6 beautiful small towns in BC that have a cheaper cost of living than Vancouver
It might be time to say goodbye to the skyscrapers.
Hope, BC. Right: Nelson, BC
A bustling city at nature's doorstep with great food, incredible views and urban beaches — that's Vancouver, and it all almost makes it worth the cost of living.
For some people the pros outweigh the price tag that comes along with Vancouver life, but beyond the city are some beautiful small towns with a lower cost of living, that might tempt you away.
The December 2024 rent report from Liv.rent revealed that four out of five of the most expensive cities in Canada are all in Metro Vancouver. The eye-watering rent prices are just part of the larger cost of living though.
Living Wage BC calculated Metro Vancouver's 2024 living wage to be $27.05. The living wage of a place is basically what a person living there needs to earn hourly to meet basic expenses like rent, food, and transportation. Living Wage BC calculates local living wages for different places around the province.
If you're thinking about a move and want to go somewhere where you can get more bang for your buck, look into these charming towns.
Golden
This little town set in the Canadian Rockies has a living wage of $26.96.
While paying a bit less than Vancouver you get access to some of the most beautiful nature in the province. Yoho, Glacier, Banff, Jasper, Kootenay and Mount Revelstoke national parks surround the town, making it the ideal base for the adventure lover.
Comox
The Comox Valley living wage is $24.36, and the small town of Comox is a pretty stunning spot to call home. This place is a Vancouver Island gem, so living here means easy access to some incredible adventures too.
You get the ocean at your doorstep like Vancouver, but for less.
Revelstoke
This is technically a city but has the charm and vibe of a small town and a living wage of $25.50. You'll leave the busy city life behind here for weekends filled with adventure here.
This place has everything from backcountry skiing, snowmobiling and dog sledding to hiking and climbing. Then there's the quaint downtown with cool shops and picturesque storefronts.
Gibsons
Just a 40-minute ferry from West Vancouver, Gibsons is a beautiful community on the Sunshine Coast. The living wage in the region is $26.42, and there's a peacefulness here you rarely get in Vancouver.
The small town has lots of local businesses, and it's the perfect base for exploring the Sunshine Coast.
Hope
Hope is set in the Fraser Valley less than a two-hour drive from Vancouver, with rolling mountains and jaw-dropping scenery.
The living wage in the Fraser Valley is $23.23 — which is over $4 cheaper than Vancouver's — and also home to other spots like Chilliwack, Abbotsford, and Langley.
Nelson
This little city has a mountain town vibe with a strong community, and you still get some city amenities here. The living wage here is $21.82, which is a good drop from Vancouver, and you'd be surrounded by the beauty of the Selkirk Mountains.
If you're ready to replace the high-rises with little shops and cozy corners and save a bit while you're at it, these are the spots!