A Guide to Affordability in Vancouver

Explore what it means to live and work in our region


 

Are you considering your next move in Metro Vancouver? This guide collates data from numerous reputable sources to generate a realistic snapshot of the affordability landscape and makes it easier for you to chart your best path forward.

Please note that all dollar amounts in this guide are expressed in Canadian currency (CAD).

Note: This page was published in 2020 and will be updated again in 2024.

Owning a Home in Vancouver

What to expect when purchasing a home in the region

Property Price by Neighbourhood

This data represents the starting price points for affordable homes in the region. Our analysis determined the 25th percentile to be the best affordability benchmark because properties close to this percentile point are generally live-in ready without requiring substantial renovation. Median (50th) and 75th percentile price points are also available for reference in the “more” columns.*
Municipality Property Price
The data presented is for the properties in 25th percentile which reflects properties that provide move-in-ready accommodation (i.e. they are not tear-downs and don't require substantial renovation).
More
Vancouver West $2,442,000
50th: $3,080,000
75th: $4,060,000
Vancouver East $1,310,000
50th: $1,536,500
75th: $1,778,000
Vancouver Downtown n/a**
50th: n/a**
75th: n/a**
Burnaby $1,240,500
50th: $1,429,500
75th: $1,730,000
New Westminster $1,021,500
50th: $1,202,000
75th: $1,372,500
North Vancouver $1,425,000
50th: $1,630,000
75th: $2,027000
West Vancouver $2,180,000
50th: $2,800,000
75th: $3,820,000
Richmond $1,380,000
50th: $1,657,500
75th: $1,188,000
Surrey $875,000
50th: $1,050,000
75th: $1,250,000
Langley $830,323
50th: $1,276,900
75th: $1,572,500
Coquitlam $1,065,750
50th: $950,000
75th: $1,080,000
Port Coquitlam $870,500
50th: $1,375,000
75th: $1,639,000
Port Moody $1,164,500
50th: $xx
75th: $xx
Municipality Household Income
Household Income Required: the annual household income that a bank would require for the mortgage to be approved (assuming a Gross Service Ratio of 32%)
More Monthy Cash Expenses
Cash Expense: the total of the monthly mortgage payment (principal & interest), utilities, property tax, and strata fees (if applicable). The calculation assumes a 20% down payment.
More Monthly Economic Cost
Economic Cost: measures the true cost of ownership (not just the cash expense) in which the expected future appreciation of the property reduces the cost of ownership. It is calculated using the following formula:

Mortgage Interest Payment + Opportunity Cost of Downpayment + Property Taxes + Maintenance & Depreciation - Expected Capital Gains
More
Vancouver West $325,643
50th: $409,007
75th: $537,057
$8,684
50th: $10,907
75th: $14,322
$3,835
50th:$4,837
75th:$6,376
Vancouver East $177,732
50th:$207,327
75th:$238,883
$4,740
50th:$5,529
75th:$6,370
$2,057
50th:$2,413
75th:$2,792
Vancouver Downtown n/a**
50th: n/a**
75th: n/a**
n/a**
50th:n/a**
75th:n/a**
n/a**
50th:n/a**
75th:n/a**
Burnaby $169,638
50th:$194,484
75th:$233,988
$4,524
50th:$5,186
75th:$6,240
$1,975
50th:$2,275
75th:$2,754
New Westminster $144,681
50th:$169,087
75th:$192,140
$3,858
50th:$4,509
75th:$5,124
$1,728
50th:$2,033
75th:$2,322
North Vancouver $194,235
50th:$221,234
75th:$273,519
$5,180
50th:$5,900
75th:$7,294
$2,277
50th:$2,605
75th:$3,239
West Vancouver $291,424
50th:$372,440
75th:$505,723
$7,771
50th:$9,932
75th:$13,486
$3,424
50th:$4,398
75th:$6,000
Richmond $188,569
50th:$225,168
75th:$295,135
$5,029
50th:$6,004
75th:$7,870
$2,212
50th:$2,657
75th:$3,508
Surrey $122,345
50th:$145,502
75th:$183,412
$3,263
50th:$3,880
75th:$4,891
$1,413
50th:$1,695
75th:$2,158
Langley $118,072
50th:$140,188
75th:$174,434
$3,149
50th:$3,738
75th:$4,652
$1,384
50th:$1,659
75th:$2,084
Coquitlam $148,959
50th:$177,171
75th:$216,667
$3,972
50th:$4,725
75th:$5,778
$1,758
50th:$2,106
75th:$2,593
Port Coquitlam $122,880
50th:$133,502
75th:$150,873
$3,277
50th:$3,560
75th:$4,023
$1,436
50th:$1,567
75th:$1,781
Port Moody $163,423
50th:$191,778
75th:$227,340
$4,358
50th:$5,144
75th:$6,062
$1,954
50th:$2,307
75th:$2,751

*Properties below the 25th percentile price point (i.e. the 25-percent lowest-priced properties on the market) may require significant remodelling or renovation before being suitable for accommodation.
**Data not available as there are limited single family dwellings in Downtown Vancouver.

