The Best Cities in British Columbia to Live In

This post is written by Tinashe, the creator behind the Discover BC Blog. He frequently travels across BC and lives in Vancouver.

LOOKING FOR THE BEST PLACES TO LIVE IN BRITISH COLUMBIA?

This beautiful province has something for everyone, from busy cities to quiet mountain towns. Whether you want to live by the ocean, in the mountains, or somewhere in between, BC’s cities each have their special charm. 

We’ve checked out the most popular places to live and what makes them great – things like weather, housing costs, and lifestyle. Let’s explore some of BC’s top cities and help you find your perfect new home.

The Best Cities to Live in British Columbia

1. Vancouver
2. Victoria
3. Kelowna
4. Surrey
5. Langley

1. Vancouver

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Gorgeous view of Vancouver’s waterfront area

Vancouver is often at the top of the list for people considering a move to BC. Nestled between the mountains and the ocean, this city boasts mild weather and stunning views. It’s an ideal place for outdoor enthusiasts, with access to hiking, biking, skiing, and beautiful beaches.

What to Do

You can explore iconic spots like Stanley Park, which features scenic seawalls and lush gardens. The vibrant Granville Island offers a public market, art galleries, and unique shops. 

With a diverse dining scene that includes cuisines from around the world, you’ll never run out of new restaurants to try. Plus, the city hosts numerous cultural events and festivals throughout the year.

Housing and Cost of Living

I’ll be honest, living in Vancouver isn’t cheap – it’s one of Canada’s most expensive cities. A one-bedroom apartment typically costs around $2,500 per month to rent, and if you’re thinking of buying, most homes start at over $1.2 million. 

Day-to-day costs are high too. Groceries, eating out, and entertainment all cost more than in other BC cities. However, many people say the lifestyle makes up for the high costs.

Job Market

Vancouver’s job market is booming, especially if you work in tech, film, or green industries. Major companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and dozens of film studios call Vancouver home. The city is also a hub for startups and environmental companies. 

Salaries tend to be higher here than in other BC cities, which helps balance out some of those living costs.

Lifestyle and Culture

This is where Vancouver shines. Imagine starting your day with a hike in the mountains, spending the afternoon at the beach, and ending with dinner at a world-class restaurant – all in the same day. 

The city is incredibly multicultural, which means amazing food from all over the world. Public transit is excellent, and you might not even need a car. There are endless coffee shops, markets, and places to explore.

Weather and Environment

Vancouver is famous for its rain, but the mild temperatures mean you can be outside all year round. Summers are sunny and warm but not too hot, and winters rarely see snow in the city (though it’s just a short drive to ski slopes). 

The city is incredibly green, with parks and trees everywhere.

Places to Stay

If you’re looking to treat yourself in Vancouver, the Fairmont Pacific Rim in downtown offers luxury with stunning harbor views and one of the city’s best restaurants. 

For something more budget-friendly, the YWCA Hotel downtown provides clean, comfortable rooms at reasonable prices and puts you right in the heart of the city. 

Backpackers and social travelers will love the atmosphere at Quality Inn & Suites on Granville Street, where you can meet other travelers and join pub crawls and city tours.

Name	Location	Price	Rating	Book
Fairmont Pacific Rim	Vancouver	CAD 963	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Click Here
YWCA Hotel	Vancouver	CAD 105	⭐⭐⭐	Click Here
Quality Inn & Suites	Vancouver	CAD 129	⭐⭐⭐	Click Here

2. Victoria

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Imagine living in a neighborhood like this!

Victoria is the capital of British Columbia and is rich in history and charm. Located on Vancouver Island, it is famous for its beautiful gardens, stunning waterfront, and vibrant arts scene. Victoria might be the perfect fit if you prefer a slower pace of life.

What to Do

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the stunning Butchart Gardens, which burst with color in the spring and summer. You can also stroll along the Inner Harbour, visit historic sites like the Royal BC Museum, and enjoy tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel.

The city’s cultural scene includes art galleries, theaters, and live music venues, ensuring there’s always something to enjoy.

Housing and Cost of Living

Victoria is cheaper than Vancouver but still pricey compared to many other Canadian cities. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment runs about $1,800 monthly, and houses average around $850,000. 

Daily expenses are a bit lower than Vancouver, and many neighborhoods are walkable, which can help cut down on transportation costs.

Job Market

Government jobs are a big deal here since Victoria is BC’s capital. There’s also a growing tech scene they call “Tectoria,” plus lots of tourism and marine industry jobs. 

The job market isn’t as huge as Vancouver’s, but there’s steady work and good opportunities in healthcare and education too.

