Chilliwack, Canada Hero Image
Photo: Canada

Chilliwack, Canada

🌊 Coastal

Data updated Oct 8, 2026

Follows Canada Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →

📊 Scores

69
FIRE
72
Retiree
81
Digital Nomad

Best fit: Digital Nomad (score: 81)

Chilliwack sits in British Columbia at just 10 m above sea level, with a temperate climate and the America/Vancouver timezone. The city is home to 84 thousand people, and expats often settle in Garrison Crossing or Sardis, where a medium-sized expat community has taken root. English is widely spoken, which makes daily life straightforward for newcomers.

Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre runs $1,143/mo, while outside the centre it drops to $998/mo. A 3-bedroom in the centre costs $2,036/mo, and outside the centre it is $1,601/mo. Utilities add $123/mo, internet $67/mo, and a mobile phone plan $44/mo. A monthly public transport pass is $33/mo, and a gym membership is $41/mo. For a single adult, monthly costs excluding rent come to $1,100/mo, and a family of four can expect $3,800/mo excluding rent. Budget, mid-range, and comfortable tiers for a single adult, rent included, are $1,122/mo, $1,700/mo, and $2,008/mo respectively. The average monthly net salary is $3,074/mo, and the cost of living index is 69/100 against New York City at 100. Everyday prices include $14 for an inexpensive restaurant meal per person, $53 for a mid-range three-course meal for two, and $4 for a cappuccino.

Safety is a strong point, with a safety index of 85/100 and a crime index of 15/100. Air quality is good, with an index of 25. Healthcare quality is rated excellent, which adds to the city's appeal for long-term residents.

For visas, the Canada Super Visa for Parents and Grandparents and the Canada Digital Nomad Visa are the relevant programs. The nearest airport is YCW, just 2 km away. Chilliwack scores 81/100 overall for expats, 69/100 for FIRE, 72/100 for retirees, and 81/100 for digital nomads. It suits those seeking a safe, well-connected base with a temperate climate and a manageable cost of living.

Estimate the cost of moving to Chilliwack, Canada

Get a free moving cost estimate for moving to Chilliwack, Canada. Takes 10 seconds.

How much are you shipping?

When are you moving?

Powered by Sirelo. Free quotes from international movers.

🏚️ Cost of Living

💰 Budgets and Costs

$1,796/mo, one person, rent included
Selected: mid-range lifestyle

Chilliwack on a mid-range budget comes to about $1,796 a month for one adult, with $998 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $274 on groceries, $140 on dining out, $117 on entertainment and lifestyle, $234 on utilities and connectivity and $33.00 on transport.

Rent

$998/mo

1BR outside the centre

Groceries

$274/mo

Staples basket scaled to a full month

Dining out

$140/mo

10 inexpensive meals

Entertainment & lifestyle

$117/mo

gym, 2 cinema trips, 12 cappuccinos

Utilities & connectivity

$234/mo

utilities, mobile, internet

Transport

$33.00/mo

Monthly pass

Budgets (excl. rent)

Single person$798/mo

Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.

Estimates for one adult, built from this city's average prices and the usage shown for each tier. Your spending will differ with how often you eat out and where you live.

A 1BR in the center runs about $1143.24/mo. If your income is in another currency, bank FX fees add up. A multi-currency account can cut that cost.

See low-fee transfers

We may earn a commission at no cost to you.

See how Chilliwack's cost of living compares with Yarmouth

Be the first to report costs in Chilliwack

Share

🛡️ Safety & Crime

85
Safety Index

(Higher is safer)

15
Crime Index

(Lower is safer)

Chilliwack is a genuinely safe community with low violent crime and a strong sense of security—typical for mid-sized Canadian cities. Property crime exists but remains well below North American averages. The main concerns are petty theft in downtown areas and occasional vehicle break-ins, particularly in parking lots. Avoid isolated areas after dark, though this is more precaution than necessity. For an American expat, this is an excellent choice: reliable policing, stable governance, and a welcoming small-city atmosphere make it ideal for remote workers or retirees seeking safety without sacrificing community engagement.

