How Much Does Assisted Living Cost in BC in 2026?

Assisted living in British Columbia is a specific level of care regulated by the Community Care and Assisted Living Act. It sits between independent living and long-term care (also called residential care or nursing homes). Residents live in their own private units — typically a studio or one-bedroom suite — and receive hospitality services like meals, housekeeping, and laundry, along with personal care assistance such as help with bathing, dressing, and medication management.

In BC, assisted living is available through two streams: publicly subsidized facilities operated or funded through regional health authorities, and private-pay residences that set their own rates. The costs, waitlists, and admission processes differ significantly between the two.

If you qualify for a subsidized assisted living placement through your health authority, the BC government sets the maximum you will pay. As of 2026, subsidized rates work as follows:

• Base rate: 70% of your after-tax income, up to a maximum of approximately $1,072 per month (this cap is adjusted periodically)
• Minimum charge: Even with very low income, there is a minimum monthly charge (currently around $1,072/month)
• What's included: Housing, meals, housekeeping, laundry, personal care assistance, and 24-hour emergency response
• What's not included: Cable TV, telephone, personal supplies, over-the-counter medications, and some medical equipment

To access subsidized assisted living, you need a clinical assessment from a Home & Community Care case manager through your regional health authority. Waitlists vary by region — urban areas like Metro Vancouver and Greater Victoria tend to have longer waits.

Private-pay assisted living in BC operates outside the health authority system. These facilities set their own pricing and typically do not require a health authority assessment for admission. Costs vary widely depending on location, suite size, amenities, and the level of care provided.

Here is what families can generally expect for private-pay assisted living in BC:

• Studio suites: $3,500 to $5,500 per month
• One-bedroom suites: $4,500 to $7,000 per month
• Two-bedroom suites: $5,500 to $9,000+ per month
• Couples: Many facilities offer second-person rates ranging from $800 to $1,500/month additional

Metro Vancouver and Greater Victoria are the most expensive markets. Interior BC communities and smaller towns tend to be 20-30% less expensive. Private-pay facilities often include more amenities — fitness rooms, salons, recreation programs — but the core care services are similar to subsidized facilities.

For subsidized assisted living, the BC government uses means testing to determine how much you pay. The process considers your income, not your assets. Here is how it works:

• Your rate is calculated as 70% of your after-tax income
• Income includes Old Age Security (OAS), Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), private pensions, RRIF withdrawals, and investment income
• If you have a spouse remaining in the community, only the care recipient's share of combined income is assessed
• Your primary residence and personal savings are not counted in the assessment

The health authority's financial assessment team handles this process. You can request a reassessment if your financial situation changes.

Whether subsidized or private-pay, there are additional costs that catch many families off guard. Budget for these extras:

• Incontinence supplies: $50–$150/month if not covered by the facility
• Medications: PharmaCare covers most prescriptions for seniors, but over-the-counter items and some specialty drugs may not be covered
• Personal care extras: Hairdressing, foot care, dental visits — $50–$200/month
• Cable and internet: $80–$150/month
• Private companion or sitter services: $25–$35/hour if additional one-on-one support is needed beyond what the facility provides
• Transportation: Medical appointments, family visits — costs vary
• Move-in fees: Some private facilities charge a one-time community fee of $1,000–$5,000

Ask every facility for a complete fee schedule before committing. A good facility will be transparent about all charges.

Several programs can help offset the cost of assisted living in BC:

• Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER): A provincial rent supplement for BC seniors with low-to-moderate incomes. Can apply to private assisted living.
• BC Bus Pass Program: Subsidized transit passes for low-income seniors receiving GIS or OAS
• Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS): Federal supplement for low-income seniors that increases your total income, which indirectly affects your subsidized rate
• Veterans Affairs Canada: Veterans may qualify for additional allowances that cover or offset care costs
• BC PharmaCare Plan I: Covers most prescription drugs for seniors receiving premium assistance
• Tax credits: The Medical Expense Tax Credit and Disability Tax Credit can reduce your tax burden

Start by contacting your regional health authority's Home & Community Care office. They can connect you with financial counselling and help you understand what support you qualify for.

When comparing assisted living options in BC, look beyond the monthly sticker price. Here is a practical approach:

• Get the full fee schedule: Ask for a written breakdown of what is included in the base rate and what costs extra
• Understand care tiers: Many private facilities charge more as care needs increase. Ask about rate increases if your loved one's needs change.
• Check the contract carefully: Look for annual rate increase terms, move-out policies, and what happens if you need to transition to long-term care
• Visit in person: Tour at different times of day. Talk to current residents and their families about actual costs versus what was quoted.
• Compare similar suite types: A studio at one facility may be quite different from a studio at another in terms of size and amenities

Use CareCompare to search and compare assisted living facilities across BC. You can filter by location, see quality data from the BC Seniors Advocate, and read reviews from other families — all in one place.