Top 5 Cheapest places to live in British Columbia with the Best quality of life – 2024

British Columbia is a province famous for its breathtaking scenery, nature, and proximity to lakes and the ocean, offering outdoor and water activities that appeal to families and adventure enthusiasts. Although the cost of living can be a challenge, especially in bustling urban centers like Vancouver, where real estate prices soar, the province’s charm extends beyond its metropolitan appeal to other cities. In these areas, it is easier to find affordable places to live in British Columbia that also offer a high quality of life.

Read on to discover the top Cheapest places to live in British Columbia with the Best quality of life.

cheapest places to live in bc infographic

Methodology

We based our ranking of the cheapest places to live on the average cost of buying a property and the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment, as well as the quality of life. Data is collected from trusted sources such as Zumper, Realtor.ca, CREA, and local listing sites. 

The “Best Quality of Life” aspect is evaluated based on feedback from real people who have moved to these areas, as recorded in our database, and from reliable online forums. Specifically, we look for positive feedback on job opportunities, the quality of education and healthcare, feelings of safety, public transportation, environmental cleanliness, and the availability of recreational facilities and parks.

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Cheapest places to live in British Columbia

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1. Dawson Creek

Apartment in Dawson Creek
  • Average 1-bed apartment rent: $985
  • Average home price: $331,958
Dawson Creek, a city in northeastern BC, takes its name from the creek that runs through it. Renowned for its natural surroundings and forests, such as Chamberlain Heritage Nature Park, the city is a haven for nature lovers. Despite some noisier areas, especially near the airport (YDQ), the overall atmosphere remains peaceful. The city’s demographic primarily consists of single individuals and families in their 20s to 30s. Residents can indulge in various recreational activities, such as hiking, biking, fishing, and wildlife exploration. The predominant housing type is single detached houses.

 Local Logic (Aug 2024), Zumper (Aug 2024) & Royal Lepage (Aug 2024)

Dawson Creek, BC

2. Prince Rupert

Apartment in Prince Rupert
  • Average 1-bed apartment rent: $1,700
  • Average home price: $423,000
Prince Rupert, a port city on the north coast of BC, with picturesque scenery, forests, and beautiful Pacific Ocean views. The city offers walkable trails like Rushbrook and Moresby, along with excellent seafood restaurants that reflect its rich maritime heritage. Most areas in Prince Rupert are known for their tranquility. Households are equally divided between single-family and single-person arrangements, with the primary housing types consisting of single-family homes, duplexes, and some apartments.

 Local Logic (Aug 2024), Facebook Rental Properties (Aug 2024) & Redfin (Aug 2024)

Prince Rupert, BC

3. Cranbrook

Apartment in Cranbrook
  • Average 1-bed apartment rent: $1,550
  • Average home price: $480,000
Cranbrook is a city located in the southeastern corner of BC, in the Kootenay region. Surrounded by spectacular mountains and landscapes, it offers recreational opportunities nearby, such as parks like Cranbrook Community Forest, hiking trails, trails ideal for mountain biking and lakes. The city boasts a mix of modern amenities and a welcoming small-town atmosphere. It is an ideal choice if you prefer a peaceful vibe, as it is not as noisy as a busy city. The household composition is primarily single-person and single-family, with housing types mainly consisting of single-detached houses and some apartment buildings.

 Local Logic (Aug 2024), Facebook Rental Properties (Aug 2024) & Redfin (Aug 2024)

Cranbrook, BC

4. Prince George

Apartment in Prince George
  • Average 1-bed apartment rent: $1,288
  • Average home price: $482,000
Prince George, BC, the “Northern Capital”, features 106 km of trails and 1,500 hectares of green spaces along the Fraser and Nechako Rivers, enhancing residents’ quality of life. Parks have something for everyone: families, sports lovers, and dog lovers. Despite its remote location, it is well-connected by road and air, with the nearby Prince George International Airport and a quick 1 hr 20 min flight to Vancouver, BC. The majority of households consist of single individuals, along with some single families, residing in a mix of single-detached houses, apartments, and condominiums.

 Local Logic (Aug 2024), Zumper (Aug 2024) & Redfin (Aug 2024)

Prince George, BC

5. Vernon

vernon bc
  • Average 1-bed apartment rent: $1,586.36  
  • Average home price: $785,904
Vernon, BC, is a charming city nestled in the heart of the Okanagan Valley, known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant community, and relaxed lifestyle. With its warm summers and mild winters, Vernon offers an ideal climate for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring world-class golf courses, beautiful lakes for boating and fishing, and nearby ski resorts for winter fun.  The city has a strong sense of community, excellent schools, and a growing arts and culture scene. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful place to retire or a family-friendly community with plenty of recreational opportunities, Vernon has something for everyone.

City of Vernon (2024), Local Logic (Aug 2024), Facebook Property Rentals (Aug 2024) & Heizmann Group (2024)

Kim Heizmann
Kim HeizmannREALTOR® with THE HEIZMANN GROUP
Read More
“As a local expert who has lived in the area for over 30 years, I have watched Vernon grow, evolve, and transform every year. The community is very involved with and passionate about their city. There are many family-friendly events throughout the year as well as arts and culture performances at many different venues. Vernon is the perfect size to raise a family or retire, with tons of outdoor activities for every age range.”

Vernon, BC

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Conclusion

While British Columbia is renowned for its picturesque scenery, spectacular mountains, and employment opportunities, the cost of living in certain areas can be high. The good news is that there are some affordable and safest places to live in certain cities in British Columbia, where you can enjoy a high quality of life without breaking the bank. We hope that the list of the top cheapest places to live in BC serves as a guide. Whether you love mountain biking, world-class fishing, or the charm of smaller communities, there are options that fit your preferences and budget. Are you moving to BC soon? Check out some of the best movers in Vancouver and the surrounding areas.

 

Previous year’s ranking (2024)

  1. Cranbrook
  2. Vernon
  3. Prince Rupert
  4. Prince George
  5. Dawson Creek

 

Our rankings are meticulously curated, focusing on affordability and quality of life. It is important to note that some locations were excluded from last year’s lists due to nonconformance with our methodology. This may include areas with insufficient rental data or those with higher average housing prices in the previous year. We encourage readers to consider these rankings alongside their individual needs and preferences to make more informed decisions.

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Ann Nacario

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Meet Ann – our head writer with a knack for making moving and city living a breeze. From the many details of moving to picking the perfect moving company, she’s your guide. Ann has a friendly yet detailed approach to ensure your move goes off without a hitch. When she’s not writing about relocation, it will always be on her mind, but you’ll catch her spending time with her three furry friends.
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