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Cost of Living in Oak Bay

Oak Bay, British Columbia, Canada · Population 17,990

▼ -16% vs Canada average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$1,304 ($959)
Couple, monthly$2,368 ($1,741)
Family of four, monthly$3,115 ($2,290)

Estimated Prices in Oak Bay

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$12.12 ($8.91)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$48.47 ($35.64)per meal
Cappuccino$3.64 ($2.67)each
Monthly groceries (single person)$275 ($202)per month
Monthly public transport pass$44.43 ($32.67)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$117 ($86.13)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$33.93 ($24.95)per month
Fitness club membership$33.93 ($24.95)per month
Cinema ticket$8.89 ($6.53)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$713 ($524)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$496 ($365)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$1,488 ($1,094)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Oak Bay is $3,917 ($2,880) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $1,304 ($959) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $1,695 ($1,246) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($496 ($365)) represents about 38% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Oak Bay

Oak Bay vs TorontoOak Bay vs MontréalOak Bay vs VancouverOak Bay vs CalgaryOak Bay vs EdmontonOak Bay vs Ottawa

Nearby Cities

Victoria

3 km away · British Columbia

Esquimalt

7 km away · British Columbia

Saanich

8 km away · British Columbia

View Royal

9 km away · British Columbia

Central Saanich

11 km away · British Columbia

Colwood

13 km away · British Columbia

Langford Station

14 km away · British Columbia

North Saanich

22 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 Oak Bay

Oak Bay is one of the key cities in Canada. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $1,304 ($959), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $496 ($365) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $3,115 ($2,290) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $2,368 ($1,741) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Oak Bay is $3,917 ($2,880). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $1,695 ($1,246) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Oak Bay expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $1,304 ($959) per month in Oak Bay including rent outside the city centre. That is 16% less than the national average for Canada.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Oak Bay?
A net salary of around $1,695 ($1,246) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Oak Bay with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Oak Bay is $3,917 ($2,880).
How much is rent in Oak Bay?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $713 ($524) per month in the city centre and $496 ($365) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $1,488 ($1,094).
Is Oak Bay cheaper than Canada on average?
Yes — Oak Bay is estimated to be about 16% cheaper than the Canada average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Oak Bay?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $275 ($202) in Oak Bay. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $12 ($9) and a cappuccino runs around $4 ($3).
How do transport costs in Oak Bay compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Oak Bay is estimated at $44 ($33). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Oak Bay are estimates based on Canada national averages adjusted for city size (population 17,990). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.