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Burnaby, a vibrant city in British Columbia, Canada, offers a dynamic environment for students to study and thrive. The city is an ideal location for students looking to balance academics with an enriching lifestyle. But, before relocating here, students should be aware of the average cost of living in Burnaby. It will ensure that they can budget appropriately and live comfortably there.
Understanding the cost of living in Burnaby helps students determine how much money they need to have in their accounts. So that they can enjoy a worry-free stay in Burnaby City. So, how much does it cost to live on average here? To find out the answer, keep reading this blog for essential insights. Let’s delve into the discussion!
This Blog Includes:
Cost of Living in Burnaby Overview
The average cost of living in Burnaby for a single person, including housing rent, is approximately CAD 3,535. For a one-bedroom apartment, individuals can expect to pay between CAD 2,350 and CAD 3,200 according to LivingCost Data. The living expenses in Burnaby can vary according to the standard of living, preferred area, and other essential criteria for students.
The cost of living in Burnaby City comprises various expenses, including utility bills, housing rent, travel passes, personal expenses, food, and grocery expenses. Below, we provide an overview of the average living expenses in Burnaby across different categories for those considering residing in this vibrant city. Please have a look:
Also Read: Cost of Living in Calgary: Updated Prices, Other Cities Comparison
Costs of Accommodation in Burnaby
The expense of accommodation in the city is high and it also depends on the type of accommodation and student’s preferences. If you choose to stay in the hostel dormitory, your cost of living in Burnaby for students can be lower. However, if you want a private space, your average rent for a room apartment can be around CAD 2,350 to CAD 3,200 per month.
Before moving to Burnaby it is essential to carefully research and compare the apartment rent of different areas to ensure whether they meet your needs and budget. For your convenience, we have compiled the average cost of housing data for various flats located both inside and outside the city centre.
| Apartment Type | Location | Approx. Monthly Cost |
| 1 bedroom | in the City Centre | CAD 2,825 |
| 3 bedrooms | in the City Centre | CAD 5,500 |
| 1 bedroom | Outside of Centre | CAD 2,350 |
| 3 bedrooms | Outside of Centre | CAD 3,666 |
Cost of Utility in Burnaby
Utilities in Burnaby encompass a range of essential services that contribute to enhancing the quality of life for residents. The services that are included in utility are electricity, water, heating, internet, and garbage. Understanding the cost of basic utilities can help students to manage household expenses effectively there.
The basic monthly utility cost for a one-bedroom apartment in the city could be around CAD 109. However, planning your monthly cost of living in Burnaby must include the utility expenses as they can affect your overall costs. The table below provides an overview of the average utility expenses in Burnaby:
| Utility Type | Utility Name | Approx. Cost |
| Basic Utility Bills | Water, Electricity, Heating, Cooling, etc | CAD 179 |
| Internet | 60 Mbps+, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL monthly | CAD 76 |
| Mobile Phone Monthly Plan | Calls and 10GB+ Data | CAD 65 |
Also Read: Cost of Living in Sheffield: Updated Prices, Other Cities Comparison
Restaurant Food Costs in Burnaby
The average monthly food expenses for a person in Burnaby are around CAD 789, according to living cost data. Students have the opportunity to explore Burnaby’s diverse restaurant scene. Dining out in Burnaby can be both affordable and delightful. However, food costs can vary significantly based on factors such as the restaurant’s location, type of cuisine, and the number of diners.
Eating out regularly can affect the cost of living in Burnaby for students because dining can be more expensive than cooking at your residence. So cooking at home can be a good idea to save lots of money while studying here. Here’s an approx cost of a meal at restaurants in Burnaby:
| Type of Restaurant | Approx Cost of Meal in Restaurant |
| Food Expenses (monthly) | CAD 789 |
| Lunch Menu | CAD 20 |
| Dinner in a Restaurant, for 2 person | CAD 101 |
| Fast food meal, equiv. McDonald’s | CAD 13 |
| Cappuccino | CAD 5.25 |
Cost of Grocery in Burnaby
The grocery expenses are the daily expenses for students if they prefer to prepare food at their residence and their meal preferences will decide the expenses of groceries there. However, the cost of groceries can influence the overall cost of living in Burnaby.
