Cost of Living in Abbotsford Canada: Updated Prices [2024]

Abbotsford is a city in British Columbia, Canada, with a population of about 141,000 people. It is located in the Fraser Valley, about 65 km east of Vancouver, and is known for its agriculture, film industries, and its scenic views and outdoor activities. Understanding the cost of living in Abbotsford is crucial for effective budget planning. But how much is the cost of living in Abbotsford, BC in 2024?

In this guide, we will explore the main categories that contribute to the cost of living in Abbotsford BC, such as rent, utilities, food, transportation, and more. We will also discuss the average tuition fees that students can expect while living in this Canadian paradise. Read on to find out more!

Cost of Living in Abbotsford Overview

For a single person, the cost of living in Abbotsford BC comes to around CAD 2712 per month, according to LivingCost Data. Living in Abbotsford is 3.6% less than the national average. If we break it down, the rent for a one-room apartment ranges from CAD 1439 to CAD 1566 per month. Food expenses are about CAD 787 per month, and transportation costs are around CAD 121 per month.

This overall cost of living in Abbotsford British Columbia, Canada is an estimate of many essential living expenses that students can incur while living and studying in Abbotsford. Here, we have given a general breakdown of those diverse categories. Please take a look at the overview:

Categories	Approx Cost (per month)
Accommodation	CAD 1,439 – CAD 1,566
Food	CAD 787
Transportation	CAD 100 – CAD 200
Utilities	CAD 100 – CAD 200
Phone/Internet	CAD 50 – CAD 100
Entertainment and Personal Expenses	CAD 100 – CAD 300

Now, you have taken an overview of essential living expenses that students should consider in the average cost of living in Abbotsford BC. Let’s explore these living costs in more detail one by one.

Also Read: Cost of Living in Cambodia: A Guide on Expected Expenses

Cost of Accommodation in Abbotsford

Accommodation is a significant factor in the cost of living in Abbotsford and constitutes a major portion of its living expenses. When calculating your overall budget, it’s important to account for this cost. The cost varies based on location, size, and type of room or apartment.

For instance, a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre of Abbotsford typically costs around CAD 1,566. Students can explore and choose from various types of living accommodation that suits them the best. They are as follows along with their monthly rent:

Type of Accommodation	Approx Cost
On-campus residence	CAD 400 – CAD 800
Shared apartment	CAD 500 – CAD 800
Studio apartment	CAD 800 – CAD 1200
3 bedrooms apartment in the City Center	CAD 1566
Cheap 1 bedroom apartment	CAD 1439
3 bedrooms apartment in City Center	CAD 2619
Cheap 3-bedrooms apartment	CAD 2423

Cost of Dining in Abbotsford

Although the cost of eating out in Abbotsford can be affordable, it can vary depending on the type of restaurant, the cuisine, and its location. Eating out in Abbotsford can be more expensive than cooking in your place and can affect your average cost of living in Abbotsford.

On average, students in Abbotsford might spend approximately CAD 787 each month on food. Here’s an approx estimate of the moderate cost of a meal at restaurants in Abbotsford:

Type of Restaurant	Approx Cost
Lunch Menu	CAD 20
Dinner in a Restaurant, for 2 person	CAD 80.8
Fast food meal, equiv. McDonald’s	CAD  12.1
Cappuccino	CAD 4.78

Cost of Groceries in Abbotsford

Since eating out is expensive, you can always cook meals at home to reduce the cost of living in Abbotsford BC. Grocery expenses are a substantial part of daily living costs in Abbotsford, especially for those who prefer to cook their meals at home. However, grocery prices vary based on where you shop and the quality of the products.

To ensure you get the best value for your money, it’s important to compare prices across different stores. Here are some essential grocery items available in the city’s supermarkets and their prices:

Grocery Item	Approx Cost
Milk (1 lt)	CAD 2.86
Bread (500 gm)	CAD 3.38
Rice (1 kg)	CAD 5.60
Eggs (1 dozen)	CAD 4.41
Cheese (1 kg)	CAD 18.8
Apples (1 kg)	CAD 6.14
Bananas (1 kg)	CAD 1.79
Oranges (1 kg)	CAD 5.19
Tomatoes (1 kg)	CAD 6.14
Potato (1 kg)	CAD 4.28
Onion (1 kg)	CAD 3.70
Water (1.5 L)	CAD 2.50
Coca Cola/Pepsi (2 L)	CAD 2.10

Costs of Utilities in Abbotsford

The monthly utility cost for a one-bedroom apartment in Abbotsford could be around CAD 107 which is more affordable than other states. It depends on the use and size of the apartment.

Budgeting for utility expenses is essential when planning your monthly cost of living in Abbotsford as it is a primary part of it. Given below is the monthly expense of utilities that you can expect to include in your cost of living in Abbotsford BC:

Utility	Approx Cost
Utility Bill one person, electricity, heating, water, etc.	CAD 107
Internet 8 mbps (1 month)	CAD 85.6
Hourly rate for cleaning help	CAD 25

Costs of Transportation in Abbotsford

Abbotsford has a comprehensive public transportation system, including City Ferries, Trams, Taxis & Shuttles, buses, metro, Cycling etc. Abbotsford has a reliable public bus system with stops spread throughout the city. Transportation costs can have a significant impact on the total cost of living in Abbotsford.