Source: Property Price - BC Assessment 2018

Property Price for Townhouses

This data represents the starting price points for affordable homes in the region. Our analysis determined the 25th percentile to be the best affordability benchmark because properties close to this percentile point are generally live-in ready without requiring substantial renovation. Median (50th) and 75th percentile price points are also available for reference in the “more” columns.*
Municipality Property Price
The data presented is for the properties in 25th percentile which reflects properties that provide move-in-ready accommodation (i.e. they are not tear-downs and don't require substantial renovation).
More
Vancouver West $998,000
50th:$1,288,000
75th:$1,650,000
Vancouver East $820,000
50th:$955,000
75th:$1,150,000
Vancouver Downtown $1,107,500
50th:$1,367,500
75th:$1,862,500
Burnaby $600,000
50th:$730,000
75th:$840,000
New Westminster $632,500
50th:$732,500
75th:$805,000
North Vancouver $850,000
50th:$960,000
75th:$1,092,000
West Vancouver $1,260,000
50th:$1,739,500
75th:$2,069,000
Richmond $745,000
50th:$855,000
75th:$998,000
Surrey $540,000
50th:$610,000
75th:$678,650
Langley $521,700
50th:$582,500
75th:$644,950
Coquitlam $680,000
50th:$780,000
75th:$890,000
Port Coquitlam $605,000
50th:$680,000
75th:$775,000
Port Moody $640,000
50th:$760,000
75th:$891,000
Municipality Household Income
Household Income Required: the annual household income that a bank would require for the mortgage to be approved (assuming a Gross Service Ratio of 32%)
More Monthy Cash Expenses
Cash Expense: the total of the monthly mortgage payment (principal & interest), utilities, property tax, and strata fees (if applicable). The calculation assumes a 20% down payment.
More Monthly Economic Cost
Economic Cost: measures the true cost of ownership (not just the cash expense) in which the expected future appreciation of the property reduces the cost of ownership. It is calculated using the following formula:

Mortgage Interest Payment + Opportunity Cost of Downpayment + Property Taxes + Strata Fee - Expected Capital Gains
More
Vancouver West $153,607
50th: $191,500
75th:$238,800
$4,096
50th: $5,107
75th:$6,368
$1,179
50th: $1,393
75th:$1,660
Vancouver East $127,885
50th: $145,525
75th:$171,004
$3,410
50th: $3,881
75th:$4,560
$983
50th: $1,082
75th:$1,226
Vancouver Downtown $172,339
50th: $206,311
75th:$270,990
$4,596
50th: $5,502
75th:$7,226
$1,378
50th: $1,570
75th:$1,935
Burnaby $97,732
50th: $114,822
75th:$129,282
$2,606
50th: $3,062
75th:$3,448
$783
50th: $881
75th:$965
New Westminster $101,317
50th: $114,838
75th:$124,641
$2,702
50th: $3,062
75th:$3,324
$789
50th: $875
75th:$937
North Vancouver $131,251
50th: $145,738
75th:$163,123
$3,500
50th: $3,886
75th:$4,350
$990
50th: $1,074
75th:$1,175
West Vancouver $193,701
50th: $256,357
75th:$299,413
$5,165
50th: $6,836
75th:$7,984
$1,529
50th: $1,882
75th:$2,125
Richmond $116,520
50th: $131,027
75th:$149,887
$3,107
50th: $3,494
75th:$3,997
$886
50th: $970
75th:$1,080
Surrey $88,342
50th: $97,605
75th:$106,689
$2,356
50th: $2,603
75th:$2,845
$697
50th: $752
75th:$806
Langley $87,871
50th: $96,036
75th:$104,423
$2,343
50th: $2,561
75th:$2,785
$735
50th: $786
75th:$838
Coquitlam $110,712
50th: $124,073
75th:$138,771
$2,952
50th: $3,309
75th:$3,701
$909
50th: $991
75th:$1,081
Port Coquitlam $95,779
50th: $105,801
75th:$118,495
$2,554
50th: $2,821
75th:$3,160
$717
50th: $778
75th:$856
Port Moody $103,926
50th: $120,091
75th:$137,737
$2,771
50th: $3,202
75th:$3,673
$838
50th: $940
75th:$1,050

*Properties below the 25th percentile price point (i.e. the 25-percent lowest-priced properties on the market) may require significant remodelling or renovation before being suitable for accommodation.

