The cost of living in Surrey, BC, is mostly defined by housing costs. Prices below are in USD first, with the CAD amount in parentheses. Currency conversion uses the U.S. Federal Reserve USD/CAD rate as a reference point.
Is Surrey Expensive to Live?
If you are coming from Vancouver, Surrey often feels cheaper, even though the cost of living in Surrey can still sting if rent takes most of your income.
People asking “Is Surrey expensive to live” usually want a rent baseline, so to give you an idea about that, PadMapper’s Surrey rent data shows a December 2025 median one-bedroom around $1,259 USD ($1,750 CAD). Vancouver’s median one-bedroom is about $1,763 USD ($2,451 CAD) on PadMapper’s Vancouver page.
Average Cost of Living in Surrey (Monthly)
This table shows the average cost of living in Surrey, BC, for two common types of people moving to Surrey (Single person and Family of four). Use it as a starting budget, then adjust for your housing type and commute.
| Monthly Item | Single (1BR) | Family of Four (3BR) |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (median) | $1,259 ($1,750) | $2,158 ($3,000) |
| Utilities + Internet (typical) | $242 ($336) | $242 ($336) |
| Groceries (home-cooked baseline) | $288–$396 ($400–$550) | $859+ ($1,194+) |
| Transit Passes (adult) | $80–$107 ($112–$149) | $160–$214 ($224–$298) |
| Ballpark Total | $1,869–$1,977 | $3,419+ |
First month budgets also need a buffer for deposits, boxes, and “day one” buys. Our residential moving checklist helps keep that list manageable.
Housing Costs in Surrey
As we mentioned earlier, for most households, housing costs in Surrey define the whole budget. Transit-friendly areas can reduce car spending, but buildings near major hubs will calculate that into their pricing.
Rent Prices in Surrey
For rent prices in Surrey BC, PadMapper’s December 2025 medians are roughly $1,259 USD ($1,750 CAD) for a 1BR, $1,583 USD ($2,200 CAD) for a 2BR, and $2,158 USD ($3,000 CAD) for a 3BR.
Home Prices & Mortgages in Surrey
On the buying side, the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board benchmark for Surrey was about $691,008 USD ($960,400 CAD) in November 2025, while North Surrey’s benchmark was lower at about $492,138 USD ($684,000 CAD).
Grocery & Food Costs in Surrey
The grocery costs in Surrey are close to Metro Vancouver pricing. For a reference family of four in Fraser South, the BCCDC nutritious food basket costing shows an average monthly basket at $859 USD ($1,194 CAD). Singles can spend less, but takeout adds up fast.
Transportation Costs in Surrey
Transportation costs in Surrey are split into transit-first and car-first living. TransLink monthly passes list adult passes at $80 USD ($111.60 CAD) for 1-zone, $107 USD ($149.25 CAD) for 2-zone, and $145 USD ($201.55 CAD) for 3-zone.
Utilities & Internet Costs in Surrey
The utilities cost in Surrey depends on your home and heating. Electricity rate details are in the BC Hydro tariff, and gas changes show up in FortisBC notices. For a combined “utilities + broadband” estimate, local averages land around $242 USD ($336 CAD) in Numbeo’s Surrey snapshot.
Healthcare & Childcare Costs in Surrey
MSP premiums in B.C. were eliminated as of January 1, 2020, so there is no monthly premium for provincial medical coverage. See the B.C. government note.
Childcare is a big swing factor.
Private full-day preschool or kindergarten can run about $881 USD ($1,225 CAD) per child per month from Numbeo, while the $10-a-day program has reduced typical parent fees in participating centres to around $200 per month in published updates. See B.C. government news.
Average Salary in Surrey
The City of Surrey profile reports an average household income of around $83,894 USD ($116,600 CAD). Living Wage BC lists Metro Vancouver’s 2025 living wage at $19.46 USD ($27.05 CAD) per hour. See Living Wage BC.
Can You Afford to Live in Surrey?
On $35,975 USD ($50,000 CAD) gross income, market rent can feel tight unless you share housing. On $50,365 USD ($70,000 CAD), a 1BR is more realistic if you avoid running two cars.
On $71,950 USD ($100,000 CAD), the numbers are smoother for a single renter, but childcare can still reshape the budget.
Cheapest Neighborhoods in Surrey
North Surrey (City Centre and Whalley) and Newton are common starting points for lower-priced rentals, while Guildford often sits in the “middle ground” for people who want parks and shopping without South Surrey pricing.
Most Expensive Areas in Surrey
The highest-priced pockets are often South Surrey near Crescent Beach, plus parts of Morgan Creek or Panorama Ridge, where newer builds and larger homes push monthly costs up.
Surrey vs Vancouver Cost of Living
Surrey vs Vancouver cost of living differences are mostly about rent. Late-2025 medians put Surrey’s 1BR around $1,259 USD ($1,750 CAD) versus Vancouver’s around $1,763 USD ($2,451 CAD).
For a higher-price comparison, we also cover the cost of living in West Vancouver, BC, so you can easily decide between Surrey vs Vancouver.
Cost of Living in Surrey for Families
The cost of living in Surrey, BC, for families often becomes “rent + childcare,” with a common baseline of a 3BR rental around $2,158 USD ($3,000 CAD) plus groceries at $859+ USD ($1,194+ CAD).
Is Surrey Worth Living In and Should You Move to Surrey, BC?
So, is Surrey worth living in? Many people say yes because you can get more space than in Vancouver for the money. A common surprise after moving into Fleetwood or Guildford is that rent drops, then costs go back up through a second car and fuel.
So, in plain terms, the whole “living in Surrey BC advantages and disadvantages” topic comes down to more home for the rent, but sometimes more time on the road.
Ultimately If you are asking, “Should I move to Surrey, BC?” start with your commute. Near Surrey Central supports a transit-first life, while Fleetwood, Guildford, and Cloverdale often fit people who want more space.
Timing changes cost too. Our guide on the best time to move helps you plan around seasonal price pressure.
Moving to Surrey? Get a Quote from Secure Moving
If you want help moving into Surrey, Secure Moving can handle packing, furniture protection, loading, transport, and a clean unload.
Planning elevator booking time, parkade access, and building rules can keep move day safe and simple. Get a free quote from Secure Moving, the most trusted moving company in Surrey today!
