City Profile
Surrey, British Columbia
Canada · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Surrey, British Columbia, is a rapidly expanding city known for its diverse communities, abundant green spaces, and strategic location within Metro Vancouver. Often referred to as the 'City of Parks,' Surrey boasts a blend of urban amenities and natural beauty, attracting a steady influx of new residents and businesses. Its character is shaped by a youthful population and a strong commitment to innovation and economic development, making it a dynamic place to live and work. The city is on track to become British Columbia's most populous city in the coming years, driven by its growth momentum and opportunities. [cite: 15, 16, 17, 43, previous search]
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.
How this 76/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 75 / 100 | 75.0 | 30% | 22.5 |
| Affordability | No usable reading — dataset average used | 75.1 | 25% | 18.8 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $62,353 Income needed to live here: $45,000 Unemployment rate: 5.1% | 67.2 | 20% | 13.4 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 2.5% Job growth rate: 3.9% | 92.8 | 15% | 13.9 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 75 / 100 | 75.0 | 10% | 7.5 |
| Overall score | 76.1 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Gemini (Tier 3 (deep think), q=74), last refreshed
10 August 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.
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Performance
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Cost of Living
The cost of living in Surrey is generally considered more affordable than its neighbor, Vancouver, though it remains a significant factor for residents. Housing, particularly for detached homes, can be expensive, with median prices for all home types reaching $845,000 CAD as of April 2026. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averages around $1,462 USD per month, while a two-bedroom unit is approximately $1,786 USD. [cite: 3, previous search] Utility costs are relatively manageable, with an average monthly bill for two people around $122 USD. [cite: 3, previous search] Groceries for a single person average about $287 USD per month. [cite: 29, previous search] These costs are influenced by the region's overall economic landscape and demand for housing.
Income
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Surrey's economy is robust and diverse, with significant growth in key sectors. The city's job market saw a healthy 3.9% growth in employment in January 2024 compared to the previous year. [cite: 40, previous search] Major industries driving Surrey's economy include Wholesale and Retail Trade, Health Care and Social Assistance, Transportation and Warehousing, Construction, and Professional, Scientific and Technical Services. [cite: 40, previous search] The city has also demonstrated strong company growth, with a 2.2% rate reported in October 2025. [cite: 2, previous search] Surrey is recognized for its business-friendly environment and a growing innovation ecosystem, attracting both established firms and startups. [cite: 15, 24, 35, previous search]
The average salary in Surrey is $34,490 per year. You would need approximately $45,000 to live comfortably.
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Transport
Getting around Surrey involves a mix of public transit and personal vehicles. The city has a Walk Score of 46 and a Transit Score of 47, indicating that while some errands can be accomplished on foot and public transportation options exist, many areas are car-dependent. [cite: 6, 14, previous search] The average commute time for residents is approximately 37 minutes. Public transit, primarily through the TransLink system, offers connections within Surrey and to neighboring cities like Vancouver, with a monthly pass costing around $80 USD. [cite: 37, previous search] However, traffic congestion, reflected by a Traffic Index of 163.00, can impact driving times, especially during peak hours.
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