Sources: Property Price - BC Assessment 2018, Strata Fees - Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver, Fraser Valley Real Estate Board, 2018

Property Price for 2 Bedroom Condos

This data represents the starting price points for affordable homes in the region. Our analysis determined the 25th percentile to be the best affordability benchmark because properties close to this percentile point are generally live-in ready without requiring substantial renovation. Median (50th) and 75th percentile price points are also available for reference in the “more” columns.*
Municipality Property Price
The data presented is for the properties in 25th percentile which reflects properties that provide move-in-ready accommodation (i.e. they are not tear-downs and don't require substantial renovation).
More
Vancouver West $799,000
50th:$906,000
75th:$1,115,900
Vancouver East $618,000
50th:$735,000
75th:$970,000
Vancouver Downtown $870,000
50th:$1,075,000
75th:$1,410,000
Burnaby $530,000
50th:$625,000
75th:$722,450
New Westminster $467,500
50th:$545,000
75th:$620,000
North Vancouver $606,000
50th:$720,000
75th:$825,500
West Vancouver $835,000
50th:$1,100,000
75th:$1,565,000
Richmond $506,000
50th:$608,000
75th:$684,000
Surrey $395,000
50th:$428,000
75th:$480,000
Langley $415,000
50th:$452,950
75th:$529,500
Coquitlam $500,000
50th:$590,000
75th:$635,000
Port Coquitlam $425,000
50th:$465,000
75th:$518,000
Port Moody $535,000
50th:$599,000
75th:$692,000
Municipality Household Income
Household Income Required: the annual household income that a bank would require for the mortgage to be approved (assuming a Gross Service Ratio of 32%)
More Monthy Cash Expenses
Cash Expense: the total of the monthly mortgage payment (principal & interest), utilities, property tax, and strata fees (if applicable). The calculation assumes a 20% down payment.
More Monthly Economic Cost
Economic Cost: measures the true cost of ownership (not just the cash expense) in which the expected future appreciation of the property reduces the cost of ownership. It is calculated using the following formula:

Mortgage Interest Payment + Opportunity Cost of Downpayment + Property Taxes + Strata Fee - Expected Capital Gains
More
Vancouver West $127,291
50th:$141,273
75th: $168,699
$3,394
50th:$3,767
75th: $4,499
$1,024
50th:$1,103
75th: $1,258
Vancouver East $101,674
50th:$116,962
75th: $147,668
$2,711
50th:$3,119
75th: $3,938
$839
50th:$925
75th: $1,098
Vancouver Downtown $143,340
50th:$170,126
75th: $213,898
$3,822
50th:$4,537
75th: $5,704
$1,257
50th:$1,408
75th: $1,655
Burnaby $89,705
50th:$102,194
75th: $115,005
$2,392
50th:$2,725
75th: $3,067
$761
50th:$833
75th: $907
New Westminster $85,743
50th:$96,222
75th: $106,363
$2,286
50th:$2,566
75th: $2,836
$827
50th:$894
75th: $958
North Vancouver $103,076
50th:$118,090
75th: $131,984
$2,749
50th:$3,149
75th: $3,520
$909
50th:$996
75th: $1,077
West Vancouver $142,250
50th:$176,878
75th: $237,639
$3,793
50th:$4,717
75th: $6,337
$1,324
50th:$1,520
75th: $1,863
Richmond $87,266
50th:$100,719
75th: $110,742
$2,327
50th:$2,686
75th: $2,953
$762
50th:$841
75th: $899
Surrey $71,077
50th:$75,444
75th: $82,324
$1,895
50th:$2,012
75th: $2,195
$635
50th:$661
75th: $702
Langley $72,620
50th:$77,716
75th: $87,997
$1,937
50th:$2,072
75th: $2,347
$621
50th:$653
75th: $717
Coquitlam $86,010
50th:$98,035
75th: $104,047
$2,294
50th:$2,614
75th: $2,775
$745
50th:$818
75th: $855
Port Coquitlam $73,259
50th:$78,604
75th: $85,686
$1,954
50th:$2,096
75th: $2,285
$611
50th:$644
75th: $687
Port Moody $92,484
50th:$101,105
75th: $113,633
$2,466
50th:$2,696
75th: $3,030
$821
50th:$876
75th: $954

*Properties below the 25th percentile price point (i.e. the 25-percent lowest-priced properties on the market) may require significant remodelling or renovation before being suitable for accommodation.

