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Surrey, Canada

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Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$3,100
Retiree Score
100.0
Safety Index
48.2
Healthcare
108 facilities

Surrey sprawls across the Fraser River delta with the practicality of a suburban workhorse. The seven designated town centers—Cloverdale to Whalley—function like mini-downtowns, sparing you Vancouver commutes but locking you into car dependency. That 1937 Pattullo Bridge still bottlenecks traffic daily.

Post-1980s immigration waves mean authentic Punjabi markets sit beside strip-mall nail salons. Newton’s town center feels like a condensed version of Surrey’s global mashup, while South Surrey leans whiter and wealthier. Winters drizzle more than freeze, but prepare for February’s gray slog.

Can I afford Surrey?

$

Surrey

You would need

-100/mo

Savings Rate0%

Monthly Costs

Rent $1,900
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$1,200

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
0/100
Retiree Score
(i)
100/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
50/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Canada Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
48
Safety
108
Healthcare
100
Walkability
100
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $3
Bread (loaf) *$3
Eggs (12) $4
Rice (1kg) *$4
Chicken (1kg) *$12

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$18
Meal (Mid-range) $101
Cappuccino $4
Water (0.33L) *$2

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $183
Mobile Plan (mo) $39
Gym (mo) *$36
Cinema Ticket $12

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $1,900
1BR Outside (mo) *$1,148
3BR Center (mo) $3,400
3BR Outside (mo) *$1,797

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Widely Spoken
Expat Community
Large & Active
Top Neighborhoods
South Surrey, Morgan Creek, Fleetwood
Best For
families

Expat Life Notes

A diverse and sprawling suburb of Vancouver. It is a major choice for families looking for more space and affordability than the city core.

Pros

  • ✓ Extremely diverse food scene
  • ✓ More affordable than Vancouver
  • ✓ Excellent parks

Cons

  • ✗ High traffic congestion
  • ✗ Car-dependent in many parts
  • ✗ Safety varies significantly by neighborhood

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
2°C°C - 22°C°C
Annual Rainfall
1746 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Also Consider

Delta, CanadaLiving in Delta, Canada offers affordable suburban living near Vancouver. Best for expats who value space over walkability and don’t mind commuting.Kanata, CanadaLiving in Kanata, Canada offers a quiet, suburban lifestyle with a focus on tech jobs and green spaces. Ideal for families and retirees, but winters are harsh.Ar Rifā‘, BahrainLiving in Ar Rifā‘, Bahrain offers affordable housing in East Riffa's developing expat zone. Best for budget-focused retirees who don't mind car dependency and Donaustadt, AustriaLiving in Donaustadt, Austria offers Vienna’s infrastructure with more space and greenery. Expect slower bureaucracy and river-chilled winters, but lower costs

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Surrey

Click any question to expand the answer.

Surrey has a population of approximately 568,322 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $4,750 per month in Surrey, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1900/month.

The nearest airport to Surrey is YVR, approximately 24km away.

Surrey is considered moderate in terms of safety, with a safety index of 48.2. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

Families chasing yard space and FIRE types dodging Vancouver prices. Not walkability purists—you’ll drive everywhere. South Surrey works for retirees wanting golf access.

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