Open ProvincesCost of living in British Columbia: prices, rent, wages and taxes
Inflation, rents, gasoline, earnings, median income and tuition in British Columbia, from official statistics updated automatically.
Key numbers
| Indicator | British Columbia | Canada | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inflation over 12 months | 3.0% | 3.1% | 2026-09 |
| Average weekly earnings | $1,370 | $1,355 | 2026-08 |
| Median after-tax income (households) | $75,800 | $75,500 | 2024 |
| Median hourly wage | $34.00 | $32.00 | 2026-10 |
| Average undergraduate tuition | $7,117 | $8,021 | 2026 |
| Minimum wage (per hour) | $18.25 | – | 2026-11 |
| Sales tax (combined) | 12% | – | 2026-11 |
Sources: Statistics Canada (updated automatically), official provincial pages and the Canada Revenue Agency.
Rent
| City | 1 bedroom | 2 bedrooms |
|---|---|---|
| Vancouver | $1,807 | $2,364 |
| Squamish | $1,626 | $2,179 |
| Victoria | $1,624 | $2,121 |
| Kelowna | $1,597 | $2,098 |
| Nanaimo | $1,527 | $1,895 |
| Courtenay | $1,459 | $1,691 |
| Kamloops | $1,345 | $1,673 |
| Summerland | $1,349 | $1,671 |
CMHC average rents, 2025. Renting guide →
Gasoline
| City | Regular (¢/L) | A year earlier |
|---|---|---|
| Vancouver | 209.5 | 171.5 |
| Victoria | 210.0 | 172.5 |
Monthly average, 2026-09. Statistics Canada, 18-10-0001-01.
Compare and calculate
General information, not legal or financial advice. Figures show their source and the date they were read; confirm with the official body before making a decision.
Guides for this province
- Renting in British Columbia: rights, rent increases and average rents
- Working in British Columbia: minimum wage, standards and wages
- Moving to British Columbia: health card, driver's licence and taxes
- Cost of living in British Columbia: prices, rent, wages and taxes
- Buying a home in British Columbia: land transfer tax, rebates and first-time buyer help
- Health care in British Columbia: health card, drug plans and dental help
- Studying in British Columbia: tuition, student aid and grants
- Seniors in British Columbia: pensions, supplements and programs
- Taxes in British Columbia: income tax rates, sales tax and take-home pay (2026)
- Families in British Columbia: child benefits and family programs
- Immigrating to British Columbia: nominee program, steps and processing times