Cost of Living in Victoria, British Columbia
Since January 2021, residents of Victoria have faced significant increases in rent, groceries, and everyday expenses. Here's what the data shows.
📍 Victoria at a Glance
- •Provincial capital — rent up 38% province-wide
- •Third-most expensive rental market in Canada
- •Strong tourism and government sector economy
British Columbia Cost Breakdown
Provincial figures apply across British Columbia. City-specific data noted where available.
How Victoria Compares to the National Average
| Category | Victoria / British Columbia | Canada (National) |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (2BR) | +38% | +35% |
| Food prices | +26.1% | +26.3% |
| Shelter CPI | — | +33.2% |
| Overall inflation | — | +18.7% |
🏛️ Who's Responsible?
Cost of living is shaped by decisions made at all three levels of government. Housing affordability, taxation, transit, and local services are all within the power of elected and appointed officials.
Have you experienced these cost increases?
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Rate Victoria Public ServantsSource: Statistics Canada, CMHC. Baseline: January 2021. Last updated: July 2026. Figures represent cumulative change Jan 2021–Jul 2026. Provincial averages applied where city-specific data is unavailable. Full methodology →