Kelowna, British Columbia, nestled in the heart of the Okanagan Valley, is a city known for its stunning natural beauty, booming tech sector, vibrant cultural scene, and laid-back lifestyle. With picturesque lakes, vineyards, and mountain ranges as its backdrop, it's no surprise that Kelowna has become a top destination for individuals and families looking to relocate within Canada.
Whether you're a student, a young professional, a retiree, or a family looking for a fresh start, this comprehensive moving to Kelowna guide will break down everything you need to know about the Kelowna cost of living 2025 so you can make informed financial decisions before making the move.
The average cost of living in Kelowna remains relatively affordable compared to larger metropolitan areas like Vancouver or Toronto, though prices have been climbing due to increasing demand. Ongoing migration from other provinces, particularly Alberta and Ontario, has played a significant role in elevating demand across multiple expense categories.
Single (excl. rent): $1,300/month
Couple (excl. rent): $2,350/month
Family of four (excl. rent): $4,200/month
When we compare the Kelowna vs. Vancouver living expenses, Kelowna is approximately 20–25% cheaper overall. Here's how it breaks down compared to other cities:
Kelowna: Cost of Living Index 65
Vancouver: Index 85
Calgary: Index 68
Toronto: Index 82
Victoria: Index 72
The national average cost of living sits at an index of 70, making Kelowna slightly more affordable than average but trending upward. One of the major factors keeping Kelowna attractive is its access to nature and abundance of free or low-cost outdoor activities—a budget-friendly counterbalance to rising essentials.
Rental prices in Kelowna have surged in 2025 due to increased migration and demand. Here's what you can expect to pay monthly:
1-bedroom apartment (city centre): $1,950
1-bedroom apartment (outside centre): $1,700
2-bedroom apartment: $2,600
3-bedroom home: $3,450
Budget-conscious renters might consider areas like Rutland, Glenmore, and parts of West Kelowna, where rent is typically 10–20% lower. Student renters near the UBC Okanagan campus can also find shared accommodations for $750–$1,100 per room, offering affordability near campus amenities. It's advisable to start the rental search 2–3 months in advance, as the market is competitive and vacancy rates hover below 1.5%.
The housing prices in Kelowna, BC continue to rise, with the average detached home selling for approximately $1,050,000. Condos and townhomes are slightly more accessible:
Average condo/townhouse price: $620,000
Down payment (20% typical): $210,000 (detached), $124,000 (condo)
Monthly mortgage (5% interest over 25 years): $4,500 (detached), $2,700 (condo)
Property tax in Kelowna averages about 0.5–0.6% of the assessed value annually, equating to around $5,250 for a million-dollar home. It's important to factor in additional costs such as home insurance ($1,000–$1,400/year), strata fees for condos, and potential rising interest rates that may impact mortgage payments.
Affordable: Rutland, West Kelowna, Glenmore
Family-friendly: Lower Mission, Kettle Valley
Upscale: Upper Mission, Wilden
Lower Mission, for instance, offers access to great schools, parks, and lakes, making it ideal for families. Upper Mission and Wilden provide panoramic lake views and modern architecture, attracting high-income residents and retirees.
The average grocery and utility costs in Kelowna have climbed modestly. Here's what typical households spend monthly:
Electricity, heating, and cooling: $160
Water and garbage collection: $80
Internet (100 Mbps): $90
Mobile phone plan: $60 per line
Monthly utility estimates:
Single: $250
Couple: $300
Family: $400
Households using smart thermostats and LED lighting systems may see slight reductions in monthly energy needs. High-efficiency appliances and off-peak electricity use can also curb costs.
Milk (1L): $2.40
Bread (loaf): $3.50
Eggs (dozen): $4.25
Apples (1kg): $4.50
Chicken breast (1kg): $13.00
Ground beef (1kg): $11.00
Single: $400
Couple: $750
Family of four: $1,200
Shopping locally at farmers' markets such as the Kelowna Farmers' and Crafters' Market can help offset grocery bills with fresh, affordable produce, especially during the spring and summer months.
