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Hi! I’m Astronaut Alex 👨🚀🚀, and today, we’re talking about the cost of living in Kelowna. The Canadian city is known for its stunning scenery, diverse culture, and thriving economy. But is it the right place for you to live and study abroad? Let’s find out!
Kelowna is a vibrant city in British Columbia nestled in the heart of Okanagan Valley. With its variety of academic options, many students worldwide are considering making Kelowna their study-abroad destination. However, before moving, it’s crucial to be familiar with the city’s cost of living. This comprehensive guide will provide an in-depth look at the various expenses you can expect in Kelowna, including housing, food, transportation, and entertainment. Read on to know more!
| Number of post-secondary institutions | 3 |
| Average monthly cost of living | $2,350 – $2,750 |
| Total number of students | 20,000+ |
| Average tuition fees | $5,000-$8,000 per year |
| Number of scholarships and bursaries | 1,000+ |
| Employability rate for graduates | 90%+ |
| Average starting salary | $50,000 |
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Also Read: Things You Should Know About Canadian Culture
Cost of Living in Kelowna
The average monthly cost of living in Kelowna is around CAD$ 1,828. It covers basic living costs like accommodation, food, transportation, utilities and so on. Here’s a breakdown of these essential costs:
| Accommodation | $1,800 – $2,400 |
| Food | $500 – $600 |
| Transportation | $200 |
| Utilities | $100 |
| Textbooks | $50 |
| Entertainment | $100 |
| Other Expenses | $100 |
| Total | $5,000-$8,000 |
Let’s explore these costs further in detail one by one.
🏘️ Accommodation
The rent in Kelowna is much more affordable than in Victoria and Vancouver. Here’s how much the different types of accommodations cost in the Canadian city on a monthly basis:
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $1,842 per month |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment outside the City Centre | $1,492 per month |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in the City Centre | $3,100 per month |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment outside the City centre | $2,580 per month |
Also Read: Best Country to Settle Abroad and Live Comfortably in 2023!
🍞 Food
This average monthly cost of living in Kelowna comes to around $534 for a single person. But you can save money on food by cooking at home. Here’s a list of groceries available in the city’s supermarkets along with their individual price:
| Grocery Item | Price |
| Milk (1 lt) | $2.01 |
| Bread (0.5 kg) | $2.41 |
| Rice (1 kg) | $2.71 |
| Cheese (1 kg) | $3.99 |
| Chicken Breast (1 kg) | $13.9 |
| Apples (1 kg) | $3.87 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | $1.26 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | $3.15 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | $3.37 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | $1.88 |
| Onions (1 kg) | $1.64 |
| Water (1 lt) | $1.01 |
| Coca-Cola / Pepsi (1 lt) | $2.19 |
| Wine (mid-priced) (750 ml) | $17.3 |
| Beer (0.5 lt) | $3.02 |
| Cold medicine (1 week) | $11.4 |
| Hair Shampoo | $5.83 |
| Toilet paper (4 rolls) | $3.35 |
| Toothpaste (1 tube) | $3.24 |
⚡Utilities
This average monthly cost of living in Kelowna is estimated to be $100 for a single person. Here’s how much these basic utilities cost in the city:
| Bill/Utility | Monthly Cost (in CAD) |
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment | $180.29 |
| Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data | $58.33 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $94.44 |
Also Read: Tips and Tricks on Investing While Living Abroad!
🚗 Transportation
This cost of living in Kelowna is around $150-$200 for a single person. While cycling is the most preferred way of getting from A to B, here’s a list of public transport and their monthly costs:
| Local transport ticket | $1.85 |
| Monthly ticket for local transport | $50.8 |
| Taxi Ride | $16.9 |
| Gas / Petrol | $1.3 |
Other Costs
Miscellaneous cost of living in Kelowna adds up to $100 for a single person. Here’s how much they cost:
| Type of Expense | Cost |
| Gym Membership | $40.1 |
| Cinema Ticket | $10.4 |
| Doctor’s visit | $77.2 |
| Haircut | $16.6 |
| Brand Jeans | $54.2 |
| Brand Sneakers | $84.5 |
Also Read: Expats Living Abroad: Everything You Need to Know!
💸 Average Tuition Fee in Kelowna
The average tuition fee in Kelowna ranges between $5,000 – $30,000 per year for international students. Depending on the type of institution, here’s the average tuition fee for all 3 universities located in the city:
| Type of University | University | Average Tuition fee (international students) |
| Public | Okanagan College | $7,500 – $9,000 per year |
| University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO) | $6,500 – $8,000 per year | |
| Thompson Rivers University (TRU) | $5,000 – $7,000 per year | |
| Private | Trinity Western University | $25,000 – $30,000 per year |
| Columbia Bible College | $20,000 – $25,000 per year | |
| Okanagan College International Academy | $18,000 – $22,000 per year |
Why Study in Kelowna?
Despite the high cost of living in Kelowna, students from around the world choose the Canadian city to pursue their studies. Let’s look at some other reasons that make it a popular choice for overseas education:
- Kelowna is home to 3 post-secondary institutions: Okanagan College, University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO), and Thompson Rivers University (TRU). These institutions offer a wide variety of programs, including trades, diplomas, and degrees.
- Tuition fees in Kelowna are relatively affordable compared to other cities in Canada, between $5,000 – $8,000 per year.
- Kelowna has a strong economy with a low unemployment rate, giving students plenty of opportunities to find internships and co-op placements.
- Kelowna is a safe and friendly community. The city is known for its laid-back lifestyle and its welcoming atmosphere.
Overall, Kelowna is a great place to live, work, and study. The city has a lot to offer international students, including high-quality education, affordable tuition fees, a strong economy, beautiful scenery, a vibrant culture, and a safe and friendly community.
Also Read: Easiest Ways to Move to Canada in 2023: A Guide
Mr. Astronaut👨🚀🚀- “ Kiddos, I have answered all your queries with the utmost precision that I was capable of. Now, I will be taking my leave, but if you think that I might have missed something do check out the FAQ section or drop a comment. I always respond!”
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FAQs
Ans. Housing costs in Kelowna can vary significantly depending on the type of accommodation and its location. On average, the cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from $1,200 to $1,800 per month, while in less central areas, it may be somewhat more affordable.
Ans. Kelowna’s cost of living is generally considered to be higher than the national average in Canada. It’s somewhat more affordable than major cities like Vancouver or Toronto but can be more expensive than smaller towns and cities in the country. The cost of living in Kelowna is influenced by factors like housing prices, transportation costs, and healthcare expenses.
Ans. To manage the cost of living in Kelowna, you can consider various strategies:
1. Budgeting: Create a monthly budget to keep track of your expenses and find areas where you can cut costs.
2. Housing Choices Choose housing options that fit your budget, whether it’s renting a smaller apartment or exploring options in nearby communities.
3. Transportation: Consider using public transportation or carpooling to reduce transportation costs.
So, this was all about the cost of living in Kelowna. Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counseling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.
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