Victoria, Canada
Canada's mildest city with beautiful gardens, a relaxed island lifestyle, and a popular retirement destination — but housing is costly.
Above Average vs Canada Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Victoria vs Canada Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 7.7%
- Sales Tax: 12.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: C$62,000
- Unemployment: 4.1%
- Population: 367,770
Climate
- Sunny Days: 210/year
- Summer High: 71°F
- Winter Low: 37°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6a
Housing
- Median Home: C$780,000
- 1BR Rent: C$1900/mo
Cost of Living
Victoria's cost of living index is 112.4 (Canada average = 100).
| Category | Victoria | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 112.4 | 100 | +12.4% |
| Housing | 118.6 | 100 | +18.6% |
Data source: Statistics Canada, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | C$780,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | C$1900/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | C$2,375/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | C$520 |
Data source: Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Victoria:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | C$165 | |
| Heating & Cooling | C$52 | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | C$55 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | C$65 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | C$35 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | C$372 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: Statistics Canada, Canada Energy Regulator, CRTC
Remote Work Score
Victoria scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Victoria has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 57°F | 37°F | 2.5" |
| April | 56°F | 52°F | 2.8" |
| July | 71°F | 46°F | 1.5" |
| October | 51°F | 55°F | 2.2" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
Victoria faces the following natural hazards:
Active seismic zone with significant earthquake risk.
Western Canada has frequent wildfire seasons.
Most of Canada experiences severe winter storms and blizzards.
Rockies and coastal mountains with frequent avalanches.
Pacific coast with tsunami risk.
River and coastal flooding.
Southern Canada experiences tornadoes.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 7.7%
- Sales Tax: 12%
- Property Tax: ~1% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 4.1%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Victoria per 100,000 residents:
Data is the Crime Severity Index (CSI) for the Census Metropolitan Area (CMA). CSI is indexed to 100 (Canada = 100 in 2006). Higher values indicate more severe crime. This is not a direct crime rate per 100,000.
Data source: Statistics Canada
Schools & Education
Data source: Fraser Institute — School Performance Rankings
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Victoria, Canada?
The cost of living index in Victoria is 112.4, which is Higher the Canada national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Victoria?
The median home price in Victoria is C$780,000. The housing index is 118.6.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Victoria is approximately C$1900/mo.
Does Victoria, BC have income tax?
Victoria is in BC, which has an income tax rate of 7.7%.
What is the climate like in Victoria?
Victoria enjoys approximately 210 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 71°F, while winter lows can drop to around 37°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Statistics Canada, 2026
- Housing Data: Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), 2026
- Income & Employment: Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey, 2024
- Utilities Statistics Canada, Canada Energy Regulator, CRTC
Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.