Retirement Costs British Columbia

Budget your Retirement in British Columbia


Lists of reports on this page:

Find care details, insights, and insider perspectives gained from 20+ years of helping seniors and families.

What to know about this topic:


In the Comfort Life Spotlight


How much does it cost to retire in British Columbia? The answer will depend on the type of retirement community or home care service you choose and the level of care you need. Once you have determined these factors, start researching the associated costs and find a home care service or retirement community that works with your budget.

According to the CMHC’s Senior Housing Report, in 2018, the average cost of renting an independent living seniors’ housing space in British Columbia was $2,250 per month, one of the lowest averages in the country. The province had the highest average cost for "heavy care spaces" in all of Canada, with average cost being $6,011. Amenities are included quite often in the monthly rent, such as the cost of meals, utilities, and on-site medical services and a registered nurse. 

Looking for budgeting and financial tips? Read Easing Your Financial Stress

Ages and stages of retirement

BC's 55 plus communities come in a wide variety of styles, including gated communities to ocean-front spots to secluded resort-like bungalow developments nestled deep in the interior.  Costs range from $300,000 to more than $1 million for an investment in this carefree lifestyle. 

British Columbia retirement residences, as surveyed below, range in cost between $1,500 and $6,000. If you choose to try and stay in your own home, home care costs in BC average between $15 and $75 an hour, depending on the type and level of care required.

The following tables provide a more detailed look at some costs based on care required. This is only an overview, and you will need to consult with individual BC retirement homes to find out what care and services are included, how their rates vary, and what your final costs will be for the suite and care type that you require. 

When considering the cost of moving into a retirement home, remind yourself that all monthly costs are covered under one umbrella, including housing, maintenance, food and more.

Independent living seniors' care costs in BC

The following list surveys what retirement homes cost in a variety of locations in BC. 

City
Suite
Sq footage
Cost/mo (starting)
1 br
617 sq ft
$2,775
studio
350 sq ft
$2,690
studio
416 sq ft
3,160
Studio
400 sq ft
$1,954
 
1 br
539 sq ft
$2,475
1 br
555 sq ft
$3,500
 
2 br
669 sq ft
$4,760
Studio
380 sq ft
$3,700
 
2 br +
964 sq ft
$8,370

Assisted living costs

The minimum monthly rate you will pay for assisted living care in BC is $921.40 per month, as determined by the provincial government. For couples, the minimum monthly rate for living together is $1,485. However, the monthly client rate is based on the income of both you and your spouse, and this is subject to a minimum and maximum monthly rate. For families who can afford more, though, private care offers a variety of features and amenities you will not find in many other homes.

On a separate page, we take a fuller, more detailed look at assisted living costs in BC.

 

IN-DEPTH REPORTS
Retirement communities in British Columbia

Tapestry at Victoria Harbour  

777 Belleville St., Victoria, British Columbia, V8V OB6

Tapestry is an active aging seniors community promoting an active and vibrant lifestyle in a safe and supportive environment. Enjoy the wellness offerings and Restaurant and pub at your leisure.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living

Tapestry at Arbutus Walk  

2799 Yew Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6K 4W2

Tapestry at Arbutus Walk is an active aging community that offers residents unlimited opportunities to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle and improve their physical, mental and social well-being.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living

Chelsea Park  

1968 East 19th Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5N 5K3

A boutique residence with a homelike ambience where you can enjoy your independence while receiving quality hospitality services. Offering intimate, well designed, comfortable and affordable living for Seniors.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living

Tapestry at Wesbrook Village  

3338 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6S 0A6

Tapestry at Wesbrook VIllage is an active aging community that offers residents unlimited opportunities to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle and improve their physical, mental and social well-being.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living

Chartwell Ridgepointe Retirement Residence  

1789 Primrose Court, Kamloops, British Columbia, V1S 0B7

Enjoy a flexible, independent retirement lifestyle surrounded by nature with the convenience of Downtown Kamloops."

Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living

Sunnyside Manor  

15340 17th Avenue, Surrey, British Columbia, V4A 1T9

Step into Sunnyside Manor where you’ll find a warm and welcoming atmosphere, a place where connections are made and friendships flourish. Enjoy freshly prepared meals and ease of living with our all-inclusive services.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living

The Florentine  

4100 Belshaw Street, Merritt, British Columbia, V1K 0A5

The Florentine is a cozy retirement community offering home-style meals, spacious apartments with stunning Nicola Valley views, and amenities like a pub, game room, gyms, and a movie theatre. Live comfortably and thrive!

