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Cost of Living in New Westminster

New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada · Population 78,916

▼ -6% vs Canada average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$1,463 ($1,076)
Couple, monthly$2,662 ($1,957)
Family of four, monthly$3,505 ($2,577)

Estimated Prices in New Westminster

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$13.46 ($9.90)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$53.86 ($39.60)per meal
Cappuccino$4.04 ($2.97)each
Monthly groceries (single person)$305 ($224)per month
Monthly public transport pass$49.37 ($36.30)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$130 ($95.70)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$37.70 ($27.72)per month
Fitness club membership$37.70 ($27.72)per month
Cinema ticket$9.87 ($7.26)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$813 ($598)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$566 ($416)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$1,697 ($1,248)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in New Westminster is $4,352 ($3,200) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $1,463 ($1,076) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $1,902 ($1,399) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($566 ($416)) represents about 39% of the total single-person budget.

Compare New Westminster

New Westminster vs TorontoNew Westminster vs MontréalNew Westminster vs VancouverNew Westminster vs CalgaryNew Westminster vs EdmontonNew Westminster vs Ottawa

Nearby Cities

Surrey

5 km away · British Columbia

Burnaby

8 km away · British Columbia

Port Moody

10 km away · British Columbia

Port Coquitlam

11 km away · British Columbia

Coquitlam

12 km away · British Columbia

Vancouver

15 km away · British Columbia

Richmond

17 km away · British Columbia

Pitt Meadows

17 km away · British Columbia

Other Major Cities in Canada

Toronto

Ontario · pop. 5,647,656

$1,952 ($1,435) / mo

Montréal

Quebec · pop. 3,675,219

$1,690 ($1,242) / mo

Vancouver

British Columbia · pop. 2,426,160

$1,690 ($1,242) / mo

Calgary

Alberta · pop. 1,306,784

$1,690 ($1,242) / mo

Edmonton

Alberta · pop. 1,151,635

$1,690 ($1,242) / mo

Ottawa

Ontario · pop. 1,068,821

$1,690 ($1,242) / mo

Winnipeg

Manitoba · pop. 758,515

$1,560 ($1,147) / mo

Quebec City

Quebec · pop. 733,156

$1,560 ($1,147) / mo

Living in New Westminster

New Westminster is one of the key cities in Canada. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $1,463 ($1,076), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $566 ($416) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $3,505 ($2,577) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $2,662 ($1,957) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in New Westminster is $4,352 ($3,200). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $1,902 ($1,399) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is New Westminster expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $1,463 ($1,076) per month in New Westminster including rent outside the city centre. That is 6% less than the national average for Canada.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in New Westminster?
A net salary of around $1,902 ($1,399) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in New Westminster with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in New Westminster is $4,352 ($3,200).
How much is rent in New Westminster?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $813 ($598) per month in the city centre and $566 ($416) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $1,697 ($1,248).
Is New Westminster cheaper than Canada on average?
Yes — New Westminster is estimated to be about 6% cheaper than the Canada average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in New Westminster?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $305 ($224) in New Westminster. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $13 ($10) and a cappuccino runs around $4 ($3).
How do transport costs in New Westminster compare?
A monthly public transport pass in New Westminster is estimated at $49 ($36). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for New Westminster are estimates based on Canada national averages adjusted for city size (population 78,916). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.