You want to know what the cost of living in Abbotsford BC because you’re thinking of making a move…

You’re in luck!

My name is Dilpreet, I’ve been living in the Abbotsford area my whole life, and I want to make your move to Abbotsford as smooth as possible.

If you’d prefer this blog in video form, I’ve created one for you to watch below:

What’s the Cost of Living in Abbotsford BC?

You need to understand that knowing the cost of living in Abbotsford, before moving here, is crucial.

In this Cost of Living Guide, I will cover:

Source: Cost of Living in Abbotsford

Housing Costs in Abbotsford

If you’re thinking of moving to Abbotsford then your housing costs will be your biggest expense.

Housing is more affordable compared to larger cities like Vancouver but it’s still high compared to other places in the world. In general, the cost of living in British Columbia is higher than any other province.

Whether you’re thinking or renting or buying a home in Abbotsford, I’ve got you covered.

Renting in Abbotsford

If you’re thinking of renting, the costs vary depending on what type of unit you want to live in. These prices are based on time of writing, which is December 2024. The best place to find affordable rentals is Facebook Marketplace.

1 Bedroom:

For a basement, expect to pay $1250 on the lower end and I wouldn’t pay more than $1500.

Apartments, on the other hand, start around $1500 and I wouldn’t pay more than $2000.

2 Bedroom:

My fiance moved into town this summer and she was able to get a 2 bedroom basement (2nd room is small) for $1500 with all utilities included. That’s on the lower end of prices but you may be able to find an outdated unit for $1400. Don’t spend more than $1900 for a 2 bedroom basement.

3 Bedroom +:

If you need more space, expect to pay more. You can rent upstairs of a 3 bedroom home for around $2400 and full houses starting around $3000.

If you’re looking to buy a home instead, I’ve got more details coming up next.

Buying a Home in Abbotsford:

You can use https://www.realtor.ca/ to look up active real estate listings in Abbotsford.

Below, I’ve put the average price of homes. I’ve also included the approximate monthly payments based on today’s rates, a 20% deposit and 25 year amortization.

Detached Homes: $1,203,182

Monthly Payment: $5,200

Townhomes: $690,932

Monthly Payment: $2,950

Apartment/Condos: $451,744

Monthly Payment: $1,950

You are going to need to take into consideration that these are just average prices. These numbers are just meant to give you a rough idea of what you can expect.

Along with mortgage payments, there are other housing costs to account for.

Other Housing Expenses

I wish there wasn’t more to it but we also need to consider utilities (water,electric,gas), internet, insurance, and strata fees. Expect to spend at least $150 for utilities + internet, $50-$100 for insurance and strata fees have a wide range.

There are old apartments in Abbotsford that have a good price tag but the strata fees per month are over $500+.

Transportation Costs

The good thing about Abbotsford is the traffic isn’t that bad so you can get anywhere around town in 20 minutes or less.

Public Transit: The local bus system is good. The city is working on improving public transit as it is not as good as bigger cities. It costs $52/month for a bus pass or $2.25 for a single ride.

Personal Car: This morning, I filled up my Volkswagen Jetta with 50 litres for just under $80. Gas today was $1.54/litre (Dec 12 2024) is great because in Vancouver you can usually expect to pay 20 cents MORE per litre.

My insurance for the year for a 2017 Jetta was $1,600, which is $134/month.

Insurance costs will totally depend on your driving record but expect to pay around $150 or more a month.

Cycling and Walking: We do have some neighborhoods with bike lanes but it’s not a popular way for people to get around. You will see lots of people walking around but biking isn’t super common.

Education Costs

If you have children, your options for them in Abbotsford are public or private school.

Public schools are free, while private schools charge tuition ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 per year.

University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is where I did my accounting degree and it’s right in Abbotsford. They do have a lot of programs and classes available. Most courses are $550 a piece so a full year of courses will cost you approximately $9,600.

Scholarships, bursaries and financial assistance is available at UFV.

Entertainment and Recreation

Expect to spend at least $20 if you’re looking to dine out at a restaurant in Abbotsford. That would get you an appetizer at most restaurants.

I went out to dinner the last week with my family and for 6 of us, with a tip, the dinner at Cactus Club was just under $200. Everyone had a main and we had some appetizers.

Gym memberships will cost you around $50/ month.

And activities around Abbotsford, will also cost you around $20-$30 to do on the low end.

Final Thoughts on Living Costs in Abbotsford BC

While the cost of living in Abbotsford, BC, may not be the lowest in Canada, it strikes a balance between affordability and quality of life. With careful budgeting and a good understanding of local expenses, you can enjoy everything this beautiful city has to offer. Whether you’re drawn to its natural beauty, family-friendly neighborhoods, or thriving job market, Abbotsford is a great place to call home.

Have questions about living in Abbotsford or tips to share? Let us know in the comments below! Remember, every dollar saved brings you closer to living your best life in this incredible city.

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