Edmonton vs Victoria Cost of Living (2026)
Victoria is about 59% more expensive than Edmonton, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $2,200 a month in Victoria vs $1,300 in Edmonton.
The Verdict
Edmonton / month
$2,335
Victoria / month
$3,275
Rent, groceries, transit, utilities, dining and gym for one person.
Salary match: what you'd need to earn
Salary in Edmonton
$100,000
Take-home $74,459 · $6,205/mo
Needed in Victoria
$158,861
Take-home $112,631 · $9,386/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Victoria you'd need $58,861 more a year (+59%).
Take-home is after 2026 federal and provincial income tax, CPP/QPP and EI for an employee. Cost of living weighs rent, groceries and transit.
Expense Breakdown
Average Rent
1-Bed City Center
Edmonton
$1,300
Victoria
$2,200
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Edmonton
$400
Victoria
$450
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Edmonton
$100
Victoria
$100
Utilities
Electricity, Heat, Water
Edmonton
$210
Victoria
$130
Dining Out
Est. Monthly Spend
Edmonton
$280
Victoria
$340
Gym Membership
Monthly Fee
Edmonton
$45
Victoria
$55
Which City Should You Choose?
Edmonton, AB: Alberta's capital — generally more affordable than Calgary, with a strong public sector and university presence.
Victoria, BC: BC's capital on Vancouver Island — mild winters, and rent nearly as high as Vancouver's.
Estimates are based on 2026 average listings and public cost-of-living indices for a single-person household; actual costs vary by neighbourhood and lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Victoria more expensive than Edmonton?
Yes. Victoria costs about 59% more than Edmonton for a single person, based on 2026 rent, groceries and transit. A 1-bedroom rents for about $2,200 a month in Victoria vs $1,300 in Edmonton.
Is it cheaper to live in Edmonton or Victoria?
Edmonton is roughly 59% cheaper overall once you weigh rent, groceries and transit, based on 2026 estimates.
How much more rent will I pay in Edmonton vs Victoria?
A typical 1-bedroom city-centre rental runs $1,300/month in Edmonton versus $2,200/month in Victoria.
What salary do I need in Victoria to match my Edmonton lifestyle?
A $100,000 salary in Edmonton is roughly equivalent to $158,861 in Victoria once you adjust for the local cost of living.
Is Victoria a good place to move to from Edmonton?
BC's capital on Vancouver Island — mild winters, and rent nearly as high as Vancouver's. Compare the category breakdown above against your own budget before deciding.
Plan your move
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