Utilities includes heat and hot water, electrical, home internet, cellular, gym memberships, and so on. I suppose if you never turn on the heater, don't have home internet, never hit the gym, don't make any calls, don't own a car, and only shit at work then you could save a bundle, here.
The transit tax credit was eliminated in 2017.[1]
0: https://rentals.ca/new-westminster?bbox=-123.08659,49.11473,...
1: https://turbotax.intuit.ca/tips/deducting-the-cost-of-your-p...
I had almost all those things you mention, internet and cell phone and gym membership, left the heater on 24/7 during winter, did plenty of shitting at home, and still never spent more than $1000 per month.
The only thing I didn't have is a car. A car is literally the worst financial decision you'll ever make. You're free to make it, but you can't come here and complain that cost of living is expensive.
Sucks about the transit tax credit though :/ I used to use that when my commute was by transit
Free heat and hot water is standard in older buildings with central boilers and radiated heating. Otherwise, you're taking on the utilities payment. If there's a separate service or dedicated service, then there's a bill.
If you don't have a car you're still renting a ride share to go hiking or skiing. Transit isn't taking you to Golden Ears or Cypress.
And clearly you've never rented a car with your mates or taken one of the shuttle buses to the mountains.
Renting a car and taking shuttle buses isn't free.
The total cost of living isn't just room and board, it's the expenditures one makes to be happy living and working where they are.
Inflation, sure, it's still not gonna be more than 700$. My 500$ figure is literally from 2022.
Rent insurance is 30$ per month, anything else is optional and your choice and also not that expensive. That does not add up to 2500 per month.
And yeah, I know transit costs money, just get a pass. Work pays for it, and if they don't you can deduct it from your taxes.