Vancouver vs. Chilliwack: Cost Of Living Comparison

Vancouver and Chilliwack may be just a couple of hours apart, but when it comes to lifestyle and cost of living, the differences are striking. One is a bustling metropolitan hub known for its global appeal, thriving job market, and lively cultural scene. The other offers a more relaxed, nature-forward lifestyle with a slower pace and significantly more affordable housing. In this post, we’ll compare the cost of living in Vancouver vs. Chilliwack, starting with the most pressing expense: rent. Using the latest liv.rent data, we’ll show how far your money can go in each city. From there, we’ll break down other living costs and share key insights about daily life in both places. All prices are listed in Canadian dollars.

Vancouver vs. Chilliwack: Major differences

A quick overview of the cost of living in Vancouver vs. Chilliwack shows that it’s more affordable to call Chilliwack home than Vancouver.

In fact, according to Numbeo, the cost of living in Chilliwack is 13.6% lower than in Vancouver. That means if money is your number one concern, Chilliwack is a better choice. However, choosing where to live can be about more than money.

Here are some fast facts about Vancouver vs. Chilliwack that are important to know if you’re deciding where to call home:

• Vancouver’s dense urban layout supports a walkable lifestyle with extensive public transit via SkyTrain and buses, while Chilliwack is more car-dependent, with limited transit options and a layout better suited to drivers.
• While Vancouver offers a wide range of international cuisine and fine dining, Chilliwack is known for its local farm-to-table eateries and a growing number of craft breweries and casual spots with a small-town vibe.
• Vancouver’s real estate market is one of the most expensive in Canada, attracting global investors, whereas Chilliwack offers significantly more affordable housing, making it a popular choice for families and remote workers seeking more space.

Let’s take a look now at rent in each city and see what kind of place you can get and for how much:

Average rent in Vancouver vs. Chilliwack

In April 2025, the average rent for an unfurnished one-bedroom apartment in Chilliwack was $1,464/month. In comparison, in Vancouver, it was $2,278/month.

Even if you compare Chilliwack’s most affordable neighbourhood, Sardis, to Vancouver’s most affordable neighbourhood, Sunset-Victoria Fraserview, the price difference is significant.

Regarding rental types, both cities have furnished or unfurnished rooms for rent, apartments for rent, and houses for rent available, depending on your needs.

Cost of living comparison: Vancouver vs. Chilliwack

Population of Vancouver vs. Chilliwack

The City of Vancouver, British Columbia, has a population of approximately 662,248, while the larger Metro Vancouver area encompasses over 2.6 million residents.

In contrast, Chilliwack, British Columbia, has a population of around 126,850. The area has seen a recent population growth between July 1, 2023, and July 1, 2024; the Chilliwack metro area population increased by 2,897 people.

Not only does Vancouver have a larger population than Chilliwack, but it’s also more densely populated. Vancouver has 15,000 people per square mile, while Chilliwack has 924 people per square mile, meaning that it will feel more crowded in Vancouver.

Weather in Vancouver vs. Chilliwack

Vancouver and Chilliwack share a similar Pacific Northwest climate, but there are notable differences. Vancouver experiences milder winters due to its coastal location, with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing, while Chilliwack, though also mild, tends to be slightly cooler in the winter. Both cities see a significant amount of rainfall, but Vancouver generally receives more annual precipitation, especially during the winter months. Summers in both cities are pleasant and warm, though Vancouver tends to stay a few degrees cooler, benefiting from ocean breezes. While both cities have distinct rainy reputations, Vancouver and Chilliwack’s proximity to the mountains means they also see occasional snowfall in the winter.

Cost of living for students in Vancouver vs. Chilliwack

If you are planning to study in Canada, then both Vancouver and Chilliwack are excellent places to live. They are home to some highly ranked and desirable schools.

However, student life can often mean watching your living expenses closely. Here’s some more data relevant to students about the cost of living in each city:

Source: Numbeo

Which is better, Vancouver vs Chilliwack?

After comparing what it’s like in both cities, we can say that it’s significantly less expensive to call Chilliwack home. That said, it’s more than just the cost of living or the cost of rent that goes into the decision-making. Both cities offer a variety of job opportunities, in addition to some great nightlife options and many great outdoor activities.

Join us at liv.rent and start your search today for listings in Vancouver and Chilliwack.

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