The average monthly transportation cost for a student is around CAD 121. However, it is important to evaluate transportation costs in Abbotsford because you will have to commute to and from college while attending college. Here’s how much transportation will cost you in Abbotsford, depending on the mode of transport you choose:

Transportation Mode	Approx Cost
Gas (1 lt)	CAD 1.73
Monthly ticket public transport	CAD 190
Local transport ticket	CAD 3.79
Taxi Ride (8 km)	CAD 21.4

Miscellaneous Costs in Abbotsford

In addition to the different categories of cost of living in Abbotsford, some other essential expenses may be considered such as a pair of dresses, movie tickets, small doctor’s appointments, etc. These costs fall under miscellaneous costs.

The Miscellaneous expenses are part of everyday life and can arise during your studies in Abbotsford, Canada. Please see the table below for a list of the miscellaneous charges we offer.

Miscellaneous Things	Approx Cost
Movie Ticket	CAD 15.7
Pair of Jeans	CAD 70.9
Fitness Club	CAD 38.5
Brand Sneakers	CAD 106
Doctor’s visit	CAD 77

Also Read: Cost of Living in Durham: A Comprehensive Guide

Average Tuition Fees in Abbotsford BC

There are also academic expenses to consider while talking about the cost of living in Abbotsford BC. Students should manage their budget more effectively for their preferred university and understand the average tuition fees at universities in Abbotsford.

It is essential to consider how the chosen university, level of study, and specific field impact the overall cost of living in Abbotsford. Depending on the program and institute, here are the average tuition fees for international students in the city:

UNIVERSITY NAME	Average Tuition Fees
Sprott Shaw College	CAD 13,000 – CAD 18,000
University of the Fraser Valley	CAD 20,000
Northern Lakes College	CAD 13,000 – CAD 18,000

In addition to tuition, international students must also pay additional fees, such as:

1. Application fee: This fee is non-refundable and typically ranges from CAD 50 to CAD 350.
2. Student union fee: This fee is used to support student clubs and activities, and it typically ranges from CAD 100 to CAD 200 per year.
3. Health insurance: It’s mandatory for international students to have health insurance, and the cost of this will vary depending on the provider.

One should also understand why it is beneficial to study in Abbotsford among all the cities in Canada. Please check the title and its contents below for more clarity.

Why Study in Abbotsford?

Apart from the affordable cost of living in Abbotsford BC, students have plenty of reasons to choose this Canadian city as their living and study-abroad destination in 2024. Some of them are as follows:

1. Abbotsford houses multiple high-quality educational institutions, such as the University of the Fraser Valley and numerous accredited colleges and private institutions. 
2. Compared to other major Canadian cities, Abbotsford offers a significantly lower cost of living. Housing, food, and transportation are all relatively inexpensive, allowing you to focus on your studies without worrying about breaking the bank. 
3. Abbotsford has a vast and diverse international community that consists of 100+ different ethnicities, creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere where you’ll feel embraced and supported throughout your studies. 
4. Abbotsford has many breathtaking natural landscapes for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy, such as snow-capped mountains, lush valleys, pristine lakes, and rolling vineyards.
5. Abbotsford is known for its safe and friendly atmosphere. The crime rate is low, and the locals are known for their warmth and hospitality. 
6. The city is strategically located just minutes from the US border and a short drive from Vancouver, British Columbia’s vibrant metropolis, providing easy access to major transportation hubs, cultural attractions, and endless entertainment options.

Cost of Living in Abbotsford BC Compared to Other Cities

Abbotsford is generally considered a relatively inexpensive city to live in comparison to some states in Canada. When comparing the cost of living in Abbotsford to other cities, several factors come into the picture, like housing costs, transportation costs, dining costs, entertainment costs, etc.

So to give you an idea of ​​how the cost of living in Abbotsford compares to other cities like Vancouver, British Columbia, Burnaby, Canada and Calgary. We’ve given the cost of living in other cities. Please have a look:

Cost of Living City Wise	Average Cost of living	Comparison with Cost of Living in Abbotsford
Cost of Living in Vancouver	CAD 3494 (including rent)	Higher than Abbotsford
Cost of Living in British Columbia	CAD 3096 (including rent)	Higher than Abbotsford
Cost of Living in Burnaby	CAD 3535 (including rent)	Higher than Abbotsford
Cost of Living in Canada	CAD 2782 (including rent)	Higher than Abbotsford
Cost of Living in Calgary	CAD 2879 (including rent)	Higher than Abbotsford

Things to Consider Before Moving to Abbotsford

Moving to a new city as an international student can be both exciting and overwhelming. Apart from getting an idea of the cost of living in Abbotsford, students should consider a few things in mind before packing their bags to move to Abbotsford, here are some things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth transition:

1. Study Permit: This is the most crucial document, allowing you to study in Canada. Apply well in advance, as processing times can vary.
2. Health Insurance: International students must have valid health insurance throughout their stay. Research coverage options and choose a plan that meets your needs.
3. Financial Aid: Explore scholarship and grant opportunities offered by your university, the Canadian government, and private organizations.
4. Finding a Place: Start searching for housing well in advance, especially during peak rental seasons. Utilize online platforms, university housing resources, or local rental agencies.
5. Weather: Be prepared for all four seasons! Abbotsford experiences mild summers, rainy autumns, snowy winters, and warm springs. Invest in appropriate clothing and footwear.
6. Learn Basic French: While English is the primary language, basic French knowledge can be helpful, especially if you plan to venture beyond Abbotsford.

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FAQs on Cost of Living in Abbotsford

We hope that this blog gave a complete overview of the cost of living in Abbotsford BC in 2024 for international students. Keep following Leverage Edu for more updates on student life abroad. Thank you for reading!