Thinking about relocating to Chilliwack and trying to guess your monthly bills? The cost of living in Chilliwack usually sits below Vancouver and slightly below the Canadian average, but the mix of housing, transport, and taxes decides how far your paycheque goes.
This guide gives realistic ranges for major expenses so you can see if your income and lifestyle fit the city.
Overview of the Cost of Living in Chilliwack
Recent estimates suggest that the Chilliwack cost of living for a single person, including rent, often lands in the mid-$2,000s per month. A family of four commonly sits in the mid-$5,000s to low-$6,000s, depending on housing, commuting, and extras.
Chilliwack usually comes out cheaper than Vancouver, mainly because housing is less expensive. If you are comparing different suburbs around Metro Vancouver, you can also look at the cost of living in Richmond, BC, to see how Fraser River cities line up.
Note: You can check the sources for all the numbers you see in the following sections at the end of the article.
Housing Costs and Rent in Chilliwack
Housing costs are the main driver of the cost of living in Chilliwack. Recent listings suggest that apartment rent in Chilliwack for a one-bedroom place often ranges from roughly $1,300 to $1,700 per month, while a three-bedroom place for a family might sit closer to $2,200 to $2,800.
Home prices in Chilliwack and property tax levels are lower than in central Vancouver, so buyers and owners usually face more manageable housing costs in Chilliwack than in the big city.
Utilities Cost In Chilliwack: Electricity, Heating, and Internet
The utilities cost Chilliwack households (with a small apartment and two people) pay often range from $110 to $160 per month, which includes electricity cost, heating, water, and garbage.
Larger or older homes can see totals closer to $200 or more in winter. Internet cost usually sits between $60 and $90 per month for a typical package, with mobile plans adding extra.
Groceries Cost in Chilliwack and Food Prices
Groceries cost Chilliwack residents around $350 to $500 per month, based on a mix of cooking and occasional takeout. Food prices in Chilliwack for everyday items such as bread, milk, eggs, and fresh produce sit close to national averages, with some imported items slightly higher.
A family of four often budgets between $900 and $1,300 per month for groceries, and many recent movers say this matches what they paid in Vancouver.
Transportation Cost in Chilliwack: Transit, Driving, and Gas
The transportation cost Chilliwack residents face depends on how much they drive. BC Transit runs local routes, and as of 2025, a single adult fare is around $2.00, with a 30-day adult pass near $44 and concession options for youth and seniors.
You can get more details from the BC Transit Chilliwack fares page. Many households still rely on a car, so gas prices in Chilliwack, ICBC insurance, and maintenance often add $150 to $250 per month for local drivers.
Healthcare Costs in Chilliwack
Healthcare costs Chilliwack residents typically pay follow BC patterns. Under the provincial Medical Services Plan, most residents no longer pay a separate monthly premium, so basic doctor visits and hospital care do not appear as a direct budget line.
Households instead plan for prescriptions, dental care, glasses, and extended health coverage, with many singles setting aside $40 to $80 per month and many families budgeting $100 to $200.
Taxes In Chilliwack: BC Sales Tax, BC Income Tax, and Property Tax
Taxes also shape the cost of living in Chilliwack. Most purchases are subject to a combined 12 percent sales tax made up of 5 percent federal GST and 7 percent BC sales tax; basic groceries are exempt.
BC income tax is progressive, and property tax in Chilliwack sits in a moderate range for BC, so owners need a yearly budget line for tax and insurance, while renters see those costs folded into rent in Chilliwack.
Average Income in Chilliwack and What Salary You Need
Recent data suggests that the average income in Chilliwack is slightly below the BC average, but the gap is smaller once local housing costs are included. Cost of living sites place the average after-tax salary around the high-$2,000s to low-$3,000s per month for a single worker.
In practice, many singles feel safer with at least $3,000 after-tax income, while many families target a combined after-tax income of around $5,500-$6,500 to stay ahead of monthly expenses in Chilliwack.
Cost of Living in Chilliwack for Different Lifestyles
Starting with Chilliwack’s affordability for families, it trades lower housing costs and bigger yards for longer commutes or a smaller local job market. As for the cost of living in Chilliwack for students, including shared housing and transit, students pay $700 to $900 for a room plus a share of utilities and internet.
Retirees usually pay closest attention to home prices in Chilliwack, predictable property tax bills, and access to healthcare before choosing a neighbourhood.
If you are relocating to Chilliwack or the Fraser Valley, you can also read how to cope with moving to a new country or state for help with the emotional side of the move.
Is Chilliwack Affordable Compared With Other BC Cities? Pros and Cons
The cost of living in Chilliwack usually sits below Vancouver and slightly below Canada as a whole, mainly because housing and rent in Chilliwack are more manageable. That said, you trade some big-city perks for that lower housing bill, so it helps to see the balance clearly.
Pros:
- Lower housing costs and entry-level home prices than Vancouver, Burnaby, or North Shore cities.
- More space for the money, with townhouses and detached homes still reachable for some first-time buyers.
- Quieter streets, access to rivers, trails, and nearby mountains, which many families see as a lifestyle upgrade.
- Smaller total cost of living in Chilliwack for families that do not need daily SkyTrain access.
Cons:
- Fewer high-paying office jobs locally, so some residents commute to Surrey, Burnaby, or Vancouver.
- Longer car or bus trips, especially for Fraser Valley Express users during rush hours.
- A smaller nightlife and entertainment scene than central Metro Vancouver.
For a deeper big-city comparison, see our guide on Is Vancouver a Good Place to Live?.
Planning Your Move and Budget to Chilliwack
Once the numbers make sense, the next step is turning them into a moving plan and a realistic first-month budget. That usually means saving for first month’s rent, deposits, utility setup, a first grocery shop, and your moving to Chilliwack cost, plus the cost of moving to Chilliwack.
A local moving team can take a lot of stress off your shoulders, and Secure Moving has long experience with Vancouver and Fraser Valley moves; if you are starting to map out dates and budget, you can get a free quote from Secure Moving, the most trusted moving company in Chilliwack today!
