The REAL Cost of Living in Langley BC

Overview

Are you considering a move to Langley, BC, and curious about the cost of living? Whether Vancouver’s skyrocketing home prices have pushed you to explore more affordable alternatives or you’ve simply fallen in love with Langley, I’m here to break down the key expenses you can expect if you make Langley your new home.

1. Rent Prices in Langley, BC

When it comes to renting in Langley, there are two main areas to consider: Langley City and the Township of Langley. Langley City, often considered the downtown core, tends to have more affordable rental prices compared to the outskirts of the Township.

• One-Bedroom Apartments:
  • Township: $1,600
  • City: $1,200–$1,300
• Two-Bedroom Apartments:
  • Township: $2,200–$2,300
  • City: $2,000
• Three-Bedroom Townhomes:
  • Township: $2,800–$3,000
  • City: $2,600–$2,700
• Basement Suites (1-2 Bedrooms):
  • $1,100–$1,600 across both areas

When you compare these prices to downtown Vancouver (where a one-bedroom can cost $2,200+), Langley offers a more affordable alternative.

2. Home Prices in Langley, BC

If you’re looking to buy rather than rent, Langley’s real estate market offers a range of options. Currently, the average home prices in Langley are:

• Detached Home: $1.75 million
• Townhomes: $900,000
• Condos: $600,000 for a two-bedroom and $450,000 for a one-bedroom

For comparison, in Vancouver, a single-family detached home is over $2.7 million, and townhomes exceed $1.3 million. Langley’s housing market has also seen more substantial year-over-year growth compared to Vancouver, making it a popular choice for homebuyers.

3. Property Taxes

Langley City offers lower property taxes compared to the Township. For example, taxes on a one-bedroom apartment with an assessed value of $400,000 in Langley City are around $1,600, while in the Township, you’re looking at over $2,500. While taxes are higher than Vancouver’s, they remain relatively affordable compared to other parts of the Lower Mainland.

4. Groceries, Dining, and Entertainment

Groceries in Langley are comparable to the rest of the Lower Mainland, with single individuals spending $300–$350 monthly. Dining out varies depending on the type of meal:

• Fast food/cafes: $15–$20 per meal
• Mid-range restaurants: $25–$30 per meal
• High-end dining: About $100 for two people, including drinks

Drink prices are reasonable, with pints of beer ranging from $7–$8, cocktails $8–$9, and wine around $12 per glass. Hitting happy hour can save you up to 40% on these prices.

5. Transportation Costs

Although Langley is walkable in certain neighborhoods, owning a car is often recommended. If you rely on public transit, a monthly pass will cost around $120, depending on your travel routes. For drivers, gas prices hover around $1.65 per liter, typically 10 cents cheaper than Surrey or Vancouver.

6. Utilities and Other Monthly Expenses

Utilities such as electricity, gas, and internet are on par with regional averages. Here’s a snapshot of typical utility costs in Langley:

• Electricity: $96/month (950 sq ft apartment)
• Gas: $86/month (for homes with gas)
• Internet/TV: $100–$150/month
• Water: $62/month

For those with phones, expect to spend $80–$100 per month for a typical plan, or closer to $150 if you’re paying off a new phone.

7. Health and Fitness

Fitness enthusiasts will find gym memberships starting at $45/month, with budget options like Club 16 offering passes for as low as $16/month. Niche fitness options such as CrossFit, powerlifting, and spin classes are also available but may cost upwards of $100 per month.

8. Childcare Costs

Childcare in Langley is significantly more affordable than Vancouver. You’ll spend around $1,000–$1,100 per month for childcare in Langley, compared to $1,500–$1,600 in Vancouver. However, with waitlists often stretching one to two years, it’s essential to plan ahead if childcare is needed.

9. Total Monthly Costs

Taking into account the cost of groceries, dining, transportation, utilities, and other essentials, the average monthly expenses (excluding rent) for an individual are approximately $1,300, while a family of four can expect to spend around $4,100. With the average monthly net salary in Langley around $3,311, budgeting and planning are essential.

Final Thoughts

Langley, BC offers a balanced cost of living that provides significant savings compared to nearby Vancouver, all while offering a vibrant and growing community. From housing prices to childcare and dining, Langley stands out as an affordable and desirable place to call home.

If you’re considering a move to Langley or are interested in learning more about the local real estate market, don’t hesitate to reach out!