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Cost of Living in Port Alberni

Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada · Population 21,711

▼ -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 Port Alberni

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 Port Alberni 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 Port Alberni

Port Alberni vs TorontoPort Alberni vs MontréalPort Alberni vs VancouverPort Alberni vs CalgaryPort Alberni vs EdmontonPort Alberni vs Ottawa

Nearby Cities

Qualicum Beach

30 km away · British Columbia

Parksville

37 km away · British Columbia

Comox

49 km away · British Columbia

Courtenay

52 km away · British Columbia

Nanaimo

64 km away · British Columbia

Powell River

70 km away · British Columbia

Ladysmith

76 km away · British Columbia

Sechelt

81 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 Port Alberni

Port Alberni 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 Port Alberni 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 Port Alberni expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $1,304 ($959) per month in Port Alberni 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 Port Alberni?
A net salary of around $1,695 ($1,246) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Port Alberni with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Port Alberni is $3,917 ($2,880).
How much is rent in Port Alberni?
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 Port Alberni cheaper than Canada on average?
Yes — Port Alberni 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 Port Alberni?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $275 ($202) in Port Alberni. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $12 ($9) and a cappuccino runs around $4 ($3).
How do transport costs in Port Alberni compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Port Alberni is estimated at $44 ($33). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Port Alberni are estimates based on Canada national averages adjusted for city size (population 21,711). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.