🏥 Healthcare

Excellent
Public Hospitals
Yes
Private Clinics
Yes
English-Speaking Doctors
Widely Available

See how Chilliwack's healthcare compares with Yarmouth

🌤️ Climate

Climate Zones
Temperate
Summer Temp
35°C
Winter Temp
-9°C
Humidity
79%
Air Quality Index
25
Annual Rainfall
1555 mm

Best Months

JunJulSep

Climate Notes

Chilliwack experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasons, featuring warm summers and cold winters, and is surrounded by agricultural land and nature reserves which contribute to generally good air quality.

💻 Digital Nomad

Avg Internet Speed
150 Mbps
Internet (monthly)
$67/mo
Coworking Availability
Abundant
Coworking Spaces Nearby
1
Digital Nomad Score
81/100

Community Notes

Chilliwack is ideal for nature-loving nomads, with ample coworking and excellent healthcare.

Coworking Spaces

NameNotes
Regus ChilliwackLocated in the heart of Chilliwack, this Regus location offers a professional environment with flexible workspace options. It's a reliable choice for expats seeking a familiar and well-equipped coworking space with easy access to amenities in the downtown core.
WorkSpace ChilliwackA locally owned coworking space in Chilliwack, WorkSpace provides a community-focused environment. It's a good option for those looking to connect with other local professionals and enjoy a more personalized coworking experience in a central location.

Names, locations and hours can change. Check each space's website before you visit. Places from © OpenStreetMap contributors and Foursquare Open Source Places (Apache 2.0).

Planning to live in Chilliwack long-term? Canada Digital Nomad Visa lets remote workers live legally.

View full requirements →

Working remotely from Chilliwack? Nomad health insurance covers you across borders, month to month.

See nomad insurance

We may earn a commission at no cost to you.

See how Chilliwack's digital nomad life compares with Yarmouth

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Widely Spoken
Expat Community
Medium
Top Neighborhoods
Garrison Crossing, Sardis
Banks Nearby
19
ATMs Nearby
2

Expat Life Notes

A fast-growing city in the Fraser Valley with a stunning mountain backdrop. Popular for its more affordable housing compared to Vancouver.

Pros

  • ✓ Amazing nature access
  • ✓ Lower cost than Vancouver
  • ✓ Growing food scene

Cons

  • ✗ Agricultural smells (occasionally)
  • ✗ Limited transit
  • ✗ Suburban sprawl

🏘️ Neighborhoods in Chilliwack

Areas of Chilliwack that expats often consider.

Conditions can change from one block to the next, and these descriptions are general guides, not safety assessments. Before choosing where to stay or live, check current travel advisories, talk to people who live there, and visit in person if you can.

Downtown Chilliwack

Central, walkable, urban amenities

Downtown offers a mix of apartments and condos, close to shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. It's relatively walkable, but can be noisy. Good for those who want to be in the heart of the city.

Garrison Crossing

Master-planned, family-friendly, modern

Garrison Crossing is a newer development on the former Canadian Forces Base. It features a mix of housing types, parks, and walking trails. It's popular with families and offers a more suburban feel, but is still relatively close to amenities.

East Chilliwack

Rural, agricultural, spacious properties

East Chilliwack is more rural, with larger properties and agricultural land. It's quieter and more spread out, requiring a car for most errands. Good for those seeking a peaceful, country lifestyle, but less convenient for accessing city amenities.

Promontory

Residential, elevated views, family-oriented

Promontory is a hillside community offering views of the Fraser Valley. It's primarily residential, with a mix of single-family homes and townhouses. It's a bit further from the city center, so a car is recommended.

Page 1 of 2

Could living/working in Chilliwack cut years off your work life?

With a 1-bedroom in the center at $1143/mo, your FIRE number here might be much lower than you think.

Calculate My FIRE Date →

🛂 Visa Options for Canada

Canada Start-Up VisaCanada Self-Employed Persons ProgramCanada Digital Nomad VisaCanada Super Visa (Parents & Grandparents)

Many long-stay visas require proof of health insurance. Compare international health plans before you apply.

Compare health insurance

We may earn a commission at no cost to you.

🛂

Not sure which Canada visa you qualify for?

Answer 11 questions and get a personalized match in under 2 minutes.

Find My Visa →

More Cities to Consider instead of Chilliwack

Yarmouth, Canada↔ Compare with Chilliwack
Holland Landing, Canada↔ Compare with Chilliwack
Buford, GA, United States↔ Compare with Chilliwack
Manhattan, KS, United States↔ Compare with Chilliwack
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Chilliwack

Click any question to expand the answer.