Sources: Property Price - BC Assessment 2018, Strata Fees - Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver, Fraser Valley Real Estate Board, 2018

Property Price for 1 Bedroom Condos

This data represents the starting price points for affordable homes in the region. Our analysis determined the 25th percentile to be the best affordability benchmark because properties close to this percentile point are generally live-in ready without requiring substantial renovation. Median (50th) and 75th percentile price points are also available for reference in the “more” columns.*
Municipality Property Price
The data presented is for the properties in 25th percentile which reflects properties that provide move-in-ready accommodation (i.e. they are not tear-downs and don't require substantial renovation).
More
Vancouver West $536,000
50th:$610,000
75th:$683,000
Vancouver East $488,000
50th:$543,000
75th:$658,800
Vancouver Downtown $600,000
50th:$664,000
75th:$740,000
Burnaby $418,000
50th:$487,833
75th:$558,000
New Westminster $365,000
50th:$412,000
75th:$479,000
North Vancouver $455,000
50th:$513,000
75th:$553,000
West Vancouver $541,000
50th:$630,000
75th:$764,000
Richmond $375,400
50th:$434,000
75th:$510,000
Surrey $316,000
50th:$349,000
75th:$375,000
Langley $321,000
50th:$359,000
75th:$400,000
Coquitlam $380,000
50th:$430,000
75th:$485,000
Port Coquitlam $340,000
50th:$382,000
75th:$410,000
Port Moody $429,000
50th:$468,000
75th:$505,000
Municipality Household Income
Household Income Required: the annual household income that a bank would require for the mortgage to be approved (assuming a Gross Service Ratio of 32%)
More Monthy Cash Expenses
Cash Expense: the total of the monthly mortgage payment (principal & interest), utilities, property tax, and strata fees (if applicable). The calculation assumes a 20% down payment.
More Monthly Economic Cost
Economic Cost: measures the true cost of ownership (not just the cash expense) in which the expected future appreciation of the property reduces the cost of ownership. It is calculated using the following formula:

Mortgage Interest Payment + Opportunity Cost of Downpayment + Property Taxes + Strata Fee - Expected Capital Gains
More
Vancouver West $87,716
50th: $97,385
75th: $106,924
$2,339
50th: $2,597
75th: $2,851
$692
50th: $746
75th: $800
Vancouver East $80,323
50th: $87,509
75th: $102,640
$2,142
50th: $2,334
75th: $2,737
$626
50th: $667
75th: $752
Vancouver Downtown $98,461
50th: $106,823
75th: $116,754
$2,626
50th: $2,849
75th: $3,113
$802
50th: $849
75th: $905
Burnaby $70,601
50th: $79,781
75th: $89,005
$1,883
50th: $2,127
75th: $2,373
$559
50th: $612
75th: $666
New Westminster $66,606
50th: $72,961
75th: $82,020
$1,776
50th: $1,946
75th: $2,187
$598
50th: $639
75th: $696
North Vancouver $78,649
50th: $86,288
75th: $91,556
$2,097
50th: $2,301
75th: $2,441
$672
50th: $717
75th: $747
West Vancouver $93,800
50th: $105,430
75th: $122,940
$2,501
50th: $2,811
75th: $3,278
$840
50th: $906
75th: $1,005
Richmond $66,124
50th: $73,852
75th: $83,876
$1,763
50th: $1,969
75th: $2,237
$557
50th: $602
75th: $661
Surrey $57,161
50th: $61,528
75th: $64,968
$1,524
50th: $1,641
75th: $1,732
$481
50th: $507
75th: $527
Langley $57,260
50th: $62,363
75th: $67,869
$1,527
50th: $1,663
75th: $1,810
$470
50th: $502
75th: $536
Coquitlam $66,081
50th: $72,761
75th: $80,110
$1,762
50th: $1,940
75th: $2,136
$543
50th: $584
75th: $629
Port Coquitlam $59,959
50th: $65,571
75th: $69,312
$1,599
50th: $1,749
75th: $1,848
$490
50th: $524
75th: $547
Port Moody $72,382
50th: $77,636
75th: $82,620
$1,930
50th: $2,070
75th: $2,203
$577
50th: $610
75th: $641

*Properties below the 25th percentile price point (i.e. the 25-percent lowest-priced properties on the market) may require significant remodelling or renovation before being suitable for accommodation.

Sources: Property Price - BC Assessment 2018, Strata Fees - Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver, Fraser Valley Real Estate Board, 2018

Renting a Home in Vancouver

What to expect when researching the rental market for your new home


 

Average Rent for 1 Bedroom Units

Vacant Vs. Occupied: The rates of vacant units represent the average prices a renter may expect to find when searching for a rental home. Rental rates are provided for both vacant and occupied units. Comparing the rates of vacant units with occupied units provides some insight on the trajectory of rental increases.
Municipality Vacant Occupied
City of Vancouver (all neighbourhoods) $1,705 $1,490
West End/Stanley Park $1,814 $1,562
English Bay $1,838 $1,665
Downtown $1,816 $1,678
South Granville/Oak $1,708 $1,491
Kitsilano/Point Grey $1,847 $1,574
Westside/Kerrisdale $1,600 $1,484
Marpole $1,198 $1,155
Mount Pleasant/Renfrew Heights $1,684 $1,294
East Hastings $1,590 $1,242
Southeast Vancouver $1,711 $1,302
Burnaby $1,551 $1,213
New Westminster $1,340 $1,193
North Vancouver $1,614 $1,467
West Vancouver $1,901 $1,751
Richmond $1,384 $1,249
Surrey $1,295 $1,018
Langley $1,403 $1,207
Tri-Cities
(Coquitlam/Port Coquitlam/Port Moody)
$1,140 $1,145