Lifestyle and Culture

Victoria feels like a small town in the best ways, even though it’s a city. People are friendly, and there’s a strong community feel. 

The downtown area is full of historic buildings, cute shops, and amazing restaurants. You’ll find lots of outdoor markets, music festivals, and cultural events throughout the year.

Weather and Environment

Victoria gets less rain than Vancouver and more sun, plus the mildest winters in Canada. The city is full of gardens (it’s called the City of Gardens for a reason), and the ocean is never far away. You can go whale watching, kayaking, or just enjoy walks along the water.

Places to Stay

The iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel sits right on the inner harbor and is a piece of Victoria’s history – it’s worth visiting even if you don’t stay there. 

For a mid-range option, Hotel Rialto downtown offers boutique-style rooms in a beautiful heritage building. 

HI Victoria Hostel is perfect for budget travelers, offering both dorm and private rooms in a great location near the harbor.

Name	Location	Price	Rating	Book
Fairmont Empress Hotel	Victoria	CAD 246	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Click Here
Hotel Rialto	Victoria	CAD 159	⭐⭐⭐	Click Here
Days Inn by Wyndham	Victoria	CAD 105	⭐⭐⭐	Click Here

3. Kelowna

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The famous Okanagan Lake bridge

Located in the heart of the Okanagan Valley, Kelowna is famous for its warm climate and beautiful lakes. 

If you love wine, outdoor activities, and a relaxed lifestyle, Kelowna is an excellent choice. The city has grown rapidly over the years, attracting families, retirees, and young professionals alike.

What to Do

Explore the numerous wineries and vineyards in the area, or enjoy recreational activities at Okanagan Lake. 

In the summer, you can go swimming, boating, or hiking in the nearby mountains. The city also hosts various events and festivals, including the Kelowna Wine Country Festival, which celebrates the local wine culture.

Housing and Cost of Living

Kelowna’s becoming more expensive as more people discover it, but it’s still cheaper than Vancouver. A one-bedroom apartment usually costs around $1,700 per month, and houses average about $700,000. 

Food costs are pretty reasonable, especially in summer when you can get lots of local produce. Many people save money by growing their own vegetables and shopping at farmers’ markets.

Job Market

The job market here is changing fast. While tourism and agriculture are still big employers, there’s now a growing tech sector with companies like Disney Interactive and several startups. 

Healthcare jobs are plentiful at Kelowna General Hospital, and there are lots of opportunities in construction and real estate. The wine industry also creates lots of jobs, from vineyard work to hospitality.

Lifestyle and Culture

Living in Kelowna feels like being on vacation sometimes. You’ve got beaches, wineries, and mountains all nearby. 

The city has a laid-back vibe but still offers plenty to do. There are lots of local breweries, restaurants, and cafes. It’s very outdoor-focused – people here love hiking, biking, and water sports in summer, and skiing in winter.

Weather and Environment

Kelowna gets hot, sunny summers and mild winters with some snow. The city sits in a valley surrounded by mountains, right on Okanagan Lake. 

The climate is semi-arid, which means less rain than coastal BC and more sunny days. Winters can bring cloudy skies and something called “valley fog,” but they’re much shorter than in other parts of Canada.

Places to Stay

The Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort offers beautiful lake views and a great location right downtown. 

The Prestige Beach House sits right across from Hot Sands Beach and offers comfortable rooms at reasonable prices.

Kelowna International Hostel provides basic but clean accommodations for budget travelers, with a friendly atmosphere and helpful staff.

Name	Location	Price	Rating	Book
Delta Hotels Okanagan Resort	Kelowna	CAD 229	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Click Here
Prestige Beach House	Kelowna	CAD 146	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Click Here
Accent Inns Kelowna	Kelowna	CAD 103	⭐⭐⭐	Click Here

4. Surrey

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cityscape view of Surrey

Surrey is one of the largest cities in British Columbia and is known for its diverse population and growing neighborhoods. With a mix of urban and suburban living, it offers a variety of amenities, parks, and schools, making it an excellent option for families.

What to Do

You can explore Surrey’s many parks, including the beautiful Green Timbers Urban Forest Park and the expansive Bear Creek Park. 

The city also has numerous shopping centers, restaurants, and cultural events that reflect its diversity. Plus, Surrey’s location allows easy access to nearby Vancouver for additional entertainment options.

Housing and Cost of Living

Surrey attracts lots of people looking for more affordable housing near Vancouver. A one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,600 monthly and houses average about $900,000. 

The city is spread out, so you might need a car, but grocery prices and everyday costs are generally lower than in Vancouver.