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living

Orchard Gardens Seniors Community  

295 Gerstmar Road, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1X 7W9

At Orchard Gardens Seniors Community, we offer quality services and a variety of amenities. Choose from a studio or one-bedroom suite with independent living monthly packages.

Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living

Courtyard Gardens - Verve Senior Living  

7051 Moffat Road, Richmond, British Columbia, V6Y 3W2

Courtyard Gardens offers an enriching community, with quality staff & friendly & caring environment. 107 Private & Subsidized suites in Assisted Living, 31 Private Pay Extended Care studio suites & 1 Respite Suite.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Long-term care

The Residence at Orchards Walk  

#100 3300 Valleyview Drive, Kamloops, British Columbia, V2C 0G9

The Residence offers service-oriented living at its finest. With a shopping plaza and stunning views, Orchards Walk is Kamloops’ premier new neighbourhood. Choose between spacious studios and one or two bedroom suites.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living

OPAL Vancouver  

438 West King Edward Ave, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Y 05M

438 West King Edward Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Y 0M5 Opal offers a full continuum of support from Independent Living to Complex Care/Dementia Care/Long Term Care. Allowing the opportunity for aging in place.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Memory Care, Long-term care

Berwick Qualicum Beach  

120 First Ave W, Qualicum Beach, British Columbia, V9K 0B4

Berwick Qualicum Beach offers an array of amenities and engaging programs in our beautifully appointed community. Join our vibrant community today and enjoy an active and healthy lifestyle with some new friends.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living

Arbourside Court  

13751 - 74th Avenue, Surrey, British Columbia, V3W 1A8

Welcome to Arbourside Court, a retirement home in the heart of Surrey, BC. Proudly serving our senior residents since 2001. Many activities to enjoy and new friendships to be made, we are always bustling with laughter.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living

Sherwood House  

280 Government Street, Duncan, British Columbia, V9L 0B5

At Sherwood House we offer active adult independent retirement living, pet friendly, featuring delicious homemade meals, daily activities, weekly housekeeping, safely connected in the heart of Duncan, Vancouver Island

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living

Berwick On The Lake  

3201 Ross Road, Nanaimo, British Columbia, V9T 6L9

At Berwick on the Lake, residents enjoy red seal chef prepared meals in their choice of 3 dining rooms. Beyond our beautiful amenities, our residents also enjoy a full wellness program. Resort style living at it's best!

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living

Wisteria Place  

4388 Garry Street, Richmond, British Columbia, V7E 2V2

Wisteria Place, beckons to active seniors seeking vibrant and satisfying daily life. Majestic views, park greenery, a Zen garden and Koi pond, bring nature, beauty, and peace. Let us welcome you home to life in harmony.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living

Sandalwood Retirement Resort  

580 Yates Road, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 2M3

Life at Sandalwood means your needs are taken care of: dining, linen, housekeeping, transportation & 24 hour security. Enriching activities & events will engage you. Choose from bright spacious 1 & 2 bedroom suites.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living

Westerleigh PARC  

725 - 22nd Street, West Vancouver, British Columbia, V7V 0B3

Westerleigh PARC offers refined independent living in one of West Vancouver's most sought after addresses. Studio, 1- and 2-bedroom suites available.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living

Berwick House  

4062 Shelbourne Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8N 3E6

Berwick House offers comfort, security and our usual high standard of affordable luxury. Steps away from a mall, cinema and other conveniences, you’ll find everything you need for an independent and active lifestyle.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Long-term care

Greystone Manor Retirement Residence  

11657 Ritchie Avenue, Maple Ridge, British Columbia, V2X 8X3

Named one of the top 3 retirement communities in Maple Ridge, Greystone is a premier Park Place residence, with the comfort and services you need to maintain your active lifestyle in a warm and welcoming community.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living

Berwick by the Sea  

Berwick by the Sea 1353 16th Ave., Campbell River,, British Columbia, V9W 0C4

Berwick by the Sea offers you the freedom to spend your time doing the things you love most. Every area of the community has been carefully designed to offer something for everyone. Come join us on your next adventure!

