Lists of reports on this page:
Find care details, insights, and insider perspectives gained from 20+ years of helping seniors and families.
What to know about this topic:
- Ages and stages of retirement
- Independent living seniors' care costs in BC
- Assisted living costs
- Long term care costs
- Can we afford it? Can we afford not to?
- Further resources
How much does it cost to retire in British Columbia? The answer will depend on the type of retirement community or home care service you choose and the level of care you need. Once you have determined these factors, start researching the associated costs and find a home care service or retirement community that works with your budget.
According to the CMHC’s Senior Housing Report, in 2018, the average cost of renting an independent living seniors’ housing space in British Columbia was $2,250 per month, one of the lowest averages in the country. The province had the highest average cost for "heavy care spaces" in all of Canada, with average cost being $6,011. Amenities are included quite often in the monthly rent, such as the cost of meals, utilities, and on-site medical services and a registered nurse.
Looking for budgeting and financial tips? Read Easing Your Financial Stress
Ages and stages of retirement
BC's 55 plus communities come in a wide variety of styles, including gated communities to ocean-front spots to secluded resort-like bungalow developments nestled deep in the interior. Costs range from $300,000 to more than $1 million for an investment in this carefree lifestyle.
British Columbia retirement residences, as surveyed below, range in cost between $1,500 and $6,000. If you choose to try and stay in your own home, home care costs in BC average between $15 and $75 an hour, depending on the type and level of care required.
The following tables provide a more detailed look at some costs based on care required. This is only an overview, and you will need to consult with individual BC retirement homes to find out what care and services are included, how their rates vary, and what your final costs will be for the suite and care type that you require.
When considering the cost of moving into a retirement home, remind yourself that all monthly costs are covered under one umbrella, including housing, maintenance, food and more.
Independent living seniors' care costs in BC
The following list surveys what retirement homes cost in a variety of locations in BC.
City
|
Suite
|
Sq footage
|
Cost/mo (starting)
|
1 br
|
617 sq ft
|
$2,775
|
|
studio
|
350 sq ft
|
$2,690
|
|
studio
|
416 sq ft
|
3,160
|
|
Studio
|
400 sq ft
|
$1,954
|
|
1 br
|
539 sq ft
|
$2,475
|
|
1 br
|
555 sq ft
|
$3,500
|
|
2 br
|
669 sq ft
|
$4,760
|
|
Studio
|
380 sq ft
|
$3,700
|
|
2 br +
|
964 sq ft
|
$8,370
|
Assisted living costs
The minimum monthly rate you will pay for assisted living care in BC is $921.40 per month, as determined by the provincial government. For couples, the minimum monthly rate for living together is $1,485. However, the monthly client rate is based on the income of both you and your spouse, and this is subject to a minimum and maximum monthly rate. For families who can afford more, though, private care offers a variety of features and amenities you will not find in many other homes.
On a separate page, we take a fuller, more detailed look at assisted living costs in BC.
IN-DEPTH REPORTSRetirement communities in British Columbia
Berwick by the Sea
1353 16th Ave., Campbell River,
British Columbia, V9W 0C4
Berwick by the Sea offers you the freedom to spend your time doing the things you love most. Every area of the community has been carefully designed to offer something for everyone. Come join us on your next adventure!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Gilmore Gardens - Verve Senior Living
4088 Blundell Road, Richmond,
British Columbia, V7C 5V1
Like a condominium, you furnish your suite with the comforts from your home, including pets. At Gilmore Gardens, it's the people, residents and staff alike, that make this independent senior living community so special.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
The Concorde Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
3235 Skaha Lake Road, Penticton,
British Columbia, V2A 6G5
The Concorde has a warm and welcoming atmosphere with comfortable dining & excellent views of the mountains, along with extensive program activities; The Concorde is perfect for an active living & entertaining lifestyle.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
The Camelot
455 Kingston Street, Victoria,
British Columbia, V8V 1V8
The Camelot offers Boutique Independent Retirement Living with Supportive Services. With fresh homemade meals, caring staff, fun activities in the exquisite and peaceful James Bay neighbourhood.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Athens Creek Retirement Lodge
170 Warren Avenue West, Penticton,
British Columbia, V2A 8R6