It’s important to compare prices across different stores or vendors, to get the best value when shopping for groceries in Burnaby. Below is a table summarizing the average grocery expenses in the city:
| Grocery Item | Approx Cost |
| Milk (regular), (1 liter) | CAD 3.09 |
| Fresh Bread (500g) | CAD 3.48 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | CAD 4.42 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | CAD 17.08 |
| Apples (1kg) | CAD 6.02 |
| Banana (1kg) | CAD 2.24 |
| Oranges (1kg) | CAD 3.89 |
| Tomato (1kg) | CAD 5.22 |
| Potato (1kg) | CAD 4.05 |
| Onion (1kg) | CAD 4.1 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | CAD 3.12 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | CAD 2.17 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | CAD 6.91 |
Costs of Transportation in Burnaby
It is important to evaluate Travel costs in Burnaby for you as a student because you will have to commute to and from college. The public transportation in Burnaby includes buses, cars, Skytrain, trains, Public bike share etc.
For your reference, we have given the average transportation cost in the table below. So that you can estimate and add your transportation budget to your cost of living in Burnaby accordingly. Take an overview so that you can hang around the Burnaby area comfortably:
| Mode of Transport | Approx Cost |
| Ticket for Monthly Pass in a Public transport | CAD 106 |
| Ticket for Local Public transport | CAD 3.49 |
| Local tariff for the Taxi Ride of 8 km | CAD 18.8 |
| 1 L or 0.26 gal Gas / Petrol | CAD 1.84 |
Also Read: Cost of Living in Norway: Updated Prices, Other Countries Comparison
Miscellaneous Costs in Burnaby
Apart from accommodation, food, and travel costs, you may need to consider a few miscellaneous expenses while living in Burnaby, such as gym subscriptions, movie tickets, clothing, and occasional doctor’s appointments. These miscellaneous expenses can add up over time, so it’s important to account for them in your budget.
These expenses can vary depending on individual lifestyles and preferences. Please refer to the table below for a detailed list of these miscellaneous expenses.
| Miscellaneous | Approx Cost |
| Movie Ticket | CAD 20 |
| Brand Jeans | CAD 63.75 |
| Fitness Club (Gym Membership) | CAD 43 |
| Brand Sneakers | CAD 120 |
| Doctor’s visit | CAD 134 |
Cost of Living Comparison: Burnaby vs Other Cities
When comparing the cost of living in Burnaby to other cities in Canada, several factors come into play. It is renowned for its affordable living expenses, particularly in terms of housing and transportation. Burnaby remains an attractive option within Canada for those seeking a balanced lifestyle.
Understanding the cost of living comparison between Burnaby and other cities is crucial for making informed decisions about relocation or long-term stays. To give you a thorough understanding of how the cost of living in Burnaby compares to other major cities like Toronto and across Ontario, we have compiled relevant data. Please take a look for more clarity:
| Cost of Living City Wise | Average Cost of living | Comparison with Cost of Living in Burnaby |
| Cost of Living in Vancouver | CAD 3494 (including rent) | Lower than Burnaby |
| Cost of Living in British Columbia | CAD 3096 (including rent) | Lower than Burnaby |
| Cost of Living in Canada | CAD 2782 (including rent) | Lower than Burnaby |
Average Cost of Studying in Burnaby
Studying higher education in Burnaby can be affordable, and it will not affect that much your cost of living in Burnaby. So prospective students should carefully consider their educational goals and financial resources for universities in Burnaby.
It’s essential to explore available scholarships or financial aid provided by universities when planning studies in Burnaby. Careful financial planning enables students to maximize educational opportunities while managing costs effectively. Below is a table summarizing tuition fees at selected universities/Colleges in Burnaby:
| University/Colleges Name | Tuition Fees for 1st Year |
| Simon Fraser University (SFU) | CAD 6,200 – CAD 63,320 |
| Alexander College | CAD 18,300 – CAD 19,520 |
| British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) | CAD 11,940 – CAD 36,430 |
| Fraser International College | CAD 35,850.00 |
Students can plan their financial planning by doing the proper research on the average tuition fee of their preferred university in Burnaby.
Conclusion: Understanding the essential costs that contribute to the cost of living in Burnaby, helps students budget wisely. This knowledge enables students to manage their finances effectively, enjoy the local culture, and maintain a comfortable lifestyle while studying.
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FAQs
Answer: The monthly average cost of living in Burnaby for a single person is roughly CAD 3,535, with rental costs. Whereas, the estimated cost of housing rent can range from CAD 2,350 to CAD 3,200. However, these expenses can vary according to the preferred location and things.
Answer: The average monthly cost of living in Burnaby for a single person is approximately CAD 3,535. In contrast, the average monthly cost of living in Surrey for a single person is about CAD 3,280, including rental costs. This comparison clearly illustrates that Burnaby is more expensive than Surrey.
Answer: For one person, the average cost of living in Burnaby, including rent is around CAD 3,535 per month. This amount shows that Burnaby is among the most expensive cities in Canada. It ranked 4th out of 153 of the most expensive cities in Canada according to Livingcost.
So, this was all about the cost of living in Burnaby. Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.
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