Meal at a budget restaurant: $20
Mid-range three-course meal for two: $100
Coffee/latte: $5.00
Fast casual lunch: $15
Kelowna's dining scene offers options from food trucks and breweries to fine dining on the waterfront. Happy hour specials and weekday lunch deals can help locals enjoy the dining experience affordably.
Gasoline (per litre): $1.70
Insurance (average annual): $1,600 (lower than Vancouver)
Annual maintenance & registration: $800
Kelowna’s layout is relatively accessible for drivers. However, parking downtown can be limited during peak hours, so factoring in public or paid parking fees ($60–$120/month) may be necessary for city centre drivers. Winter tires are essential from October through March due to regional snowfall.
Operated by BC Transit, Kelowna’s public transportation is efficient and budget-friendly.
Monthly pass: $70
Coverage: Good coverage in the urban core and university routes
Students at UBC Okanagan receive subsidized U-PASS transit at $30/month, promoting sustainable travel while reducing personal transportation costs.
Rideshare: Uber and Lyft are available
Bike-friendly: Extensive bike lanes and scenic paths
The city’s expanding network of bike lanes encourages eco-conscious commuting. Programs like E-Kelowna also offer electric scooter and bike rentals for quick trips.
Full-time daycare: $1,250/month
After-school care: $400/month
Waitlists for daycare spots can be long, especially for infants under 2 years, so early applications are recommended. Provincial support, like the BC Affordable Childcare Benefit, may help eligible families lower monthly costs.
Public schools: Free (minimal fees apply)
Private schools: $10,000–$15,000/year per student
Kelowna is part of School District 23, offering diverse programs including French immersion, academies, and alternative education options.
There are two major institutions: UBC Okanagan and Okanagan College.
UBC Okanagan tuition: $6,200/year
Okanagan College tuition: $4,500/year
On-campus housing: $750/month
Off-campus shared housing: $900–$1,200/month
Scholarships and bursaries are available through both schools, and part-time work is common among students to help offset living costs.
British Columbia’s Medical Services Plan (MSP) covers provincial healthcare. Residents no longer pay premiums; however, private insurance may be needed for other services.
Dental and vision packages: $80–$200/month
Prescription plans: Add $50/month approx.
Total for families: $200–$400/month in private add-ons
It’s recommended to review employer-sponsored benefits, as many companies offer group discount plans that significantly reduce personal coverage costs.
Gym memberships: $60–$90/month (GoodLife, YMCA, Anytime Fitness)
Movie ticket: $16
Wineries: Tastings at $10–$20 per person
Skiing (day pass): $110 at Big White
Family weekend outing: $200 for a modest trip/activity/meal
Kelowna also offers countless free or low-cost outdoor pursuits like hiking Knox Mountain, paddleboarding on Okanagan Lake, visiting the Myra Canyon trestles, and seasonal festivals that enrich lifestyle without major costs.
Provincial income tax rate: 5.06%–20.5% (tiered)
Sales taxes: 5% GST + 7% PST = 12%
Median household tax burden: ~$11,000/year
Miscellaneous (pet, personal care, streaming): $250/month
Be sure to set aside savings for seasonal expenses like winter tires, holiday travel, or birthdays. Subscriptions such as Netflix ($16/month), Spotify ($11/month), and pet insurance ($40–$100/month) can quietly eat up monthly budgets if untracked.
As demonstrated in this moving to Kelowna guide, the cost of living in 2025 remains manageable for many lifestyle types while still offering a desirable quality of life. While housing and groceries are on the rise, savings in transit, education, and outdoor activities make Kelowna an attractive alternative to major urban centers.
Working with a trusted moving company in Kelowna can also help streamline your relocation process and reduce unnecessary costs. Planning your expenses using this guide ensures a smoother and financially sound transition to life in the heart of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley.
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