London vs Victoria Cost of Living (2026)
Victoria is about 23% more expensive than London, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $2,200 a month in Victoria vs $1,750 in London.
The Verdict
London / month
$2,732
Victoria / month
$3,275
Rent, groceries, transit, utilities, dining and gym for one person.
Salary match: what you'd need to earn
Salary in London
$100,000
Take-home $74,206 · $6,184/mo
Needed in Victoria
$123,402
Take-home $91,166 · $7,597/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Victoria you'd need $23,402 more a year (+23%).
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
London
$1,750
Victoria
$2,200
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
London
$410
Victoria
$450
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
London
$95
Victoria
$100
Utilities
Electricity, Heat, Water
London
$165
Victoria
$130
Dining Out
Est. Monthly Spend
London
$270
Victoria
$340
Gym Membership
Monthly Fee
London
$42
Victoria
$55
Which City Should You Choose?
London, ON: A mid-sized Southwestern Ontario city anchored by Western University, with lower rent than the GTA.
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 London?
Yes. Victoria costs about 23% more than London for a single person, based on 2026 rent, groceries and transit. A 1-bedroom rents for about $2,200 a month in Victoria vs $1,750 in London.
Is it cheaper to live in London or Victoria?
London is roughly 23% cheaper overall once you weigh rent, groceries and transit, based on 2026 estimates.
How much more rent will I pay in London vs Victoria?
A typical 1-bedroom city-centre rental runs $1,750/month in London versus $2,200/month in Victoria.
What salary do I need in Victoria to match my London lifestyle?
A $100,000 salary in London is roughly equivalent to $123,402 in Victoria once you adjust for the local cost of living.
Is Victoria a good place to move to from London?
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
Advertisement