Demo mode active: payments are running in test mode — no real charges will be made to your card. Testing gateway

Abbotsford, British Columbia

Canada · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

72
Overall Score

Abbotsford, British Columbia, is a rapidly growing city nestled in the Fraser Valley, known for its rich agricultural lands and stunning natural beauty. It offers a unique blend of urban amenities and rural charm, attracting individuals and families seeking a balanced lifestyle. The city's strategic location, adjacent to Greater Vancouver and the US border, makes it a hub for trade and transportation. Abbotsford has experienced significant population growth in recent years, driven by its affordability relative to other major BC cities and its strong community focus.

About British Columbia

British Columbia, Canada's westernmost province, is characterized by its diverse geography, including rugged coastlines, mountains, and forests, fostering a vibrant outdoor lifestyle. The economy is robust and diversified, with key industries such as forestry, mining, technology, film and television production, tourism, and a significant port in Vancouver. Living in British Columbia generally offers a high quality of life, though it is one of Canada's more expensive provinces, particularly in urban centers like Vancouver and Victoria. The climate varies dramatically across the province, with mild, rainy winters and warm, dry summers in coastal areas, while interior regions experience hotter summers and colder, snowier winters.

178,976
Population
$34K
Avg Salary
75
Cost Index
72.0
Quality Score

Quality Scores

Business
68
Livability
73
Affordability
65
Growth
70

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Abbotsford is generally considered more affordable than the British Columbia average, being about 7% lower. For a single person, estimated monthly costs excluding rent are around $1,019.0 USD (C$1,448.4), while a family of four can expect to spend approximately $3,757.6 USD (C$5,340.8) per month, excluding rent. Housing costs are a significant factor, though average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is around $1,324 USD, and outside the center, it's about $1,135 USD. Utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage for an 85m² apartment, average around $115 USD per month, with internet adding another $70 USD.

Average Rent
$1,324/mo
Groceries
$446/mo
Transport
$120/mo
Utilities
$185/mo
Healthcare
$250/mo
Gym membership (monthly)
$35.00
Cinema ticket
$14.00
Restaurant meal (mid-range)
$22.00
Monthly groceries
$446.00
Doctor visit (without insurance)
$150.00

Salary Insights

Abbotsford's economy is diverse, with strong sectors in agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation due to its strategic location. The city has been recognized as a favorable place to do business, ranking well in terms of business-friendly policies, operating costs, and unemployment rates. The average salary in Abbotsford is approximately $48,040 CAD, which is about $33,790 USD, as of June 2026. The city's GDP growth has been robust, tying for one of the best rates in Canada. While specific job growth rates for 2024-2026 were not immediately available, the city's overall economic growth and new business approvals suggest a positive job market.

The average salary in Abbotsford is $33,790 per year. You would need approximately $45,000 to live comfortably.

Top Industries

Retail Trade Manufacturing Healthcare Agriculture Transportation

Climate

🌡️
Avg Temp
☀️
Summer High
❄️
Winter Low
🌧️
"
Annual Rain
💧
65.00%
Humidity
🌤️
Sunny Days

Transport

Driving is the most popular form of transit in Abbotsford, as the city is quite spread out. The cost of transportation is about 2% above the national average. While public transportation options like buses are available, with an average one-way ticket costing $2.25 CAD (approximately $1.58 USD), many destinations require a car. The city has a transit access score of 7/10, indicating good public transit options, but a walkability score of 2/10, meaning most destinations require a car.

28 min
Avg Commute
70.00/10
Transit Score
20.00/10
Walkability
High
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

Advantages
Abbotsford's crime rates are 35% lower than the British Columbia average.
The cost of living in Abbotsford is 7% lower than the British Columbia average.
Abbotsford was ranked as the third-best city in Canada for livability in a March 2026 study, largely due to its affordability and disposable income.
The city has a strong economic climate and has been recognized as a favorable place to do business.
Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre is a 300-bed facility offering a wide range of healthcare services.
Drawbacks
Abbotsford's walkability score is low (2/10), meaning most destinations require a car.
A March 2026 study noted Abbotsford's safety ranking was lower compared to other major Canadian cities.
The city scores worse or no better in seven of nine indicators related to the healthy built environment.
Concerns about the quality of care at Abbotsford Regional Hospital have been raised in recent years.
Household incomes have not kept pace with the rising housing costs, which increased significantly between 2016 and 2021.

Businesses in Abbotsford

List your business

No businesses listed in Abbotsford yet — be the first to get in front of people moving here.

Add your business — free

New to Abbotsford? Get settled

Find trusted local pros

Construction, cleaning & moving — matched to verified professionals in Abbotsford.

Free service • No obligation • We connect you with local professionals.

Compare Abbotsford with any city

See how it stacks up on cost, income, and quality of life.

Start Comparing