Comparing per-Person Municipal Spending and Revenue in Metro Vancouver, 2009—2024

Comparing per-Person Municipal Spending and Revenue in Metro Vancouver, 2009—2024

• This study tracks and compares inflation-adjusted per-person spending and revenue for the 17 largest municipal governments in Metro Vancouver and the Metro Vancouver Regional District (MVRD) from 2009 to 2024.
• The results of the study demonstrate that increases in spending and revenue in every major Metro Vancouver municipality outpaced population growth and inflation combined from 2009 to 2024.
• In 2024, on average, major Metro Vancouver municipal governments spent $2,387 per person. That’s $303, or 14.5%, higher than in 2009 (after adjusting for inflation).
• Government spending varied among municipalities. West Vancouver had the highest per-person municipal spending in 2024 ($3,879), while Surrey had the lowest ($1,646).
• From 2009 to 2024, inflation-adjusted per-person municipal spending increased most in Pitt Meadows (30.6%) and least in the City of Langley (3.8%).
• Municipal revenue followed the same broad pattern. In 2024, on average, major Metro Vancouver municipal governments collected $3,101 per person in total revenue. That’s $670, or 27.5%, higher than in 2009 (after adjusting for inflation).
• Municipal revenue levels also varied. West Vancouver had the highest per-person municipal revenue in 2024 ($4,387), while the City of Langley had the lowest ($2,463).
• From 2009 to 2024, inflation-adjusted per-person municipal revenue increased most in Port Moody (48.3%) and least in the City of North Vancouver (10.5%).
• The Metro Vancouver Regional District’s inflation-adjusted per-person spending and revenue also increased from 2009 to 2024: spending rose 10.6%, from $267 to $295, while revenue rose 39.4%, from $337 to $469.