Cost of Living in Williams Lake, BC - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $2,092 per month with rent, or $929 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $3,017 per month with rent, or $1,858 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $3,941 per month with rent, or $2,788 without housing.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$18.39 CA$25.51
$12.13 CA$16.83
$29.43 CA$40.82
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$65.9 CA$91.5
$49.69 CA$68.9
$106 CA$148
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$11.07 CA$15.35
$9.59 CA$13.30
$13.28 CA$18.42
Cappuccino
$3.68 CA$5.10
$2.15 CA$2.98
$5.02 CA$6.97
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.00 CA$2.77
$1.41 CA$1.96
$2.83 CA$3.92
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.68 CA$2.33
$1.25 CA$1.74
$2.58 CA$3.57
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$5.81 CA$8.06
$3.87 CA$5.37
$7.75 CA$10.74
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$6.01 CA$8.33
$5.26 CA$7.29
$7.51 CA$10.42
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$2.43 CA$3.37
$2.05 CA$2.85
$2.80 CA$3.88
White Bread (500g)
$2.64 CA$3.66
$1.82 CA$2.52
$3.77 CA$5.23
Rice (white) (1kg)
$3.65 CA$5.06
$1.96 CA$2.72
$7.84 CA$10.88
Eggs
$3.46 CA$4.80
$2.77 CA$3.84
$5.02 CA$6.96
Local Cheese (1kg)
$10.00 CA$13.87
$5.72 CA$7.93
$18.92 CA$26.24
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$11.61 CA$16.11
$7.23 CA$10.03
$18.07 CA$25.07
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$14.74 CA$20.45
$7.87 CA$10.91
$23.65 CA$32.81
Apples (1kg)
$3.88 CA$5.38
$1.84 CA$2.56
$6.32 CA$8.76
Banana (1kg)
$1.35 CA$1.88
$0.95 CA$1.32
$2.93 CA$4.06
Oranges (1kg)
$3.65 CA$5.07
$2.02 CA$2.80
$6.19 CA$8.58
Tomato (1kg)
$3.95 CA$5.48
$2.13 CA$2.96
$6.47 CA$8.97
Potato (1kg)
$2.59 CA$3.60
$0.96 CA$1.34
$5.00 CA$6.93
Onion (1kg)
$2.28 CA$3.16
$1.47 CA$2.03
$4.01 CA$5.57
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.54 CA$3.53
$1.46 CA$2.02
$3.64 CA$5.04
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.71 CA$2.37
$0.75 CA$1.03
$2.77 CA$3.84
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$15.01 CA$20.81
$12.00 CA$16.65
$17.26 CA$23.93
Wine (Bottle)
$14.08 CA$19.53
$10.46 CA$14.50
$20.12 CA$27.90
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.63 CA$3.65
$1.76 CA$2.44
$4.22 CA$5.85
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.17 CA$4.40
$2.19 CA$3.04
$5.12 CA$7.10
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$2.32 CA$3.22
$1.97 CA$2.73
$2.50 CA$3.47
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$59.9 CA$83.1
$50.2 CA$69.6
$60.1 CA$83.4
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$3.17 CA$4.40
$3.05 CA$4.23
$4.63 CA$6.42
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.53 CA$2.12
$1.50 CA$2.08
$1.94 CA$2.70
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$21.90 CA$30.38
$19.91 CA$27.62
$26.55 CA$36.83
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.21 CA$1.68
$1.11 CA$1.54
$1.43 CA$1.98
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$29.0K CA$40.3K
$29.0K CA$40.3K
$29.0K CA$40.3K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$21.3K CA$29.6K
$19.8K CA$27.5K
$23.6K CA$32.7K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$139 CA$193
$93.9 CA$130
$248 CA$345
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$32.13 CA$44.56
$17.85 CA$24.76
$46.41 CA$64.4
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$84.8 CA$118
$83.7 CA$116
$85.9 CA$119
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$40.98 CA$56.8
$17.82 CA$24.72
$50.6 CA$70.2
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$16.51 CA$22.90
$6.51 CA$9.03
$16.51 CA$22.90
Cinema Ticket
$11.22 CA$15.56
$10.65 CA$14.78
$14.21 CA$19.70
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$765 CA$1,061
$452 CA$627
$1,004 CA$1,393
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$11.2K CA$15.5K
$8,822 CA$12.2K
$15.1K CA$21.0K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$53.5 CA$74.1
$28.66 CA$39.75
$81.0 CA$112
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$41.65 CA$57.8
$23.13 CA$32.08
$61.7 CA$85.5
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$98.0 CA$136
$65.4 CA$90.8
$131 CA$182
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$101 CA$140
$63.4 CA$87.9
$142 CA$198
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$935 CA$1,296
$719 CA$997
$1,222 CA$1,695
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$889 CA$1,233
$569 CA$789
$1,209 CA$1,677
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,384 CA$1,919
$1,020 CA$1,414
$1,602 CA$2,222
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,276 CA$1,769
$875 CA$1,213
$1,677 CA$2,325
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$4,864 CA$6,746
$2,629 CA$3,647
$4,864 CA$6,746
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$3,558 CA$4,934
$2,254 CA$3,127
$3,558 CA$4,934
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$3,258 CA$4,519
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
4.68
4.09
6

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: September 7, 2026

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $935, dropping to $889 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 29% of the average salary ($3,258) – well above the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $3,258 – comfortably above monthly costs of $2,092. Most workers can save and live well. A comfortable lifestyle typically starts at $3,138.

