Cost of Living in Victoria: Updated Prices, Other Cities Comparison

Are you an international student curious about the cost of living in Victoria? The capital city of British Columbia, Canada is one of the most beautiful and livable cities in the world, located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. It is surrounded by stunning natural scenery and a mild climate. It is also home to many educational institutions, including the University of Victoria, which ranks among the top universities in Canada and the world.

If you are a student who wants to study abroad in Canada, then this blog will give you an overview of some recent statistics regarding the cost of living in Victoria and help you plan your budget accordingly. Read on to know more!

Cost of Living in Victoria

While the cost of living in Victoria will generally depend on your lifestyle and preferences, the average monthly living cost in the city for a single person is CAD 1,595 (without rent) according to numbeo. These costs include food, transportation, utilities, entertainment, and other expenses. To give you a more detailed breakdown of the cost of living in Victoria, we will cover the following categories:

• Cost of Living Accommodation in Victoria
• Cost of Grocery in Victoria
• Restaurant Food Costs in Victoria
• Cost of Utilities and Bills in Victoria
• Cost of Transportation in Victoria
• Cost of Entertainment in Victoria

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

Cost of Living Accommodation in Victoria

One of the major costs of living in Victoria is your accommodation. There are different types of accommodation available for students in Victoria, such as on-campus residence halls, off-campus apartments or houses, homestays with local families, or hostels or hotels. The cost of accommodation varies depending on the type, location, size, quality, and amenities of your chosen place. 

Here are some average monthly rents for different types of accommodation in Victoria:

Type	Location	Average Monthly Rent
1 bedroom apartment	City centre	CAD 2,107
1 bedroom apartment	Outside city centre	CAD 1,868
3 bedroom apartment	City centre	CAD 4,276
3 bedroom apartment	Outside city centre	CAD 3,622

Tip: If you want to save money on accommodation, you can also look for shared rooms or apartments with other students or locals. You can use online platforms to find suitable options.

Cost of Grocery in Victoria

Another important cost of living in Victoria that you will have to budget for is grocery. You can choose to cook your meals at home or eat out at restaurants or cafes. The cost of food depends on your dietary preferences and habits. Here are some average monthly costs for grocery items in Victoria:

Item	Average Monthly Cost
Milk (1 L)	CAD 3.80
Bread (0.5 kg)	CAD 4.70
Rice (1 kg)	CAD 6.30
Eggs (12)	CAD 5.81
Cheese (1 kg)	CAD 19.49
Chicken Fillets (1 kg)	CAD 20.50
Round steak (1 kg)	CAD 15.6
Apples (1 kg)	CAD 6.38
Bananas (1 kg)	CAD 1.92
Oranges (1 kg)	CAD 5.95
Tomatoes (1 kg)	CAD 7.68
Potatoes (1 kg)	CAD 5.51
Onions (1 kg)	CAD 4.70

Restaurant Food Costs in Victoria

Restaurants in Victoria offer a lot of variety in food at affordable prices. The average cost of a one-time meal at a cheap restaurant is approximately USD 18.9, which may not influence the cost of living in Victoria that much if you go to restaurants twice a week. But beyond this, it may have an impact on the budget. Here are some average prices for eating out in Victoria:

Type of meal	Average Price
Lunch menu in a cheap restaurant	CAD 25
Dinner for two in a mid-range restaurant	CAD 120
Fast food meal (McDonald’s or similar)	CAD 14.75
Beer in a pub (0.5 L)	CAD 8
Cappuccino in a cafe	CAD 5.33

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

Cost of Utilities and Bills in Victoria

An essential part of the cost of living in Victoria that you will have to pay are Utilities and bills. It includes electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage, internet, phone, and other services. The cost of utilities and bills depends on the type, size, and location of your accommodation, as well as your usage and consumption habits. Here are some average monthly costs for utilities and bills in Victoria:

Type of utilities	Average Monthly Cost
Basic utilities for an 85 m2 apartment (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage)	CAD 196
Internet plan with 60 Mbps or more speed and unlimited data	CAD 105
Mobile phone plan with calls and 10 GB or more data	CAD 70

