BC · Data to August 2026

Cost of living in British Columbia

In the 12 months to August 2026, grocery prices in British Columbia changed +3.5%, shelter costs +1.5% and all consumer prices +3.0%. The average hourly wage changed +4.0% to $39.07.

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Are wages keeping up?

12 months to August 2026

Grocery prices
+3.5%
Average hourly wage
+4.0%
−0.5 ptsCost pressure · wages are ahead of grocery prices

Food prices in British Columbia, July 2026

Average retail prices in British Columbia compared with the Canada average, July 2026
ProductBCCanadaDifference
Ground beef 1 kg$17.81$16.49+$1.32
Chicken breasts 1 kg$17.30$14.68+$2.62
Whole chicken 1 kg$8.34$7.62+$0.72
Bacon 500 g$7.10$6.97+$0.13
Canned tuna 170 g$1.89$1.84+$0.05
Milk 4 L$6.23$6.99−$0.76
Butter 454 g$6.12$5.92+$0.20
Block cheese 500 g$7.39$7.11+$0.28
Eggs 1 dozen$5.75$4.95+$0.80
Apples 1 kg$6.87$6.45+$0.42
Bananas 1 kg$1.83$1.88−$0.05
Potatoes 4.54 kg$7.87$5.32+$2.55
Tomatoes 1 kg$5.01$4.98+$0.03
Carrots 1.36 kg$5.20$4.75+$0.45
Romaine lettuce 1 head$3.81$3.45+$0.36
White bread 675 g$4.04$3.60+$0.44
Pasta 500 g$3.76$3.45+$0.31
Cereal 400 g$4.15$4.19−$0.04
Coffee 340 g$9.69$9.54+$0.15
Peanut butter 1 kg$5.92$5.62+$0.30