Groceries cost around $364 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $66.0.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $59.9.

Cost Highlights

Internet is more expensive than 93% of cities in North America

Milk is more expensive than 93% of cities in North America

Williams Lake, BC Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Williams Lake, BC - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Williams Lake compare in terms of affordability, and who tends to get good value there?
Compared with bigger urban centers, Williams Lake offers a quieter pace and more space for your dollar. If you value outdoor life, straightforward services, and a tight-knit community, the city tends to feel more affordable for longer stays than metro hubs. Housing can be notably more accessible, and everyday groceries and dining strike a practical balance, though seasonal tourism can nudge prices briefly. Cost of Living in Williams Lake, BC, Canada gives you a useful framework for planning in advance and comparing neighborhoods. Tip: Start by defining a budget around essential expenses and compare neighborhoods by rental terms and proximity to services.
What does day-to-day life look like for housing, food, transport, and work-friendly spaces here?
Daily life in Williams Lake centers on practicality and access to nature. When housing, you’ll discover a mix of rental apartments, duplexes, and family homes with neighborhood feel; downtown offers convenience while the calmer outskirts offer more space. Food options range from farmers markets to reliable grocery stores and several casual eateries; you can balance budget by cooking at home and trying co-ops or community kitchens. Transportation is workable with a car, but a compact transit option and bike-friendly streets help if you prefer strolling to errands. Coworking spaces and cafés with reliable Wi-Fi support remote work. Williams Lake, BC, Canada living cost helps you compare options. Tip: Start with a short-term rental to test neighborhoods and confirm access to essential services.
What factors influence quality of life and how can you budget and choose a neighborhood that fits your lifestyle?
Quality of life in Williams Lake centers on access to outdoor recreation, community events, and a slower pace that suits many remote workers. To budget effectively, adopt a simple framework: separate housing, utilities, groceries, and discretionary spending; track your use by week rather than by category; prioritize long-term leases to lock in steadier costs and avoid frequent moves; seasonal seasonality influences daylight, outdoor activities, and energy use, so plan winter gear and summer gear accordingly. Neighborhood fit depends on proximity to trails, schools, and amenities; consider a walkable core versus a tranquil fringe. Tip: Build a two-week test plan to sample different areas and routines.
What is the average cost of living in Williams Lake, BC?
A single person in Williams Lake, BC typically spends $2,092 per month once rent is factored in. Strip out housing, and everyday essentials like groceries, utilities, transport, and personal spending land around $929. The final number shifts depending on your neighborhood, eating habits, and general lifestyle.
What is the average cost of living in Williams Lake, BC in 2026?
For 2026, a single person in Williams Lake, BC should plan on about $2,092 per month with rent, or $929 without housing. That covers a moderate lifestyle – food, utilities, transport, and some leisure – at current local prices.
What is the average salary in Williams Lake, BC?
After taxes, the average worker in Williams Lake, BC takes home about $3,258 per month. Of course, that varies a lot by industry and experience – tech and finance pay well above this, while service jobs often fall below it.
Is rent high in Williams Lake, BC?
Rent in Williams Lake, BC is middle-of-the-road – 1-bedroom apartments fall between $889 and $935 per month. Not cheap, not outrageous, with reasonable options across most neighborhoods.
Is food expensive in Williams Lake, BC?
Grocery spending in Williams Lake, BC lands around $364 per month for one person – not cheap, not expensive. Local produce and staples are fairly priced, though imported goods and specialty items cost more. Overall, food is a manageable part of the budget.
How much is public transport in Williams Lake, BC?
Getting around Williams Lake, BC by public transport costs about $59.9 per month. A monthly pass generally covers buses, trams, and metro – much cheaper than owning a car for the daily commute.
Can a person live on $2,000 monthly in Williams Lake, BC?
$2,000 is below the $2,092 average in Williams Lake, BC, so it's tight but not impossible. You'll need to keep rent low – sharing an apartment, cooking at home, and sticking to public transport are the main levers.
Is Williams Lake, BC a good city for digital nomads?
Williams Lake, BC has become a go-to for digital nomads thanks to fast internet. At around $2,092 monthly all-in, the value is strong for the infrastructure and lifestyle you get. Coworking spaces, solid internet, and a growing international crowd make remote work here both productive and social.

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