No fee everyday banking
Set up direct deposit and skip the monthly fee. Free to open, and the Easy plan has no monthly fee. Worth doing if you will actually move your pay or your CRA deposits over, not if the card sits unused. Code BREMO2026.
Canada's garden city and most livable small metro — with a price tag to match its reputation.
Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, is consistently ranked as one of Canada's most desirable places to live. Mild climate (the mildest in Canada — snow is a rare event), cycling-friendly streets, stunning gardens, and proximity to whale-watching, kayaking, and hiking have made it enormously popular. The result: despite a population of just ~400,000 in the CRD, Victoria has housing costs that rival much larger cities. It's expensive for its size, but many residents feel it's worth every dollar.
| Unit Type | Downtown / James Bay / Fernwood | Langford / Colwood / Saanich |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor / Studio | $1,900/mo | $1,550/mo |
| 1-Bedroom | $2,300/mo | $1,850/mo |
| 2-Bedroom | $3,000/mo | $2,400/mo |
| 3-Bedroom | $3,800/mo | $2,900/mo |
Langford, in the West Shore, has grown rapidly and offers better value than the City of Victoria proper, though car dependence is higher there. The E&N rail corridor may eventually improve transit westward.
| Item | Average Price (2026) |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast (1 kg) | $15.00 |
| Ground beef (1 kg) | $14.20 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.50 |
| 2L milk | $5.70 |
| Loaf of sourdough (local bakery) | $8.50 |
| Option | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| BC Transit Monthly Pass (adult) | $85/mo |
| BC Ferries (Victoria-Vancouver, casual) | $19/crossing ($76+/mo if regular) |
| Car ownership (ICBC + gas) | $1,100–$1,700/mo |
Victoria is extremely bikeable — the Galloping Goose and Lochside regional trails create a continuous cycling network reaching from the inner harbour to Langford and Sidney. Many residents commute year-round by bike given the mild weather.
| Utility | Average Monthly (1BR) |
|---|---|
| Electricity (BC Hydro) | $60–$90 |
| Internet (100 Mbps+) | $65–$90 |
| Cell phone | $50–$70 |
| Natural gas (Fortis BC) | $40–$70 (mild winters) |
Victoria's mild climate is a genuine financial benefit — heating costs are dramatically lower than prairie cities, and air conditioning is rarely needed. BC Hydro electricity rates are low. These factors partially offset the high rent.
| Expense | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Coffee (specialty café latte) | $7.00 |
| Afternoon tea (Fairmont Empress) | $100–$130/person |
| Dinner (mid-range, per person) | $30–$45 |
| Movie ticket | $17.00 |
| Gym membership | $50–$85/mo |
Victoria has become a particularly popular destination for remote workers from Vancouver and Toronto. The ability to earn a mainland salary while living in Victoria's environment and paying (somewhat) lower costs has fueled demand. If you have location flexibility, Victoria's lifestyle-to-cost ratio is genuinely excellent — just don't expect "cheap."
From Inner Harbour strolls to Butchart Gardens, Victoria's beauty is free. Your bank account shouldn't cost you either. KOHO gives you no-fee banking and cashback. Use code BREMO2026 for a $100 bonus.
Claim $100 with KOHO →