Cost of Living in Surrey, British Columbia: Updated Prices, Other Cities Comparison

Since 2011, approximately 50,000 people have moved to Surrey, British Columbia, with the hopes of having a fantastic living and studying experience. Students going to Surrey for their higher education should plan a budget to effectively manage their cost of living in Surrey. It is important to ensure financial stability and avoid unexpected expenses.

Students in Surrey, British Columbia enjoy the benefit of a high quality of life and excellent educational opportunities, which makes it an attractive destination for scholars. If you’re curious and want to know about the cost of living in Surrey, in detail then you’re in the right place. Read this detailed breakdown of the cost of living in Surrey, British Columbia and some tips before moving to the city.

Cost of Living in Surrey, British Columbia

The average cost of living in Surrey for one person, including rent, is approximately CAD 3280 per month according to livingcost. When factoring in rent, a one-bedroom apartment can cost typically around CAD 2061 per month. However, these expenses can vary significantly based on one’s lifestyle, the specific area of Canada, and personal preferences.

The cost of living in Surrey encompasses a range of expenses such as housing rent, grocery prices, transportation fares, utility bills, and entertainment costs. Here, we offer a detailed breakdown of average expenses in these categories for those contemplating a move to Surrey, British Columbia. Take a look for a comprehensive understanding:

Cost of Transportation in Surrey

Getting around Surrey is convenient and diverse, with various options available to suit different preferences and budgets. The city has a robust public transportation system that includes buses, SkyTrain, and SeaBus, all of which are practical and reasonably priced choices.

Evaluating transportation costs in Surrey is important for the student as he or she has to commute to the university, and the monthly cost of transportation can significantly impact the overall cost of living in the city of Surrey. Refer to the table below for a detailed breakdown of transportation expenses in the Surrey area:

Transportation	Average Cost
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)	CAD 4.24
Monthly ticket local transport	CAD 183
Taxi ride for 8 km (Normal Tariff)	CAD 18.7
Gasoline (1 liter)	CAD 1.84

Must Read: Cost of Living in Canada: Updated Prices, Other Cities Comparison

Restaurants Food Cost in Surrey

Food in Surrey offers a diverse culinary experience from classic British dishes to international cuisines like Indian, Chinese, and burgers, there’s something for every food lover. You can explore local farmers’ markets for fresh produce vegetables and fruits.

Dining out in Surrey can range in cost depending on various factors, including the type of restaurant, its location, and the cuisine served. Here is an approximate breakdown of average meal prices at different types of restaurants in Surrey: This allows for a better lifestyle without significantly increasing revenue.

Restaurants	Average Cost
Lunch Menu	CAD 19.3
Meal for 2 People, Dinner	CAD 80.7
Fast food meal McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)	CAD 14.9
Beer in Pub (0.5 liter draught)	CAD 6.5
Cappuccino (regular)	CAD 5.83

Cost of Groceries in Surrey

Generally, eating out is pricier than cooking at home and can substantially affect your overall living expenses in Surrey city. In comparison to other Canadian cities, Surrey often has affordable grocery prices. Depending on your dietary requirements, prices can change. Buying from store brands or your neighbourhood farmer’s market can help you save money. Below are some grocery costs for your reference:

Grocery Items	Average Cost
Milk (regular), (1 litre)	CAD 2.32
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)	CAD 3.16
Rice (white), (1kg)	CAD 10.6
Eggs (regular) (12)	CAD 4.56
Local Cheese (1kg)	CAD 14.7
Apples (1kg)	CAD 6.16
Banana (1kg)	CAD 1.43
Oranges (1kg)	CAD 3.88
Tomato (1kg)	CAD 6.04
Potato (1kg)	CAD 2.43
Onion (1kg)	CAD 3.24
Water (1 litre bottle)	CAD 1.46
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)	CAD 17

Cost of Utility Bills in Surrey

Monthly utility costs for one person in Surrey are around CAD 110, although this can fluctuate based on usage and the size of the apartment. Including utility expenses in your monthly budget is crucial, as they significantly contribute to the overall cost of living in Surrey. The table below highlights the average utility bills in the city:

Utilities (Monthly)	Average Cost
Utility Bill one person, electricity, heating, water, etc.	CAD 110
Internet plan, 50 Mbps+ 1 month unlimited	CAD 77.6

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Cost of Entertainment and Recreation in Surrey

Beyond the basic cost of living in Surrey, there are additional expenses to consider, such as joining a fitness club, going to the movies, purchasing clothing like jeans or a summer dress, buying new sports shoes, visiting a doctor etc.

These unplanned costs are part of daily life and will inevitably arise during your ideal time. Planning your budget to include these expenses is crucial to ensure you’re prepared for any eventuality in Surrey. Refer to the table below for a detailed breakdown of these miscellaneous expenses:

Sports And Leisure	Average Cost
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult	CAD 31.3
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)	CAD 36.67
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat	CAD 18.7
Clothing And Shoes	Average Cost
Brand Jeans	CAD 72.4
Brand Sneakers	CAD 124

Cost of Accommodation in Surrey

Surrey has a reputation for having some of Canada’s most costly housing. Prices are expensive because of the city’s enviable position, lack of available land, and high demand. With typical monthly costs for a one-bedroom apartment around CAD 1853 to CAD 2061, renting an apartment in the city centre can be very expensive. Even more expensive, with prices varied by neighbourhood, is buying real estate. Below are some housing rent costs in Surrey for your reference:

Rent Per Month	Average Price
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre	CAD 1853
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre	CAD 2061
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre	CAD 3219
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre	CAD 4312

Looking for affordable Student Accommodation in Canada? Reach out to Fly Homes

Average Tuition Fees in Surrey

Surrey is an amazing place to be when it comes to living in Canada. It is a fantastic city offering amazing experiences to students with high-quality education at its prestigious universities, along with an affordable cost of living in Surrey.

