Comparing per-Person Municipal Spending and Revenue in Metro Vancouver, 2009—2024
Comparing per-Person Municipal Spending and Revenue in Metro Vancouver, 2009—2024
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West Vancouver highest spender across metro Vancouver municipalities at $3,879; Surrey was lowest at $1,646
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By: Austin Thompson and Joel Emes
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.
<p><strong><em>Comparing per-Person Municipal Spending and Revenue in Metro Vancouver, 2009-2024</em></strong> finds that the average metro Vancouver municipal government increased per person spending by 14.5 per cent (adjusted for inflation) between 2009 and 2024, the latest year of comparable data. In 2024, West Vancouver was the highest spender ($3,879 per person) followed by Vancouver ($3,076), and New Westminster ($2,940)—all exceeding the municipal average ($2,387)—while Surrey spent the least at $1,646 per person.</p>
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