Moving to a new country is exciting, but it’s also overwhelming. When I first arrived in Canada, I quickly realized how important it was to understand how to budget wisely, especially in a city like Vancouver where the cost of living is one of the highest in the country.
Back then, I didn’t have a clear financial plan. But through trial and error, and a lot of learning, I found a way to live comfortably without overspending. In this post, I’ll show you exactly how my husband and I make life work in Vancouver with just $3,500/month.
My first job in Canada was at Cobs Bread. I worked as a salesperson, and after two months, my boss promoted me to sales team leader and baker. I worked 4–5 days a week, 8 hours a day, and earned around $2,500 a month after tax. I’m genuinely grateful for this job, not only did it help me financially, but it also helped me understand Canadian life better. Cape Seed loaf quickly became my favorite. It’s packed with the nutrients of nine grains and seeds, that keeps me full for hours.
At Cobs, I also learned how to bake scones and bread, and made friends from all over the world, ranging from India, Ukraine, Korea, Vietnam to Jordan. And yes, I also learned to recognize Canadian coins, the nickel (5¢), dime (10¢), quarter (25¢), loonie ($1), and toonie ($2). That experience helped me feel more connected to this country.
Eventually, I transitioned into a job more related to what I used to do in Hong Kong, with better pay. But that humble first job is a big part of my story.
How We Budget $3,500 a Month in Vancouver (Full Breakdown)
Before we dive in, here’s a helpful budgeting tip I learned from Ramit Sethi’s book, I Will Teach You to Be Rich. It’s recommended that you divide your monthly income roughly like this:
- 50% for fixed costs, like rent and bills
- 10% for long-term investments, for instance TFSA, RRSP
- 5–10% for short-term savings or goals, like trip, new car
- 20–35% for guilt-free spending (yes, fun money!)
So, in our case, with my husband and I combining our income, we’ve found that $3,500/month covers our fixed and necessary living costs in Vancouver. Of course, every month looks a little different, and we’ll talk more about savings, investing, and side hustles in another post. But for today, let’s stay focused on how we budget $3,500 a month in this beautiful but a little bit pricey city, Vancouver.
Our Monthly Budget Breakdown
Here’s how our $3,500 monthly budget is spent:
Rent $1,650
This is our biggest expense each month, but honestly, we feel really lucky to have found this place. We live in a clean and cozy basement suite that’s been a great fit for our budget, especially in a pricey city like Vancouver. It’s not super close to the SkyTrain, but there’s a bus stop just a few minutes away, so it’s still easy to get around. ⭐ Newcomer tip: Rent is usually higher the closer you are to SkyTrain stations. If you don’t have a car, try searching for places near a bus stop instead, you’ll often find more budget-friendly options without sacrificing convenience.
Phone Fee and Wi-Fi $60
We keep this one super low by using affordable plans. We both use budget phone carriers. It’s important to choose a plan that fits your needs and avoid paying for extra data or features you won’t use.
Transport $700
This covers gas, occasional parking, minor car maintenance, and my monthly Compass Card. Since we share one car and my office is near the SkyTrain, transit works well for me during weekday.
Food & Household $870
Groceries, household essentials, for instance detergent, paper towels, and shampoo, and the occasional bubble tea or ramen night out.
Car Insurance $220
We set aside $220 each month so we can pay our ICBC insurance every 6 months or yearly. It helps us avoid extra fees and keeps things manageable. Our car is an older model from 2003, which helps keep our insurance costs lower. Everyone’s rates will be different depending on the car and driving history, but planning ahead with monthly savings definitely helps.
We’ve learned to be more mindful about where our money goes. Breaking our budget into simple categories really helps us stay on track. It covers the basics, lets us save a bit, and still gives us room to enjoy little treats here and there. It’s all about finding a balance that works for you. If you’re new to Canada, don’t miss my post, New to Canada? First 5 Financial Steps for Newcomers (2025) It’s a great place to start!
Smart Budgeting Tips for Vancouver Living
Living in a beautiful city like Vancouver means making your budget work is super important, but it doesn’t have to be stressful or overwhelming. We’ve slowly built some habits that make life in Vancouver a bit easier to handle. Here are some practical tips that might help you too.
1. Meal Prep = Money Saved (and Less Stress)
Eating out in Vancouver can be expensive, even a quick lunch can cost around $20. So instead, we cook most of our meals at home. It helps us save money and keeps our weeknights a lot more relaxed.
We stick to simple, flexible meals we can mix and match throughout the week, like baked chicken, stir-fried veggies, noodles, and soups. Costco, Walmart and Superstore help us keep the cost down. I’ll share more easy and delicious meal ideas, so if you want to save money and eat well without stress, stay tuned.
2. Take Advantage of Public Transit + Compass Card Hack
If you’re trying to stick to a budget in Vancouver, public transit can be a big help, especially if you cannot own two cars. My husband and I share one car between us, so I take transit to work during weekday. Thankfully, Vancouver’s transit system is clean, and well-connected.
The Compass Card makes it all easier. It’s a reloadable transit card you can tap on buses, SkyTrains, and the SeaBus. I use the Monthly Pass, which lets me ride as much as I want for one flat fee, it’s perfect since my office is right near a SkyTrain station.
⭐Tip: If you’re commuting often, the Monthly Pass usually saves you more than paying per ride. Also, it keeps things simple, you can just tap and go.
⭐Newcomer tip: Vancouver’s transit fares go by zones, so the farther you travel, the more you pay. But after 6:30 PM, weekends, and holidays all count as just one zone, so plan your trips around that for extra savings!
3. Enjoy Free (or Almost Free) Fun
Yes, Vancouver has its pricey spots, but it’s also packed with fun, low-cost things to do. Here’s how we keep life fun without blowing our budget:
- Take relaxing walks at Queen Elizabeth Park, False Creek, or along the Seawall
- Check out free or low-cost classes at local community centers
- Enjoy seasonal events like the cherry blossom festival, summer night markets, or outdoor movie nights
- Pack a picnic and head to the beach, like English Bay, or peaceful Jericho are all amazing
Sometimes the best moments come from the simplest and cheapest experiences.
4. Be a Smart Shopper
One of the easiest ways to stick to a budget is just being more mindful when we shop. Here’s what we do:
- Use apps like Flipp to check flyers and price match
- Stock up on essentials at Costco
- Stick to the grocery list to avoid impulse buys (not always easy, but we try!)
- Shop second-hand, like Facebook Marketplace, and thrift stores
Don’t underestimate small savings, just $10–$20 here and there can make a difference.
5. Budget with Purpose
This part is really about how you think about money. For us, budgeting isn’t just about cutting costs or saying no, it’s about creating freedom and peace of mind. When we have a clear plan for our money, it helps us feel less stressed and more in control. Also, it makes spending easier because we’ve already decided what’s important to us.
Whether you’re saving up for a vacation, paying off debt, or just want to stop worrying about bills, having a budget that matches your goals can make a big difference. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about making choices that support the life you want.
There’s so much more I want to share with you, like how we build an emergency fund for unexpected expenses, simple ways we’re starting to invest without feeling overwhelmed, and how we save for both fun experiences and bigger goals. Even with Vancouver’s high costs, we’re finding ways to save and plan for the future.
Final Thoughts
Living in Vancouver on a budget doesn’t mean giving up everything you love. With a little planning and some creativity, you can live well. Yes, even with high rent and grocery prices.
“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” Matthew 6:26
Thanks for reading my story. I hope it gave you a few ideas, or maybe just some encouragement. If you’re navigating life on a budget in Vancouver, I’d love to hear from you. Drop a comment or connect with me anytime!