Studying at Surrey’s universities may be a life-changing and gratifying experience for a number of reasons. One must check its advanced curriculum and average tuition fees. For your reference we have given an average of Surrey’s annual tuition fees for graduate and post-graduate courses below:

Course Name	Average Tuition Fees
Undergraduate Tuition Fee	CAD 15,000 – CAD 20,000 /Year
Post-graduate Tuition Fee	CAD 18,000 – CAD 22,000 /Year

Students who meet certain criteria may be eligible for scholarships for up to CAD 30,000 while attending colleges in Surrey.

Cost of Living in Surrey Compared to Other Cities

Generally, Surrey offers a little bit high cost of living compared to other cities in Canada. Surrey also has plenty of opportunities for work, study and amusement than other cities. For your reference, we’ve given the cost of living in Surrey including rent, British Columbia compared to other cities like London, Vancouver, Calgary, the UK, BC, and Canada. So that you can understand how affordable it is to live in Surrey, British Columbia for higher studies compared to other cities in Canada. Please have a look:

Cost of living city-wise	Approx Costs	Comparison Cost of Living in Surrey
Cost of Living in London, Ontario	CAD 2816	Lower than the Surrey
Cost of Living in Vancouver	CAD 3494	Higher than the Surrey
Cost of Living in Calgary	CAD 2879	Lower than the Surrey
Cost of Living in the UK	CAD 2974	Lower than the Surrey
Cost of Living in BC	CAD 3096	Lower than the Surrey
Cost of Living in Canada	CAD 2782	Lower than Surrey
Cost of Living in London	CAD 4524	Higher than the Surrey

Why Choose Surrey to Study Abroad?

Now you have an idea of ​​the cost of living in Surrey. Now, did you know that Surrey has Canada’s first Kabaddi stadium? The last five years have seen an increase in the number of international students from India. Let me list some reasons why you should study in Surrey:

• One of the most populous cities- Surrey, the third largest city in British Columbia, provides international students with a plethora of educational and job options. It is also known as the fastest-expanding city in Canada.

• Universities with a High Ranking– Some of Surrey’s greatest universities, like as Simon Fraser University and Kwantlen University, have received high global rankings from internationally famous rating organizations such as THE World University Rankings and QS World University Rankings.

• Excellent Job Opportunities– Surrey serves as a gateway to both Vancouver and the United States, providing international students with a wide range of professional prospects and options.

• Preferred by International Students: Canada is a popular study-abroad destination for international students, and Surrey, as part of the Canadian education system, is one of the top five locations for international students from around the world.

Average Salary in Surrey

The average wage in Surrey, BC is CAD 4209 per month. This amount is enough to cover the cost of living in Surrey for 1.3 months. At the low end, the minimum wage in British Columbia is CAD 17.40 per hour, regardless of how the employee is paid. 4% of workers are officially counted as unemployed in the unemployment rate. This is 40% less than the national average. The rate of labour force participation is 66%, which is 4% higher than the national average.

Must Read: Which is the Cheapest City to Live in Canada in 2023?

Things to Consider Before Moving to Surrey, BC

Apart from understanding the average cost of living in Surrey, if you’re considering relocating to Surrey, there’s a lot you’ll need to know before you make the leap. As wonderful as Surrey is, you must choose whether it is the perfect place for you. We’ve included some useful information below to help you decide whether Surrey is the perfect place for you.

• Surrey’s public transit is mostly provided by buses, which can be sporadic and congested. The Skytrain system, on the other hand, is expected to grow soon, offering enhanced connectivity in the future.
• Because of its position in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland, the city enjoys a wide range of weather. Summers will be hot and dry, and winters will be chilly and damp. 
• Surrey is constantly evolving as a result of its tremendous growth. It will eventually outnumber Vancouver’s population, providing a lively urban environment. However, growth brings its own set of issues, such as increasing traffic and housing competition. 
• In fact, with a current population of around 517,887, it is on track to overtake Vancouver as the province’s largest city. Part of this rise is due to Surrey’s reduced cost of living compared to the cost of living in Vancouver.
• Surrey’s lively multiculturalism is another distinguishing aspect. It’s a melting pot of traditions and experiences, with a rich combination of cultures, particularly substantial contributions from India, China, and the Philippines. Being respectful, open, and willing to learn about different cultures can enrich your time in Surrey.

Conclusion

Surrey, as one of Canada’s most populous cities, will provide you with a high-quality education at a reasonable cost. An outstanding academic record, innovative co-curricular activities, and strong English skills will undoubtedly gain you a place at one of Surrey’s top universities.

However, before deciding if you want to study in Surrey, Canada, have an idea of the cost of living in Surrey and the expenses that you’ll have to pay to help you manage your finances better. 

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FAQs on Cost of Living in Surrey, BC

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