Athens Creek Retirement Lodge offers independent living in Penticton amid mountain and creekside surroundings. This is a welcoming community where comfort, convenience, and connection combine in a relaxed setting.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Sherwood House
280 Government Street, Duncan,
British Columbia, V9L 0B5
At Sherwood House we offer active adult independent retirement living, pet friendly, featuring delicious homemade meals, daily activities, weekly housekeeping, safely connected in the heart of Duncan, Vancouver Island
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Hawthorn Park Retirement Community - Verve Senior Living
867 KLO Road, Kelowna,
British Columbia, V1Y 9G5
Living at Hawthorn Park Retirement Residence means you have choices & can customize the services you need, as you need them. We offer three lifestyle opportunities; supportive living, assisted living & complex care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
Berwick Qualicum Beach
120 First Ave W, Qualicum Beach,
British Columbia, V9K 0B4
Berwick Qualicum Beach offers an array of amenities and engaging programs in our beautifully appointed community. Join our vibrant community today and enjoy an active and healthy lifestyle with some new friends.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Berwick Royal Oak
4680 Elk Lake Drive, Victoria,
British Columbia, V8Z 0B4
Luxurious, Resort-Style Retirement Living where you can age in place; You’re Home at Last at Berwick Royal Oak on Vancouver Island in beautiful Victoria, BC.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Long-term care
The Heritage - Verve Senior Living
3630 Brown Rd, West Kelowna,
British Columbia, V4T7Y9
The Heritage Retirement Residence encompasses an active living & entertaining lifestyle with supportive & assisted living measures, Our highly skilled registered health care team will provide assistance when you need it.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Berwick Parksville
180 Jensen Ave East, Parksville,
British Columbia, V9P 0G9
At Berwick Parksville, we strive to change the perception of retirement living by empowering our Residents to live their best life with us. We think of it as inspired retirement living.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Courtyard Gardens - Verve Senior Living
7051 Moffat Road, Richmond,
British Columbia, V6Y 3W2
Courtyard Gardens offers an enriching community, with quality staff & friendly & caring environment. 107 Private & Subsidized suites in Assisted Living, 31 Private Pay Extended Care studio suites & 1 Respite Suite.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Long-term care
OPAL Vancouver
438 West King Edward Ave, Vancouver,
British Columbia, V5Y 05M
OPAL Vancouver offers luxurious senior living with 30,000+ sq. ft. of amenities and a full continuum of care, creating a vibrant, connected community designed for comfort, wellness, and aging in place.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Long-term care
The Residence at Orchards Walk
#100 3300 Valleyview Drive, Kamloops,
British Columbia, V2C 0G9
The Residence offers service-oriented living at its finest. With a shopping plaza and stunning views, Orchards Walk is Kamloops’ premier new neighbourhood. Choose between spacious studios and one or two bedroom suites.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Cristalina PARC
3101 Lakeshore Road, Kelowna,
British Columbia, V1W 1J5
Cristalina PARC brings refined independent senior living to Kelowna’s Pandosy Village. With stunning lake and mountain views, and a modern design, it’s a place that invites you to live fully and in style.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Berwick On The Park
60 Whiteshield Crescent, South Kamloops,
British Columbia, V2E 2S9
Nestled on the hillside, Berwick on the Park offers stunning panoramic mountain, valley and river views and flexible retirement lifestyles, including independent living and assisted living.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Magnolia Gardens
5840 Glover Rd, Langley,
British Columbia, V3A 9K3
An oasis in the heart of Langley City, Magnolia Gardens features bright, spacious suites and a warm, friendly atmosphere. Two choices in senior living: 115 independent living suites, and a 40-suite licensed Care Centre.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
The Vineyards Residence
726 Valley Road, Kelowna,
British Columbia, V1V 0E9
The Vineyards approach to assisted living & memory care allows people to go about life as they always have, despite health changes. Beautiful suites & homemade meals. Discover for yourself why we say Life’s Better Here
Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
The Village Langley - Verve Senior Living
3920 198th Street, Langley,
British Columbia, V3A1E1
We believe that the desire for fulfillment and living a life with purpose does not diminish with a diagnosis of dementia. We focus on the possibilities of each person, supporting each to live with laughter, love and joy.