** Data suppressed to protect confidentiality or data not statistically reliable *Privately Initiated Apartments, 3 Units and Over *Census Metropolitan Areas Source: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) 2019 Rental Market Survey

Average Rent for 2 Bedroom Units

Vacant Vs. Occupied: The rates of vacant units represent the average prices a renter may expect to find when searching for a rental home. Rental rates are provided for both vacant and occupied units. Comparing the rates of vacant units with occupied units provides some insight on the trajectory of rental increases.
Municipality Vacant Occupied
City of Vancouver (all neighbourhoods) $2,466 $2,062
West End/Stanley Park ** $2,286
English Bay $2,571 $2,337
Downtown $2,762 $2,542
South Granville/Oak $2,172 $2,015
Kitsilano/Point Grey $2,666 $2,135
Westside/Kerrisdale $3,134 $2,297
Marpole $2,125 $1,529
Mount Pleasant/Renfrew Heights $2,216 $1,777
East Hastings ** $1,656
Southeast Vancouver $2,444 $1,845
Burnaby $1,927 $1,544
New Westminster $2,083 $1,584
North Vancouver $2,319 $1,832
West Vancouver $2,946 $2,578
Richmond $1,629 $1,507
Surrey ** $1,213
Langley $1,857 $1,550
Tri-Cities
(Coquitlam/Port Coquitlam/Port Moody)
$2,176 $1,499

** Data suppressed to protect confidentiality or data not statistically reliable *Privately Initiated Apartments, 3 Units and Over *Census Metropolitan Areas Source: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) 2019 Rental Market Survey

Average Rent for 3+ Bedroom Units

Vacant Vs. Occupied: The rates of vacant units represent the average prices a renter may expect to find when searching for a rental home. Rental rates are provided for both vacant and occupied units. Comparing the rates of vacant units with occupied units provides some insight on the trajectory of rental increases.
Municipality Vacant Occupied
City of Vancouver (all neighbourhoods) ** $2,526
West End/Stanley Park ** $3,508
English Bay ** **
Downtown ** $3,700
South Granville/Oak ** $2,577
Kitsilano/Point Grey ** $2,801
Westside/Kerrisdale ** $3,114
Marpole ** $1,610
Mount Pleasant/Renfrew Heights ** **
East Hastings ** $1,762
Southeast Vancouver ** $2,080
Burnaby $2,435 $1,765
New Westminster ** $1,967
North Vancouver ** $2,244
West Vancouver $3,566 $3,753
Richmond ** $1,791
Surrey ** $1,346
Langley ** $2,104
Tri-Cities
(Coquitlam/Port Coquitlam/Port Moody)
** $1,455

** Data suppressed to protect confidentiality or data not statistically reliable *Privately Initiated Apartments, 3 Units and Over *Census Metropolitan Areas Source: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) 2019 Rental Market Survey

Average Rent for Bachelor Units

Vacant Vs. Occupied: The rates of vacant units represent the average prices a renter may expect to find when searching for a rental home. Rental rates are provided for both vacant and occupied units. Comparing the rates of vacant units with occupied units provides some insight on the trajectory of rental increases.
Municipality Vacant Occupied
City of Vancouver (all neighbourhoods) $1,351 $1,274
West End/Stanley Park ** $1,285
English Bay $1,474 $1,329
Downtown $1,198 $1,362
South Granville/Oak ** $1,201
Kitsilano/Point Grey $1,248 $1,276
Westside/Kerrisdale ** $1,154
Marpole ** $1,114
Mount Pleasant/Renfrew Heights $1,364 $1,246
East Hastings $1,558 $1,292
Southeast Vancouver ** $1,097
Burnaby $1,239 $1,014
New Westminster ** $1,092
North Vancouver ** $1,221
West Vancouver ** $1,412
Richmond ** $1,056
Surrey ** $898
Langley ** $901
Tri-Cities
(Coquitlam/Port Coquitlam/Port Moody)
** $930

** Data suppressed to protect confidentiality or data not statistically reliable *Privately Initiated Apartments, 3 Units and Over *Census Metropolitan Areas Source: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) 2019 Rental Market Survey

Child Care Options

A range of support choices for young and growing families


 

Licensed Group Child Care

At licensed group child care the child care takes place at a community-based facility or centre. Licensed child care facilities are monitored and regularly inspected by regional health authorities.

Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative
The BC Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative (CCFRI) provides funding to make child care more affordable for families across the province. Funding is available to eligible, licensed child care organizations to reduce monthly child care fees.

Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative
The BC Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative (CCFRI) provides funding to make child care more affordable for families. Funding is available to eligible, licensed child care organizations to reduce monthly child care fees.
  • $350/month for Group infant/toddler care (Under 36 months)
  • $200/month for Family infant/toddler care (Under 36 months)
  • $100/month for Group care for children aged 3 years to Kindergarten
  • $60/month for Family care for children aged 3 years to Kindergarten

Helpful Links for Child Care Fee Reduction: BC Child Opportunity Benefit, Affordable Child Care Benefit, and the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative (CCFRI).

Average Monthly Child Care Fees
All rates reported are total fees without consideration of the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative (CCFRI). Fees may not include add-ons like food programs and some administration fees.

Licensed Group Child Care
Infant
(0-18mths)
Toddler
(18mths-3yrs)
3-5yrs School Age
(6-12yrs)
Before & after school
Vancouver $1,525 $1,462 $1,034 $390
Burnaby $1,151 $1,105 $879 $401
New Westminster $1,134 $1,029 $825 $395
North Shore $1,480 $1,390 $1,045 $547
Richmond $1,346 $1,234 $1,006 $458
Surrey $1,347 $1,184 $939 $525
Langley $1,145 $1,145 $841 $475
Coquitlam $1,039 $1,029 $811 $438
Port Coquitlam $976 $958 $735 $393
Port Moody $950 $872 $767 $425

Data Source: Fee Surveys from Metro Vancouver Child Care Resource and Referral Centres

Licensed Family & In-Home Multi-Age Care

In licensed family & in-home multi-age child care the child care takes place in the child care provider's own home. Licensed child care facilities are monitored and regularly inspected by regional health authorities.

Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative
The BC Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative (CCFRI) provides funding to make child care more affordable for families across the province. Funding is available to eligible, licensed child care organizations to reduce monthly child care fees.

Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative
The BC Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative (CCFRI) provides funding to make child care more affordable for families across the province. Funding is available to eligible, licensed child care organizations to reduce monthly child care fees.
  • $350/month for Group infant/toddler care (Under 36 months)
  • $200/month for Family infant/toddler care (Under 36 months)
  • $100/month for Group care for children aged 3 years to Kindergarten
  • $60/month for Family care for children aged 3 years to Kindergarten

Helpful Links for Child Care Fee Reduction: BC Child Opportunity Benefit, Affordable Child Care Benefit, and the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative (CCFRI).

Average Monthly Child Care Fees
All rates reported are total fees without consideration of the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative (CCFRI). Fees may not include add-ons like food programs and some administration fees.

Licensed Family & In-Home Multi-Age Child Care
Infant
(0-18mths)
Toddler
(18mths-3yrs)
3-5yrs School Age
(6-12yrs)
Before & after school
Vancouver $1,476 $1,425 $1,300 $621
Burnaby $947 $919 $828 $462
New Westminster $889 $830 $757 $378
North Shore $1,350 $1,300 $1,129 n/a
Richmond $1,041 $1,058 $906 $465
Surrey $873 $839 $817 $474
Langley $948 $948 $852 $463
Coquitlam $947 $903 $842 $518
Port Coquitlam $876 $858 $777 $456
Port Moody $922 $883 $786 $399

Data Source: Fee Surveys from Metro Vancouver Child Care Resource and Referral Centres conducted between 2018-2020

Registered License-Not-Required (RLNR) Child Care

In RLNR, child care providers are unlicensed but have registered with a Child Care Resource and Referral Centre. Legally, the child care providers can care for up to two children (or a sibling group) who are not related to them.

Average Monthly Child Care Fees
All rates reported are total fees without consideration of the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative (CCFRI). Fees may not include add-ons like food programs and some administration fees.

Registered License-Not-Required Child Care
Infant
(0-18mths)
Toddler
(18mths-3yrs)
3-5yrs School Age
(6-12yrs)
Before & after school
Vancouver $1,435 $1,395 $1,379 n/a
Burnaby $947 $919 $828 $462
New Westminster $889 $830 $757 $378
North Shore $1,350 $1,300 $1,129 n/a
Richmond $1,041 $1,058 $906 $465
Surrey $978 $903 $823 $533
Langley $825 $825 $775 $475
Coquitlam $947 $903 $842 $518
Port Coquitlam $876 $858 $777 $456
Port Moody $922 $883 $786 $399

Source: Fee Surveys from Metro Vancouver Child Care Resource and Referral Centres conducted between 2018-2020

Nannies

This unlicensed care is when parents arrange for child care at home. Parents must decide how to screen and hire the child care provider who becomes their employee.

Average Hourly Rates for Nannies
All rates reported are total fees without consideration of the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative (CCFRI). Fees may not include add-ons like food programs and some administration fees.