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living

Amica West Vancouver   

659 Clyde Avenue, West Vancouver, British Columbia, V7T 1C8

Tucked away between the North Shore Mountains and Pacific Ocean, our residence offers the best of West Vancouver. Enjoy access to trails and shopping—a comfortable yet sophisticated lifestyle at Amica West Vancouver.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Long-term care

Sunstone Apartments  

10775 Delsom Crescent, Delta, British Columbia, V4C 0A8

Sunstone Rentals is the newest retirement community located in North Delta. A 70 unit independent living facility for those 55+, offers retirement community living for those downsizing.

Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living

Berwick Royal Oak  

4680 Elk Lake Drive, Victoria, British Columbia, V8Z 0B4

Luxurious, Resort-Style Retirement Living where you can age in place; You’re Home at Last at Berwick Royal Oak on Vancouver Island in beautiful Victoria, BC.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Long-term care

The Vineyards Residence  

726 Valley Road, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 0E9

The Vineyards approach to assisted living & memory care allows people to go about life as they always have, despite health changes. Beautiful suites & homemade meals. Discover for yourself why we say Life’s Better Here

Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care

The Concorde Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living  

3235 Skaha Lake Road, Penticton, British Columbia, V2A 6G5

The Concorde has a warm and welcoming atmosphere with comfortable dining & excellent views of the mountains, along with extensive program activities; The Concorde is perfect for an active living & entertaining lifestyle.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living

The Heritage - Verve Senior Living  

3630 Brown Rd, West Kelowna, British Columbia, V4T7Y9

The Heritage Retirement Residence encompasses an active living & entertaining lifestyle with supportive & assisted living measures, Our highly skilled registered health care team will provide assistance when you need it.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living

Berwick Parksville  

180 Jensen Ave East, Parksville, British Columbia, V9P 0G9

At Berwick Parksville, we strive to change the perception of retirement living by empowering our Residents to live their best life with us. We think of it as inspired retirement living.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living

Thornebridge Gardens - Verve Senior Living  

649 8th Avenue, New Westminster, British Columbia, V3M 2R2

Thornebridge Gardens is one of New Westminster’s finest retirement residences, providing luxurious, worry-free surroundings with life enriching services that inspire healthy senior living. Many options are available!

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living

Magnolia Gardens  

5840 Glover Rd, Langley, British Columbia, V3A 9K3

An oasis in the heart of Langley City, Magnolia Gardens features bright, spacious suites and a warm, friendly atmosphere. Two choices in senior living: 115 independent living suites, and a 40-suite licensed Care Centre.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Memory Care, Long-term care

Gilmore Gardens - Verve Senior Living  

4088 Blundell Road, Richmond, British Columbia, V7C 5V1

Like a condominium, you furnish your suite with the comforts from your home, including pets. At Gilmore Gardens, it's the people, residents and staff alike, that make this independent senior living community so special.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living

Berwick On The Park  

60 Whiteshield Crescent, South Kamloops, British Columbia, V2E 2S9

Nestled on the hillside, Berwick on the Park offers stunning panoramic mountain, valley and river views and flexible retirement lifestyles, including independent living and assisted living.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living

Hawthorn Park Retirement Community - Verve Senior Living  

867 KLO Road, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1Y 9G5

Living at Hawthorn Park Retirement Residence means you have choices & can customize the services you need, as you need them. We offer three lifestyle opportunities; supportive living, assisted living & complex care.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care

Berwick Comox Valley  

1700 Comox Avenue, Comox, British Columbia, V9M 4H4

Berwick Comox Valley offers a resort-style retirement residence in a convenient downtown setting. This is West Coast living at its finest, truly affordable luxury.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living

The Wexford  

1737 56 Street, Tsawwassen BC, British Columbia, V4L 0A5

The Wexford offers all-inclusive, independent senior living one km from Tsawwassen town centre. Bright and spacious suites and costal-inspired living areas are beautifully accented by a rooftop garden and courtyard.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living

Cristalina PARC  

3101 Lakeshore Rd., Kelowna, British Columbia, V1W 1 J5

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living

Summerhill PARC  

135 West 15th Street, North Vancouver, British Columbia, V7M 1R7

Summerhill PARC near the heart of Lonsdale and 15th Avenue in beautiful North Vancouver offers a highly social retirement community living experience. 1- and 2-bedroom suites available.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living

Wedgwood House  

256 Government Street, Duncan, British Columbia, V9L 1A4

Very wonderful group of friendly residents who love to do things together. Residents Group arrange entertainment, winemaking and wine & cheese parties each month. They are helpful and welcoming. Wedgwood feels like home!