Lifestyle Options: Memory Care, Long-term care
Arbourside Court
13751 - 74th Avenue, Surrey,
British Columbia, V3W 1A8
Welcome to Arbourside Court, a retirement home in the heart of Surrey, BC. Proudly serving our senior residents since 2001. Many activities to enjoy and new friendships to be made, we are always bustling with laughter.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Berwick Comox Valley
1700 Comox Avenue, Comox,
British Columbia, V9M 4H4
Berwick Comox Valley offers a resort-style retirement residence in a convenient downtown setting. This is West Coast living at its finest, truly affordable luxury.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
The Wexford
1737 56 Street, Tsawwassen,
British Columbia, V4L 0A5
The Wexford offers all-inclusive, independent senior living one km from Tsawwassen town centre. Bright and spacious suites and costal-inspired living areas are beautifully accented by a rooftop garden and courtyard.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Thornebridge Gardens - Verve Senior Living
649 8th Avenue, New Westminster,
British Columbia, V3M 2R2
Thornebridge Gardens is one of New Westminster’s finest retirement residences, providing luxurious, worry-free surroundings with life enriching services that inspire healthy senior living. Many options are available!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Berwick On The Lake
3201 Ross Road, Nanaimo,
British Columbia, V9T 6L9
At Berwick on the Lake, residents enjoy red seal chef prepared meals in their choice of 3 dining rooms. Beyond our beautiful amenities, our residents also enjoy a full wellness program. Resort style living at it's best!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Bolivar Creek Retirement Residence
10928 132 street, Surrey,
British Columbia, V3T0R3
Discover vibrant, independent senior living at Bolivar Creek—modern design, natural light with floor-to-ceiling windows, flexible dining, and personalized care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Sunstone Apartments
10775 Delsom Crescent, Delta,
British Columbia, V4C 0A8
Sunstone Rentals is the newest retirement community located in North Delta. A 70 unit independent living facility for those 55+, offers retirement community living for those downsizing.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living
Berwick House
4062 Shelbourne Street, Victoria,
British Columbia, V8N 3E6
Berwick House offers comfort, security and our usual high standard of affordable luxury. Steps away from a mall, cinema and other conveniences, you’ll find everything you need for an independent and active lifestyle.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Long-term care
Granville Gardens - Verve Senior Living
1550 West 49th Avenue,, Vancouver,
British Columbia, V6M 0B3
Located in Vancouver’s Kerrisdale neighbourhood, Granville Gardens offers residents the opportunity to stay active and live in a well-appointed urban community, surrounded by shopping centres, parks, community centres.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Greystone Manor Retirement Residence
11657 Ritchie Avenue, Maple Ridge,
British Columbia, V2X 8X3
Named one of the top 3 retirement communities in Maple Ridge, Greystone is a premier Park Place residence, with the comfort and services you need to maintain your active lifestyle in a warm and welcoming community.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Agassiz Seniors Community
MacKay Cres, Agassiz,
British Columbia, V0M 1A3
Agassiz Seniors Community offers peaceful living in the Cheam Mountains. With a close-knit community and serene surroundings, this residence prioritizes personal connections and a relaxed lifestyle.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Long-term care
Read BC retirement home reviews before you commit to a retirement residence.
Long term care costs
Long-term care costs vary depending on the type of suite, duration of stay and length of stay. Spots in long-term care residences are determined solely by need.
Approximate long-term care residence costs:
Type of stay
|
Daily - Monthly Rates
|
Long-stay basic
|
$54 – $1620
|
Long-stay semi-private
|
$62 – $1863
|
Long-stay private
|
$72 – $2167
|
Short-stay
|
$35 – $1053
|
As you browse the list of retirement home options below, ensure you have a clear understanding of what type of services and amenities are included with your rent.
Can we afford it? Can we afford not to?
Anyone moving into a retirement home in the province of British Columbia needs to be diligent in getting to the bottom of all the costs associated with each home or residence before you move in. You can expect homes to be transparent about this, of course, but talk to residents and get their feedback also. Be aware of potential changes to care costs and affordability, such as lease or rental increases or changes to your income or investments. See an overview of how others afford senior care.
Paying for seniors' care may be easier than you think. You will no longer be paying heat and hydro, property taxes and all other monthly and annual expenses that you pay as a homeowner living in your own residence. When many people finally sit down and figure it out, they are amazed at what they can afford.
Further resources
For information about subsidies, tax credits and support for seniors in British Columbia visit the Canada Revenue Agency. For greater details about your options, and other civic advice, visit the provincial government's website, Assisted Living in BC.