Job Market

Surrey’s job market is diverse. There are lots of jobs in healthcare at Surrey Memorial Hospital, manufacturing in the industrial areas, and construction as the city grows. 

The city’s also trying to build its tech hub, and there are plenty of retail and service jobs. Many people commute to Vancouver for work, which is doable by car or SkyTrain.

Lifestyle and Culture

Surrey is incredibly multicultural, which makes it a fantastic place for food and festivals. Each neighborhood has its character – Cloverdale feels historic and charming, while Surrey City Centre is modern and urban. 

The city has tons of parks and sports facilities, and they’re always adding new community centers and libraries.

Weather and Environment

The weather is similar to Vancouver’s but slightly warmer in summer and a bit cooler in winter. Surrey has lots of green space, including the popular Green Timbers Urban Forest and Crescent Beach. 

The agricultural land in the area means you’re never far from farms and fresh produce.

Places to Stay

The Civic Hotel is a modern option connected to Civic Plaza, putting you right in Surrey’s growing downtown core. 

For business travelers, Sheraton Guildford Hotel offers comfortable rooms and is connected to Guildford mall.

The Linda Vista Motel provides simple, clean rooms at budget-friendly prices.

Name	Location	Price	Rating	Book
The Civic Hotel	Surrey	CAD 229	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Click Here
Sheration Guildford	Surrey	CAD 205	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Click Here
Linda Vista Motel	Surrey	CAD 124	⭐⭐⭐	Click Here

5. Langley

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A walk in charming Fort Langley

Langley combines small-town charm with access to urban amenities. With beautiful parks, local shops, and a strong sense of community, it’s an attractive option for those seeking a quieter lifestyle while close to larger cities like Vancouver.

What to Do

Langley is home to numerous parks and outdoor spaces, perfect for hiking, biking, and enjoying nature. The city also hosts farmers’ markets, local festivals, and community events that bring residents together. 

If you’re a fan of history, you can visit the Langley Centennial Museum and explore the region’s rich heritage.

Housing and Cost of Living

Langley offers better value for your money than Vancouver. A one-bedroom apartment typically runs about $1,500 monthly, and houses average around $850,000. 

You tend to get more space here – bigger apartments and houses with yards. Daily costs are reasonable, and there are lots of shopping options from farmers’ markets to big box stores.

Job Market

Langley’s economy is quite varied. There are lots of retail jobs thanks to big shopping centers, manufacturing work in the industrial parks, and agricultural jobs in the rural areas. 

The film industry often uses Langley for shooting movies and TV shows, creating entertainment industry jobs. Many people also commute to Vancouver or Surrey for work.

Lifestyle and Culture

Langley combines urban and rural living really well. The historic Fort Langley area feels like stepping back in time, with cute shops and restaurants in heritage buildings. Meanwhile, newer areas have modern amenities and shopping centers. 

There’s a strong sense of community here, with lots of family-friendly events and activities throughout the year.

Weather and Environment

The weather is pretty similar to Surrey’s, with warm summers and mild winters. Langley Township has lots of agricultural land, which means beautiful open spaces and plenty of farms to visit. 

There are great trails for walking and biking, and you’re not far from mountains or the ocean.

Places To Stay

The Sandman Signature Hotel is centrally located and offers modern rooms with mountain views. 

For something with more character, try Best Western Plus Inn – it’s a charming heritage house with beautiful gardens.

Best Holiday Inn Express & Suites provides reliable, comfortable accommodation at reasonable rates.

Name	Location	Price	Rating	Book
Sandman Signature Hotel	Langley	CAD 166	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Click Here
Holiday Inn Express & Suites	Langley	CAD 165	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Click Here
Best Western Plus Inn	Langley	CAD 144	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Click Here

Best Cities in BC: In Conclusion

British Columbia is home to many fantastic cities, each with its unique charm and lifestyle. Whether you’re drawn to the bustling streets of Vancouver, the historic beauty of Victoria, or the outdoor adventures in Kelowna, there’s a perfect spot for everyone in BC.

When you’re choosing between these cities, think about what matters most to you. If you love city life and don’t mind paying more for it, Vancouver might be your best bet. Want a smaller city with great weather? Consider Kelowna.

Looking for more space and better prices but still want to be near Vancouver? Surrey or Langley could be perfect. And if you want a mix of city perks and island living, Victoria might be just right.

Remember that BC cities are always changing and growing, so it’s a good idea to visit a place a few times before moving there. 

Talk to locals, try the commute if you need to, and spend time in different neighborhoods. That way, you’ll get a real feel for what life would be like in your new home.