Sam SmithBritish Columbia is widely recognized as Canada’s most expensive province, largely due to extremely high housing costs in Metro Vancouver and Victoria. However, affordability still exists outside these major urban centers. This list highlights the 50 cheapest cities and towns to live in British Columbia, ranked by housing prices, rental costs, and overall cost of living relative to local incomes. Most affordable communities are found in Northern BC, the Interior, and select parts of Vancouver Island, where housing is significantly cheaper than the provincial average.
Top 50 Cheapest Cities to Live in British Columbia
1. Houston, British Columbia
Houston is a small forestry town in BC’s Bulkley Valley known for some of the lowest housing prices in the province. The local economy is driven by forestry, transportation, and public services. Living costs are significantly lower than provincial averages, especially for homeownership. Residents enjoy access to outdoor recreation such as fishing, hiking, and snowmobiling. The main trade-offs are limited job diversity, fewer amenities, and long distances to larger urban centers like Prince George.
2. Mackenzie, British Columbia
Mackenzie is a remote northern resource town with extremely affordable housing, often among the cheapest in British Columbia. Historically dependent on forestry, the town has faced economic cycles but remains attractive for buyers seeking low entry prices. Daily living costs are manageable, though food and travel can be more expensive due to distance. Mackenzie appeals to retirees, remote workers, and tradespeople comfortable with cold winters, isolation, and a quiet, small-town lifestyle.
3. Pouce Coupe, British Columbia
Pouce Coupe is a very small rural community in the Peace River region offering exceptionally low housing costs. It functions largely as a residential area for nearby Dawson Creek, providing access to services while maintaining a quieter environment. The cost of living is low, especially for housing and utilities. Employment opportunities are limited locally, but agriculture, energy, and service jobs exist nearby. Winters are long and cold, making it best suited for residents comfortable with northern climates.
4. Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia
Tumbler Ridge is a planned northern community originally built for coal mining, resulting in modern infrastructure and affordable housing. Home prices are among the lowest in BC, making it attractive for families and first-time buyers. The town is surrounded by wilderness, offering waterfalls, hiking, and outdoor recreation. Employment is tied to mining, forestry, and public services. Isolation and economic dependence on resource industries remain the primary drawbacks for prospective residents.
5. Castlegar, British Columbia
Castlegar is a small city in the West Kootenays that offers relatively affordable housing compared to other interior BC communities. It benefits from regional transportation links and a local airport, improving accessibility. The economy is supported by education, healthcare, and light industry. Residents enjoy a scenic setting with rivers and mountains, appealing to outdoor enthusiasts. While prices are rising, Castlegar remains a more affordable alternative to larger BC cities with a balanced lifestyle.
6. Trail, British Columbia
Trail is a historic smelting city in the West Kootenays known for consistently low home prices. The presence of Teck’s smelter provides stable employment, supporting the local economy. Housing affordability is among the best in southern British Columbia, making ownership attainable for many residents. Trail has solid healthcare facilities, recreation centers, and community services. While smaller and industrial in character, it offers a practical, affordable lifestyle surrounded by mountain scenery.
7. Chetwynd, British Columbia
Chetwynd is an industrial town in northeastern BC with an economy centered on forestry, energy, and transportation. Housing costs are low, particularly for detached homes, making it attractive for workers in resource industries. The town has basic services, schools, and recreational facilities, including access to outdoor activities like snowmobiling and hiking. Chetwynd’s affordability comes with cold winters, economic dependence on industry cycles, and limited cultural and retail amenities.
8. Dawson Creek, British Columbia
Dawson Creek is the largest and most developed community in the Peace River region, offering a balance between affordability and services. Housing prices remain relatively low compared to southern BC, while employment opportunities exist in energy, agriculture, healthcare, and education. The city provides hospitals, shopping, and transportation links not found in smaller towns. Winters are harsh, but Dawson Creek appeals to those seeking affordable living with urban conveniences in northern British Columbia.
9. Campbell River, British Columbia
Campbell River is one of the more affordable cities on Vancouver Island, particularly compared to Victoria and Nanaimo. Historically tied to forestry and fishing, the economy now includes healthcare, tourism, and services. Housing costs are moderate for island living, attracting retirees and remote workers. Residents enjoy ocean access, fishing, and mountain recreation. While prices have risen, Campbell River remains a relatively affordable option for those wanting island life without major-city costs.
10. Cranbrook, British Columbia
Cranbrook is the largest city in the East Kootenays and offers moderate housing prices by BC standards. The local economy is diverse, supported by healthcare, retail, transportation, and nearby resource industries. Cranbrook provides strong amenities, including a regional hospital, airport, and shopping centers. Its location offers access to skiing, hiking, and outdoor recreation. While not the cheapest town in BC, it offers a strong balance of affordability, services, and livability.