Cost of Transportation in Victoria

Transportation is another cost of living in Victoria to consider. While there are different modes of transportation available, the cost of transportation will depend on the mode, distance, frequency, and time of your travel. Here are some average monthly costs for transportation in Victoria:

Mode	Average Monthly Cost
Local bus ticket for a one-way trip	CAD 2.50
Monthly bus pass for unlimited trips	CAD 85
Taxi fare for an 1 km trip	CAD 2.50
Gasoline price for 1 L	CAD 1.94

Cost of Entertainment in Victoria

Last but not least, entertainment is also an important cost of living in Victoria that you will have to factor in. You can always choose to have fun and enjoy your free time in Victoria at the popular hangouts nearby like movies, museums, theatres, concerts, clubs, bars, or sports events. The cost of entertainment will depend on your personal preferences and interests. Here are some average prices for entertainment in Victoria:

Type of Entertainment	Average Price
Movie ticket for one person	CAD 16
Museum or art gallery ticket for one person	CAD 15
Theatre or concert ticket for one person	CAD 50
Nightclub or bar entry fee for one person	CAD 10
Drink in a nightclub or bar for one person	CAD 7

Cost of Living in Victoria Compared to Other Cities

Generally, Victoria offers a little expensive cost of living and an amazing lifestyle compared to many major metropolitan cities in Canada. For your reference, we have given the cost of living in Victoria compared to other cities like Calgary, Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Kelowna and Canada. So that you can understand how affordable it is to live in Victoria for higher studies compared to other cities. Please have a look:

Cost of living city-wise	Approx Costs	Comparison Cost of Living in Victoria
Cost of living in Calgary	CAD 1,585	Approximately equal to Victoria
Cost of living in Toronto	CAD 1,531	Lower than Victoria
Cost of living in Montreal	CAD 1,369	Lower than Victoria
Cost of living in Edmonton	CAD 1,408	Lower than Victoria
Cost of living in Winnipeg	CAD 1,418	Lower than Victoria
Cost of living in Kelowna	CAD 1,399	Lower than Victoria
Cost of Living in Canada	CAD 1,443	Lower than Victoria

Why Choose To Study in Victoria?

Despite the cost of living in Victoria being the third-highest in Canada, the city still attracts a large number of international students from around the globe every year for a number of reasons. Let’s take a look at some of them:

1. Affordable tuition fees: Compared to other Canadian cities, Victoria has relatively low tuition fees for international students. According to the University of Victoria, the average tuition fee for a UG international student is CAD 23,000 / year, while the average tuition fee for a graduate international student is CAD 9,000/ year. 

2. High-quality education: Victoria offers a wide range of academic programs and courses for students to choose from, from English language learning to undergraduate and graduate degrees. You will also benefit from the excellent teaching and research facilities, as well as the supportive and friendly learning environment.
3. Cultural diversity: Being a multicultural city that welcomes people from different backgrounds and cultures, you can meet and interact with students and locals in Victoria from different ethnicities. And then there are cultural events and festivals to look forward to throughout the year!
4. Outdoor activities: Victoria is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether it is hiking, biking, or kayaking, you can enjoy it all and much more.
5. Safety and security: Victoria is one of the safest cities in Canada and the world, having a low crime rate and a high safety index. 

Understanding and managing estimated living expenses in Victoria is a smart thing to do for a student. By estimating various living costs like housing, groceries, transportation, and other essentials, you can enjoy the wonderful culture of Victoria according to your budget.

Relevant Reads:

Cost of Living in Cambodia: A Guide on Expected Expenses	Cost of Living in Perth: A Comprehensive Guide
Cost of Living in Scotland: A Guide on Expected Expenses	Cost of Living in Brussels: A Guide on Expected Expenses
Cost of Living in Durham: A Comprehensive Guide	Cost of Living in Panama: A Comprehensive Guide

FAQs on Cost of Living in Victoria

So, this was all about the cost of living in Victoria. 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.