Nannies
Approximate Wage Range (Gross) Experience & Skill Level
$15-$18
per hour
Limited child care experience
Experience babysitting, after-school care, volunteering
No ECE or education degree
$19-$25
per hour
5-10 years experience
Working towards being a career nanny
Finishing ECE or education degree
$22-$26+
per hour
10+ years experience (career nanny)
Educational background
Likely to stay with the family long term

All rates reported are total fees without consideration of the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative (CCFRI). Fees may not include add-ons like food programs and some administration fees.

Source: Nannies on Call

For more information on the different types of child care, please refer to the Province of British Columbia.
For additional information on child care in Vancouver, please refer to the City of Vancouver.

Household Spending

Average monthly expenses for the average family living in the Metro Vancouver Area

This data is based on the actual average spending of households in the Metro Vancouver Area, which in turn is calculated from the average of 2.6 people per household. The data is averaged across all different housing types; as a result, costs such as utilities may differ for single-family homes compared to apartments.

 

$173

Utilities

Water, fuel and electricity for principal accommodation

$159

Telephone

Landlines, cell phone service, and telephone equipment

$57

Internet

Internet access services

$53

Television

TV and satellite radio services (including installation, service, and pay TV charges)

Groceries

Food
Average monthly cost of a nutritious food basket for a reference family of 2.6 people across the the Greater Vancouver Area. Reference family is made up of a male and female (age 31-50), and a boy (4-8 years old).
Greater Vancouver Area
Average Monthly Cost
Vancouver $834
Fraser North (Burnaby, New Westminster, Tri-Cities) $752
North Shore $792
Richmond $746
Fraser South (Langley, Surrey, Delta) $755

Other Types of Food

$278

Restaurants

Meals, snacks, and beverages purchased at restaurants

$100

Alcohol

Purchased both in restaurants and stores

Sources: 2017 Statistics Canada Vancouver Survey of Household Spending and the 2017 BC CDC Food Costing Guide. Expenses have been adjusted for inflation.

Getting Around

Mapping options for public transit and private vehicle ownership


Public Transit

Bus, Seabus and Skytrain Fares

Zones Adult Concession
Monthly Pass
(Compass Card)
1 $98 N/A
2 $131 N/A
3 $177 $56.00
Zones Adult Concession
Single Fares
(Stored Value on Compass Card)
1 $2.40 $1.95
2 $3.45 $2.95
3 $4.50 $3.95

Quick Links: Frequent Transit Map (including bus) and Trip Planner

West Coast Express Fares

To or From Waterfront To or From Other Stations
3 Zones:

Moody Centre, Coquitlam Central, Port Coquitlam
4 Zones:

Pitt Meadows, Maple Meadows, Port Haney
5 Zones:

Mission City
1-2 Zones:

Travel within a single zone or between adjacent zones
3 Zones:

3 Zone travel across WCE (e.g. Mission City to Moody Centre)
Monthly Pass
Adult $208 $251 $342.75 $158.75 $208
Concession $128.50 $158.25 $221.25 $97 $128.50
Stored Value
Adult One-Way $6.35 $7.75 $10.50 $4.90 $6.35
Concession One-Way $3.70 $4.80 $6.45 $2.90 $3.70

Source: Translink, 2020

Personal Vehicles

ICBC Basic Car Insurance

Driving Experience Monthly Cost
2 years $202.08
5 years $161.46
10-14 years $129.17
15-34 years $119.79

Source: ICBC, 2020

$1.49

Cost per Litre

Average fuel cost average

Source: Statistics Canada, 2019

$96.49

Maintenance

Monthly average

Source: CAA, 2020

$484.52

Car Payment

Monthly average

Source: CAA, 2020

Income

What you may expect to earn in your chosen profession

Salaries reported are based on the median


 

Top-Level Management

Job Examples ▸
Director of Operations
Director of Strategy


Chief Executive Officer
Senior VP Operations
VP Product Development
Directors VPs &
Executives
$102,000 $143,292
(Toronto: $103,846) (Toronto: $149,008)

Accounting &
Finance

Job Examples ▸
Accountant
Analyst
Underwriter
Financial Planner


Senior Analyst
Finance Manager
Bank Branch Manager
Entry to Experienced Senior & Management
$55,242 $74,843
(Toronto: $54,996) (Toronto: $77,940)

Administrative & Clerical

Job Examples ▸
Executive Assistant
Payroll Coordinator
Customer Service Specialist


Administrative Manager
Inventory Manager
Office Manager
Entry to Experienced Senior & Management
$49,143 $56,700
(Toronto: $47,216) (Toronto: $63,262)

Architecture & Engineering

Job Examples ▸
Mechanical Engineer
Health & Safety Coordinator
Landscape Architect


