Cost of Living in Surrey (2026)
Surrey gives Metro Vancouver access at rents below the City of Vancouver, with more room for families. Here is what housing, transit, utilities and taxes cost, with two sample monthly budgets.
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How much does it cost to live in Surrey?
The cost of living in Surrey for a single person renting a one-bedroom is typically about $2,900 to $3,900 a month, and about $6,400 to $9,400 for a family of four, based on CMHC rent data and typical household costs. Rent is the largest cost, usually below Vancouver, while commuting across fare zones can add up.
The cost of living in Surrey is high by national standards but lower than in Vancouver, Burnaby or North Vancouver. A single renter usually spends about $2,900 to $3,900 a month on essentials and modest extras, and a family of four about $6,400 to $9,400. Surrey is BC's second-largest city and one of its fastest growing, and many families choose it for larger homes and yards.
The city spreads across distinct communities, from Whalley and City Centre on the SkyTrain line to Guildford, Newton, Fleetwood, Cloverdale and South Surrey. The costs to watch are rent, cars and transit fares if you commute into Vancouver, plus BC's 12% combined sales tax on many purchases.
For the provincial picture, see our guide to budgeting in British Columbia, and compare with budgeting in Vancouver if you are choosing between the two.
Average rent in Surrey
Average rent in Surrey for a purpose-built one-bedroom was in the range of about $1,600 to $1,900 a month in CMHC's recent Rental Market Surveys (October 2024 and 2025). New condo rentals near SkyTrain stations usually ask more, while secondary suites in houses are often the most affordable option.
| Unit type | Typical range | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Secondary suite | $1,400 to $1,800 | One or two bedrooms in a house; utilities often shared |
| One bedroom | $1,600 to $1,900 | Older low-rises cost less than new towers |
| Two bedroom | $2,000 to $2,450 | Condos and larger suites |
| Three bedroom | $2,700 to $3,300 | Townhouses and upper floors of houses |
City Centre and South Surrey near White Rock tend to cost the most. Newton and Guildford usually offer lower rents. BC limits annual rent increases for existing tenants to a rate the province sets each year, and disputes go to the Residential Tenancy Branch. Check a listing against your income with our rent affordability calculator, and see average rent in Canada for comparison.
Transit and commuting from Surrey
TransLink runs buses, the RapidBus network and the SkyTrain Expo Line, which ends at King George station in Surrey, with an extension toward Langley under construction. SkyTrain fares on weekdays depend on how many zones you cross, and a trip from Surrey to downtown Vancouver covers three. Bus trips are always a one-zone fare. An adult monthly pass has cost roughly $105 for one zone and around $200 for three zones at recent fares. Children 12 and under ride free.
Many Surrey households rely on at least one car, especially in Cloverdale and South Surrey. Basic insurance comes through ICBC, and insurance, fuel, parking and maintenance commonly add $650 to $950 a month for a financed vehicle. Bridge crossings into Vancouver are toll-free.
Taxes in Surrey: income tax and sales tax
- Sales tax. BC charges 7% PST on top of the 5% GST, for 12% on many purchases. Basic groceries, children's clothing and some other items are exempt from PST.
- Provincial income tax. BC's brackets start among the lowest in Canada for modest incomes and rise for high earners. Our BC salary calculator turns gross pay into take-home pay.
- Federal income tax. The lowest federal rate is 14% for 2026, applied on top of the provincial amount.
- Renter's tax credit. Eligible BC renters with lower and moderate incomes can claim up to $400 a year when they file.
- Property tax. Homeowners pay City of Surrey property tax, school tax and regional charges, and can apply for the BC home owner grant if eligible.
Budgets that update themselves
- Set monthly limits for every category
- See what is left to spend in real time
- Get a nudge before a category runs out
Utilities, phone and internet in Surrey
BC Hydro supplies electricity and FortisBC supplies natural gas. The City of Surrey bills water, sewer and garbage, and many homes have water meters. The coastal climate keeps heating needs modest compared with the Prairies or Ontario.
For a one-bedroom apartment, electricity usually runs about $80 to $150 a month, with water often included in rent. Suite tenants frequently pay a share of the house's utilities set in the lease. A detached house commonly costs $180 to $300 a month in winter. Add about $130 to $180 for internet and one phone plan.
Sample monthly budget for Surrey
These budgets are illustrative ranges built from CMHC rents, TransLink fares and typical household costs. They are not an official statistic. The family budget assumes two adults, two children, one car and one transit pass.
| Category | Single person | Family of four |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | $1,600 to $1,900 (1-bed) | $2,700 to $3,300 (3-bed) |
| Utilities | $80 to $150 | $180 to $300 |
| Internet and phones | $130 to $180 | $190 to $260 |
| Groceries | $400 to $500 | $1,300 to $1,600 |
| Transportation | $105 to $205 (1 to 3 zone pass) | $800 to $1,200 (car plus pass) |
| Child care | None | About $200 to $1,000 |
| Insurance (tenant, life) | $20 to $40 | $60 to $120 |
| Personal, clothing, household | $150 to $250 | $350 to $500 |
| Entertainment and dining | $150 to $300 | $250 to $450 |
| Savings | $250 to $400 | $400 to $700 |
| Total | About $2,900 to $3,900 | About $6,400 to $9,400 |
Child care depends heavily on whether you find a spot at a $10 a day ChildCareBC centre or pay at a centre that only receives the provincial fee reduction. Apply to several waitlists. For the full picture, see the cost of raising a child in Canada.
Figures checked September 2026; confirm current numbers with CMHC, TransLink, the City of Surrey and the Government of British Columbia.
Budgeting in Surrey: practical tips
- Work out your weekday zone count before choosing an address. Living and working in the same zone keeps the pass at its cheapest.
- Get the suite's utility share and parking rules in writing before you sign.
- Claim the BC renter's tax credit if your household income qualifies.
- Compare a one-car household plus transit pass with two cars. The difference is often several hundred dollars a month.
- Track every category for a month before setting limits. EMOH Pay is free on iPhone, Android and the web, and it handles 148 currencies if you also send money to family abroad.
- Check your plan against our guide to budgeting in Canada.
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Get started free➜Cost of Living in Surrey (2026): frequently asked questions
Is Surrey cheaper than Vancouver?
Yes, for housing. Rents and home prices in Surrey are generally lower than in the City of Vancouver, while taxes are the same across BC. Transit fares and car costs can narrow the gap if you commute into Vancouver every day.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Surrey?
A single renter spending about $3,400 a month needs roughly $57,000 to $67,000 a year before tax to cover costs and still save. A family of four with one car usually needs a combined household income of about $115,000 or more.
How much is a secondary suite in Surrey?
Secondary suites usually rent for about $1,400 to $1,800 a month, depending on size, location and whether utilities are included. They are a common choice for singles, couples and small families.
How much does transit cost from Surrey to Vancouver?
On weekdays, a SkyTrain trip from Surrey to downtown Vancouver is a three-zone fare, and a three-zone monthly pass has cost around $200 at recent fares. Evenings and weekends are charged as one zone.
Does Surrey have rent control?
BC limits how much landlords can raise rent for existing tenants each year, based on a rate the province announces annually. Landlords must also give three months' written notice before an increase.
Sources and further reading
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