Top 50 Most Affordable Places in British Columbia (Table)
| Rank | City / Town | Region | Affordability Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Houston | Bulkley Valley | Forestry town with very low housing costs |
| 2 | Mackenzie | Northern BC | Extremely affordable resource town |
| 3 | Pouce Coupe | Peace River | Small, inexpensive rural community |
| 4 | Tumbler Ridge | Northern BC | Affordable, family-friendly town |
| 5 | Castlegar | West Kootenay | Modest prices relative to region |
| 6 | Trail | West Kootenay | Historic smelting city, low home prices |
| 7 | Chetwynd | Peace River | Industrial base, low housing costs |
| 8 | Dawson Creek | Peace River | Regional hub, still affordable |
| 9 | Campbell River | Vancouver Island | Affordable for an island city |
| 10 | Cranbrook | East Kootenay | Largest city in region, moderate prices |
| 11 | Prince George | Northern BC | Most affordable major BC city |
| 12 | Williams Lake | Cariboo | Forestry-based, low housing costs |
| 13 | Quesnel | Cariboo | Very affordable, small city |
| 14 | 100 Mile House | South Cariboo | Rural affordability |
| 15 | Port Alberni | Vancouver Island | Cheaper than coastal island towns |
| 16 | Courtenay / Comox | Vancouver Island | More affordable than Nanaimo/Victoria |
| 17 | Merritt | Nicola Valley | Interior town, reasonable housing |
| 18 | Vernon (older areas) | Okanagan | Cheaper than Kelowna |
| 19 | Penticton | South Okanagan | Affordable for wine region |
| 20 | Salmon Arm | Shuswap | Lakeside living at moderate cost |
| 21 | Kamloops | Thompson | Affordable for a mid-sized city |
| 22 | Nelson | West Kootenay | Cultural hub, rising prices |
| 23 | Gibsons | Sunshine Coast | Coastal affordability relative to region |
| 24 | Powell River | Sunshine Coast | Isolated but inexpensive |
| 25 | Squamish (older units) | Sea-to-Sky | Cheaper than Vancouver |
| 26 | Parksville / Qualicum | Vancouver Island | Mid-range retiree communities |
| 27 | Fort St. John | Peace River | Energy town, cyclical pricing |
| 28 | Terrace | Northwest BC | Regional hub, moderate costs |
| 29 | Kitimat | Northwest BC | Housing tied to industry cycles |
| 30 | Smithers | Bulkley Valley | Charming town, moderate affordability |
| 31 | Ladysmith | Vancouver Island | Small-town island affordability |
| 32 | Mission | Fraser Valley | Cheapest near Lower Mainland |
| 33 | Chilliwack | Fraser Valley | Rising prices but still affordable |
| 34 | Maple Ridge / Pitt Meadows | Lower Mainland | Edge of metro affordability |
| 35 | Langley (Township) | Lower Mainland | Parts cheaper than Vancouver core |
| 36 | Surrey (select areas) | Lower Mainland | Wide variation in prices |
| 37 | Abbotsford | Fraser Valley | Agricultural base, moderate costs |
| 38 | Nanaimo | Vancouver Island | Cheaper than Victoria |
| 39 | Kelowna (outskirts) | Okanagan | Pockets of affordability |
| 40 | Victoria (Langford/Colwood) | South Island | Cheaper than downtown core |
| 41 | New Westminster (older units) | Metro Vancouver | Relative affordability |
| 42 | Coquitlam (some areas) | Tri-Cities | Cheaper than Vancouver |
| 43 | Burnaby (East Burnaby) | Metro Vancouver | Lower-cost side of city |
| 44 | Richmond (older complexes) | Metro Vancouver | Price variation exists |
| 45 | North Vancouver (District) | Metro Vancouver | Some older affordable pockets |
| 46 | Vancouver (Eastside areas) | Metro Vancouver | Cheapest within the city |
| 47 | West Vancouver | Metro Vancouver | Least affordable municipality |
| 48 | Oak Bay | Vancouver Island | Very high-income area |
| 49 | Whistler | Sea-to-Sky | Resort pricing, very expensive |
| 50 | Salt Spring Island | Gulf Islands | Limited supply, high demand |
Closing
While lower costs are a major advantage, affordability in British Columbia often comes with trade-offs such as limited job markets, reduced healthcare access, and geographic isolation. Northern and resource-based towns offer the lowest housing prices but may experience economic volatility, while Interior and Island communities provide a better balance of services and lifestyle at higher costs. Ultimately, British Columbia’s “cheapest” towns are best suited for those prioritizing housing affordability and lifestyle over proximity to major metropolitan centers.