For one person, living costs in Williams Lake, BC are estimated at $2,025 a month, including rent and utilities, which take about half of the total. Other living expenses average about $33 a day.
Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Williams Lake, BC actually costs, broken down by who's living it.
A single person spends around $2,025 per month with rent, or $998 for everyday expenses alone.
$2,025 /mo
A couple spends around $2,880 per month with rent, or $1,693 for everyday expenses alone.
$2,880 /mo
A family of three spends around $3,735 per month with rent, or $2,389 without housing.
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l(Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$24.5KCA$34.8K
$24.5KCA$34.8K
$24.5KCA$34.8K
Compact Sedan 1.6l(Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$16.3KCA$23.2K
$15.2KCA$21.6K
$18.1KCA$25.7K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment(Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)(85m2)
$135CA$192
$91.8CA$131
$226CA$321
SIM Card Monthly Plan(Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$31.88CA$45.33
$17.71CA$25.18
$46.05CA$65.5
Internet(50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$83.0CA$118
$82.0CA$117
$84.1CA$120
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership(Monthly)
$39.99CA$56.9
$17.38CA$24.71
$52.2CA$74.2
Tennis Court(1 Hour on Weekend)
$17.43CA$24.79
$6.84CA$9.73
$17.43CA$24.79
Cinema Ticket
$10.87CA$15.45
$10.35CA$14.71
$13.80CA$19.62
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child(Monthly)
$816CA$1,160
$482CA$685
$1,120CA$1,592
International Primary School, 1 Child(Yearly)
$14.8KCA$21.1K
$11.2KCA$15.9K
$19.2KCA$27.3K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans(Levis 501 Or Similar)
$53.0CA$75.3
$28.11CA$39.97
$79.4CA$113
Summer Dress(H&M, Zara, etc)
$38.52CA$54.8
$21.37CA$30.39
$57.0CA$81.1
Sport Shoes(Adidas, Nike)
$87.5CA$124
$58.3CA$83.0
$120CA$171
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$89.6CA$127
$52.4CA$74.5
$123CA$175
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$902CA$1,283
$694CA$987
$1,180CA$1,678
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$892CA$1,269
$571CA$812
$1,214CA$1,725
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$1,310CA$1,862
$965CA$1,372
$1,517CA$2,157
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$1,211CA$1,721
$830CA$1,180
$1,591CA$2,262
Buy Apartment in City Center(m2)
$4,545CA$6,462
$2,449CA$3,481
$4,545CA$6,462
Buy Apartment Outside City Center(m2)
$3,385CA$4,813
$2,138CA$3,040
$3,385CA$4,813
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary(After Tax)
$3,080CA$4,379
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate(Annual %)
4.66
4.09
6
CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
Last update: October 11, 2026
Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Share of the monthly basket for a family of three, rent included.
Williams Lake, BC$2,025
Williams Lake, BC$3,735
🏠Accommodation & Living
$892 44.1%
🛒Groceries & Markets
$354 17.5%
🍽Eating Out
$265 13.1%
🧾Monthly Utilities & Internet
$250 12.3%
👕👟Clothing & Footwear
$121 6%
🚌Getting Around
$81 4%
🎉Sport & Entertainment
$62 3.1%
🏠Accommodation & Living
$1.2K 32.4%
🛒Groceries & Markets
$807 21.6%
🍽Eating Out
$859 23%
🧾Monthly Utilities & Internet
$282 7.6%
👕👟Clothing & Footwear
$269 7.2%
🚌Getting Around
$167 4.5%
🎉Sport & Entertainment
$141 3.8%
Cost Breakdown
🏠A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $902, dropping to $892 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 29% of the average salary ($3,080) – well above the 30% international benchmark.
💰The average net salary is $3,080 – comfortably above monthly costs of $2,025. Most workers can save and live well. A comfortable lifestyle typically starts at $3,037.
🛒Groceries cost around $354 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $65.0.
🚌A monthly public transport pass costs about $61.1.
Cost Highlights
⭐Milk is more expensive than 92% of cities in North America
⭐Internet is more expensive than 91% of cities in North America
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 $2,025 per month once rent is factored in. Strip out housing, and everyday essentials like groceries, utilities, transport, and personal spending land around $998. 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 $2,025 per month with rent, or $998 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 $3,080 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 $892 and $902 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 $354 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 $61.1 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 $2,025 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 $2,025 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.
Williams Lake, BC vs other spots: cost of living compared