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Abbotsford, British Columbia

Canada · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

60
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
60.5
Quality Score
How this 61/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
Component Readings used Points Weight Contributes
Safety Safety score: 40 / 100 40.0 30% 12.0
Affordability Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 75.0 75.0 25% 18.8
Economy & jobs Median household income: $63,306 Income needed to live here: $45,000 Unemployment rate: 6.91% 57.2 20% 11.4
Growth Population growth rate: 2.06% Job growth rate: no usable reading 76.5 15% 11.5
Business climate assessment Business climate assessment: 68 / 100 68.0 10% 6.8
Overall score 60.5

Provenance. These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as Gemini (Tier 1 (fast), q=79), last refreshed 3 July 2026. They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.

Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.

Businesses in Abbotsford

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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.

Questions about Abbotsford

What people ask about living in and moving to Abbotsford, British Columbia.

How does Abbotsford's cost of living compare to the rest of Canada? Cost of Living 1 answer

Abbotsford’s cost‑of‑living index is 75, meaning it is roughly 25 % cheaper than the national average (which is set at 100). This lower index reflects more affordable housing, groceries, and services compared to major metropolitan areas. While rent is still a major expense, other everyday costs such as transportation, dining, and entertainment tend to be lower. To get a detailed breakdown, you can use national cost‑o...

What is the typical rent for a one‑bedroom apartment in Abbotsford? Housing 1 answer

In Abbotsford the average rent across all unit types is about $1,324 per month, according to recent data. One‑bedroom apartments in central areas generally fall close to that figure, though prices can be a bit lower in outlying neighbourhoods and higher in newer developments. When budgeting, also factor in utilities, which are often not included in the base rent. You can get current listings and compare prices on reg...

What are the average salaries like in Abbotsford? Jobs & Economy 1 answer

The average annual salary in Abbotsford is $33,790. This figure includes a wide range of occupations, from service‑industry roles to professional positions. For business‑related jobs, salaries may be near or slightly above this average, depending on experience and sector. It’s useful to review local job boards and the city’s labour market reports, which break down earnings by industry and occupation. You can also con...

How are the public schools rated in Abbotsford? Schools & Education 1 answer

Abbotsford’s public schools are administered by a regional school district that provides performance reports and standardized test results on its website. Overall, the district’s schools perform at or slightly above the provincial average, with some schools excelling in particular programs such as French immersion or technology. Prospective families should review the district’s school rankings, visit campuses, and ta...

Is Abbotsford a safe place to live? Safety 1 answer

Abbotsford’s safety score is 40 out of 100, indicating higher crime levels than many other Canadian communities. While the city has safe neighbourhoods, certain areas experience more property crime and occasional violent incidents. The municipal police service publishes monthly crime statistics and neighbourhood safety maps, which can help you identify lower‑risk areas. Additionally, community watch programs and loca...

What public transit options are available in Abbotsford? Getting Around 1 answer

Abbotsford is served by a municipal transit authority that operates bus routes throughout the city and connects to regional services for neighboring communities. The system includes regular weekday service, limited weekend routes, and specialized services for seniors and people with disabilities. Fares are zone‑based and monthly passes can provide cost savings for frequent riders. For real‑time schedules and route ma...

Where can I find primary care doctors and hospitals in Abbotsford? Healthcare 1 answer

The city’s health authority operates a regional hospital that offers emergency, surgical, and specialist services. Primary‑care physicians work in community clinics spread across the city, many of which accept new patients. To locate a family doctor, you can use the provincial health portal’s physician search tool, which lists available practitioners and clinic hours. For urgent care, the hospital’s emergency departm...

What recreational activities are popular in Abbotsford? Things to Do 1 answer

Abbotsford offers a mix of outdoor and cultural options. The surrounding farmland and nearby mountains provide trails for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding, while local parks feature sports fields and community centres with indoor pools and gyms. The city also hosts seasonal festivals, farmers’ markets, and art exhibitions that showcase regional talent. For a full calendar of events and details on facility bookin...

What should I know about moving my belongings to Abbotsford? Moving Here 1 answer

When moving to Abbotsford, consider the city’s proximity to major highways, which makes truck deliveries straightforward. Many moving companies operate regionally and can provide quotes online; it’s wise to compare rates and read reviews. If you’re bringing a vehicle, you’ll need to register it with the provincial motor vehicle agency within 30 days of arrival. For utilities, contact the local providers for electrici...

What’s the overall quality of life like in Abbotsford? General 1 answer

Abbotsford offers a moderate cost of living, with average rent at $1,324 and an average salary of $33,790, making it more affordable than larger urban centres. The city combines agricultural heritage with growing suburban development, providing both open space and access to amenities. While the safety score of 40 suggests higher crime than some areas, community initiatives aim to improve security. Public services suc...

Some answers here were drafted as a starting point and may be out of date. Live in Abbotsford? Add your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Canadian cost-of-living models incorporate federal GST, provincial sales taxes (PST), Harmonized Sales Taxes (HST), and provincial income tax brackets to measure consumer purchasing power accurately.

Where applicable, provincial healthcare contributions and employer health tax structures are factored into the net tax burden of provincial residents.

The platform indexes provincial utility rate structures, factoring in heavy hydroelectric reliance in provinces like Quebec and British Columbia versus fossil-fuel heating in other regions.

Municipal millage rates set by local property assessment authorities (such as MPAC in Ontario) are evaluated against median residential property values.

Yes. Northern and remote Canadian communities incorporate northern living allowances and freight cost inflation adjustments into consumer goods baskets.

Educational metrics aggregate provincial standardized testing results, high school graduation rates, and per-pupil education expenditures published by provincial ministries of education.

Safety metrics integrate Statistics Canada Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) survey data and municipal police service incident reports across census metropolitan areas (CMAs).

Transit scoring measures rapid transit station densities, subway/LRT coverage, bus route frequency, and regional commuter rail integration.

Environmental indexing accounts for winter heating degree days (HDD), annual snowfall accumulation, seasonal sunshine hours, and extreme weather risk exposures.

Recreational scoring evaluates proximity to provincial park systems, national parks, and urban green belt networks relative to municipal population centers.

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