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living

The Village Langley - Verve Senior Living  

3920 198th Street, Langley, British Columbia, V3A1E1

We believe that the desire for fulfillment and living a life with purpose does not diminish with a diagnosis of dementia. We focus on the possibilities of each person, supporting each to live with laughter, love and joy.

Lifestyle Options: Memory Care, Long-term care

The Camelot  

455 Kingston Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8V 1V8

The Camelot offers Boutique Independent Retirement Living with Supportive Services. With fresh homemade meals, caring staff, fun activities in the exquisite and peaceful James Bay neighbourhood.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living

Hawthorne Place  

750 Memorial Avenue, Qualicum Beach, British Columbia, V9K 2P6

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living

Granville Gardens - Verve Senior Living  

1550 West 49th Avenue,, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6M 0B3

Located in Vancouver’s Kerrisdale neighbourhood, Granville Gardens offers residents the opportunity to stay active and live in a well-appointed urban community, surrounded by shopping centres, parks, community centres.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living

Cedar Springs PARC  

3633 Mount Seymour Pkwy, North Vancouver, British Columbia, V7H 0A9

Located near Mt. Seymour in Vancouver's North Shore, Cedar Springs PARC offers retirement living within a beautiful natural environment. 1- and 2-bedroom suites available.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living

Mulberry PARC  

7230 Acorn Avenue, Burnaby, British Columbia, V5E 4N9

Mulberry PARC is a welcoming home and community in the heart of Burnaby, BC with the largest 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom retirement home suites available.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living

The Waterford  

1345 56th Street, Tsawwassen, British Columbia, V4L 2P9

Featuring bright suites surrounded by pedestrian pathways, and a two-acre water feature in Tsawwassen town-centre. Two choices in all-inclusive senior housing: independent living and a licensed Care Centre suites.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Memory Care, Long-term care

Oceana PARC  

1575 George St, White Rock, British Columbia, V4B 0B6

At Oceana PARC, our residents thrive with access to physical and mental fitness programming, social activities, chef-prepared meals, transportation and more. Come discover why life is better at our new residence.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living

Sunridge Gardens  

22301 Fraser Highway, Langley, British Columbia, V3A 4H5

An upscale and contemporary senior living community in the historic Murrayville neighbourhood of Langley. Featuring spacious open-concept suites, a beautiful courtyard garden and a wide variety of amenities.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living

Take Comfort: retirement home reviews
Read BC retirement home reviews before you commit to a retirement residence.

Long term care costs

Long-term care costs vary depending on the type of suite, duration of stay and length of stay. Spots in long-term care residences are determined solely by need.

Approximate long-term care residence costs:

Type of stay
Daily - Monthly Rates
Long-stay basic
$54 – $1620
Long-stay semi-private
$62 – $1863
Long-stay private
$72 – $2167
Short-stay
$35 – $1053

As you browse the list of retirement home options below, ensure you have a clear understanding of what type of services and amenities are included with your rent. 

Can we afford it? Can we afford not to?

Anyone moving into a retirement home in the province of British Columbia needs to be diligent in getting to the bottom of all the costs associated with each home or residence before you move in. You can expect homes to be transparent about this, of course, but talk to residents and get their feedback also. Be aware of potential changes to care costs and affordability, such as lease or rental increases or changes to your income or investments. See an overview of how others afford senior care

Paying for seniors' care may be easier than you think. You will no longer be paying heat and hydro, property taxes and all other monthly and annual expenses that you pay as a homeowner living in your own residence. When many people finally sit down and figure it out, they are amazed at what they can afford. 

Further resources

For information about subsidies, tax credits and support for seniors in British Columbia visit the Canada Revenue Agency. For greater details about your options, and other civic advice, visit the provincial government's website, Assisted Living in BC.








Comfort Life is a division of Our Kids Media™ ©2002-2021   •   Disclaimer: Information presented on this page may be paid advertising provided by the retirement care advertisers and is not warranted or guaranteecd by ComfortLife.ca or its associated websites.  •   See Terms and Conditions.

The Comfort Life eNewsletter

Sign up today to receive tips and advice on retirement living, retirement communities, home care and other services.

First Name:
Email:
Postal Code

Comfort Life

*Bonus: sign up and immediately receive a free digital edition of Comfort Life Retirement Living Guide

100 pages, featuring the top retirement communities and care with expert advice on choosing, financing and making the move.


TOP