Chilliwack has a population of approximately 83,788 people.
A single person can expect to spend around $2,858 per month in Chilliwack, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1143/month.
The nearest airport to Chilliwack is YCW, approximately 2.1km away.
Chilliwack is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 85.0. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.
Chilliwack has an average internet speed of 150 Mbps. It is considered a well-established digital nomad destination.
Local job market is thin outside agriculture and service work. Most expats here are already remote or self-employed. If you need local employment, plan to commute to Vancouver (1.5–2 hours each way) or rely on online income. The cost advantage over Vancouver only works if you're not spending 10 hours weekly in traffic.
Moderately. One-bedroom rent is $1,600/month versus $2,200+ in Vancouver, but that gap has narrowed as Chilliwack grows 11.6% annually. Groceries and utilities are similar. The real savings come from lower property prices if you're buying, but don't expect a bargain—it's still Greater Vancouver.
Temperate oceanic climate: wet, gray winters with occasional snow; dry, warm summers. Yes, you absolutely need a car. Transit is minimal, and the town sprawls. Outdoor recreation is excellent year-round if you're into hiking, skiing, and water sports, but you're driving to access most of it.
As an American, you'll likely need to explore options like a visitor visa (good for short stays), a work permit (if you have a job offer), or potentially a study permit. For longer-term residency, look into the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) if you have skills or experience that are in demand in British Columbia.
Chilliwack is generally considered a safe city, but like any urban area, it has its share of petty crime. The downtown core can sometimes feel less safe at night. Research specific neighborhoods before committing to a lease or purchase.
Canada has a universal healthcare system, so you'll need to apply for a BC Services Card to access publicly funded healthcare. Most doctors in Chilliwack speak English fluently. Wait times for specialists can be long, so consider supplemental private insurance.
Internet speeds in Chilliwack are generally good, with options for high-speed cable and fiber optic connections. Expect download speeds of 50-150 Mbps, sufficient for most remote work tasks. Check with providers like Telus and Shaw for specific plans and availability in your area.
While Chilliwack is smaller than Vancouver, there are a few coworking spaces and shared office environments available. Check out options like The Hive or local business centers that offer flexible workspace solutions. You might also find shared office spaces geared toward specific industries.
Chilliwack doesn't have a huge, organized expat community like you might find in larger cities. However, you'll find plenty of friendly locals and opportunities to connect through community events, sports clubs, and volunteer organizations. Online groups can also help you connect with other newcomers.
While having a car is convenient, Chilliwack has a public transit system (BC Transit) that serves most areas. However, service can be limited in some outlying areas, especially in the evenings and on weekends. Consider your location and transportation needs when deciding whether to rely solely on public transit.
For groceries, you'll find major chains like Save-On-Foods, Superstore, and Safeway. For dining, check out local favorites like Shandhar Hut Indian Cuisine, Frankie's Italian Kitchen + Bar, or Hofstede's Country Barn for a taste of local fare. There are also plenty of chain restaurants.
As a US citizen, you're still required to file US taxes even when living abroad. You may be able to take advantage of the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) or the Foreign Tax Credit to reduce your US tax liability. Be sure to report foreign bank accounts (FBAR) if they exceed certain thresholds. Consult with a tax professional specializing in expat taxes.
Potentially, yes. While not as cheap as some countries, Chilliwack offers a lower cost of living than many US cities, especially regarding housing. However, factor in healthcare costs, exchange rates, and potential taxes. A monthly budget of CAD $3,000-$4,000 might allow for a comfortable, but not lavish, retirement.
While Chilliwack is generally safe, some areas, particularly in the downtown core at night, can experience higher rates of petty crime and public intoxication. Do your research and talk to locals before choosing a neighborhood. The south side of Chilliwack is generally considered safer.
Chilliwack has a temperate climate with warm summers and mild, wet winters. Expect rain, especially from October to March. Snowfall is common but usually doesn't last long. Summers are pleasant, with average temperatures in the low 20s Celsius (70s Fahrenheit).
Chilliwack offers a much slower and more relaxed pace of life compared to major US cities. It's a great place to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy a more laid-back lifestyle. Expect shorter commutes, less traffic, and a greater emphasis on outdoor activities.

Share This Guide

Compare visa routesIncome, fees, and residency paths for Canada.