Engineering Program Manager
Senior Project Engineer
Architecture Project Manager
Entry to Experienced Senior & Management
$61,338 $98,885
(Toronto: $60,691) (Toronto: $89,755)

Art &
Design

Job Examples ▸
Graphic Designer
Animator
Product Developer


Senior Web Designer
Art Director
Creative Services Manager
Entry to Experienced Senior & Management
$55,135 $99,982
(Toronto: $51,398) (Toronto: $82,265)

Business
Operations

Job Examples ▸
Buyer
Consultant
Business Analyst
Lease Administrator


Senior Business Consultant
Supply Chain Manager
Purchasing Manager
Entry to Experienced Senior & Management
$55,073 $77,840
(Toronto: $54,033) (Toronto: $79,098)

Education

 

Job Examples ▸
Elementary School Teacher
Registrar
Education Coordinator


Professor
Elementary School Principal
Education Program Director
Entry to Experienced Senior & Management
$55,215 $70,369
(Toronto: $52,443) (Toronto: $71,767)

Healthcare

 

Job Examples ▸
Dental Hygienist
Paramedic
Dietician
Physiotherapist


General Surgeon
Veterinarian
Chief of Staff
Entry to Experienced Senior & Management
$65,000 $127,064
(Toronto: $62,108) (Toronto: $128,205)

Human
Resources

Job Examples ▸
Benefits Administrator
Compensation Analyst
Software Trainer


Talent Acquisition Manager
Senior Recruiter
Organizational Development Manager
Entry to Experienced Senior & Management
$54,093 $83,206
(Toronto: $51,256) (Toronto: $76,345)

Information Technology

Job Examples ▸
Software Developer
Network Administrator
Systems Analyst


Lead Software Engineer
Technical Project Manager
Software Development Manager
Entry to Experienced Senior & Management
$63,707 $86,469
(Toronto: $65,793) (Toronto: $88,311)

Legal

 

Job Examples ▸
Legal Assistant
Paralegal
Immigration Consultant


Attorney/Lawyer
General Counsel
Entry to Experienced Senior & Management
$55,486 $99,500
(Toronto: $51,690) (Toronto: $93,993)

Marketing &
Media

Job Examples ▸
Communications Coordinator
Media Buyer
Brand Strategist
Copywriter


Public Relations Manager
Senior Communications Manager
Marketing Project Manager
Entry to Experienced Senior & Management
$48,797 $69,691
(Toronto: $47,360) (Toronto: $72,029)

Sales

 

Job Examples ▸
Account Manager
Insurance Sales Agent
Sales Support Specialist
Sales Representative
Real Estate Broker


National Account Manager
International Sales Manager
Branch Sales Manager
Entry to Experienced Senior & Management
$50,868 $74,526
(Toronto: $49,463) (Toronto: $79,820)

Science &
Biotech

Job Examples ▸
Environmental Scientist
Research Analyst
Hydrogeologist
Clinical Research Associate


Environmental Manager
Research & Development Manager
Physicist
Entry to Experienced Senior & Management
$56,368 $77,415
(Toronto: $56,495) (Toronto: $79,802)

Learn more about working in Vancouver

Explore some of Vancouver’s key sectors
   
Technology Digital Entertainment Green Economy

Source: PayScale, data reported is based on the median

Income Tax Rates

The federal and provincial governments levy personal income taxes on individual residents, and taxpayers must file a return with the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) once a year. Income past a certain point is taxed at a different rate and applied on a cumulative basis.
 
 

Provincial Taxable Income Brackets


BC personal income tax rates apply to specific tax brackets. The tax brackets are indexed each year to the Consumer Price Index for B.C. (BC CPI). For the 2020 tax year, the tax brackets were increased from the previous year by a BC CPI rate of 2.5%.
BC provincial personal income tax brackets and rates, 2020 tax year

 

Source: Government of British Columbia

Federal Taxable Income Brackets

Canadian Federal income tax rates for individuals, 2020 tax year
 

Source: Government of Canada

Affordability in Metro Vancouver

Owning and Operating a Business

Thinking about starting or expanding a business? Navigate Metro Vancouver’s commercial real estate market and corporate tax rates.

 

Created in Partnership with

We gratefully acknowledge the expertise and collaboration of Dr. Andrey Pavlov, Professor of Finance at SFU Beedie School of Business, and the contributions of the team of Mitacs research associates working in tandem with VEC researchers.

A note about the data

This page was published in 2020. It does not reflect a post-pandemic economic reality and should not be used as a reliable source for today’s conditions.

However, the content on this page remains relevant because it illustrates how calculating affordability goes beyond the cost of housing: important factors include income transportation, healthcare, childcare, utilities and more.

We look forward to sharing an updated form of this guide in 2024. If you wish to be notified when the work is complete, consider signing up to our newsletter.