit renewals may be eligible for temporary MSP coverage, which ensures better access to healthcare for new arrivals.

If you are new to Vancouver, apply for MSP as soon as you arrive. The application can be done online, but there is a waiting period before coverage starts – the balance of your arrival month plus two full months – so having private insurance in the interim is wise.

The MSP won’t cover everything – you’re on your own for prescription meds, dental, and eye care. Additionally, it offers limited coverage outside the British Columbia province. If your employer doesn’t sponsor your private health insurance, you will need to include this cost in your monthly budget.

Healthcare and Health Insurance in Vancouver 
Work Permits in Canada

Cost of education in Vancouver

If you are moving to Vancouver with children, you can send them to a public school in the area at no cost. The standard of schooling in British Columbia is generally excellent, and the province has one of the most highly rated education systems in Canada.

Public school admission is a breeze if you live within the catchment area, and you simply need to provide proof of address and your child’s documents. On the other hand, private and international schools typically have a more complex admission process involving entrance exams, interviews, and letters of recommendation.

Parents who choose to send their children to a Canadian private school in Vancouver can expect premium options with considerable costs. If you prefer your children to continue in their home country’s curriculum, you can send them to one of Vancouver’s many international schools. International school fees come with a higher price tag, but these schools often have exceptional facilities and a wider variety of extracurricular activities.

Schooling Options in Vancouver

Cost of living chart for Vancouver

Prices are listed in Canadian dollars (CAD) and may vary depending on the product and service provider. The list below shows average prices for Vancouver in November 2025.