Five great (and affordable) places to retire in B.C.

It’s no secret that the cost of living has risen dramatically over the past 18 months as inflation has hit the rental market while food prices and pretty much everything else has soared.

British Columbia’s inflation rate rose by 6.9 per cent last year, the sharpest hike in 40 years, but has since fallen to 4.6 per cent.

It’s also a fact that British Columbia’s population is aging, with almost 25 per cent of residents expected to be older than 65 by 2040.

Most British Columbians live in Metro Vancouver, but here’s a look at five places outside the city to retire with a focus on housing costs, weather, health services, politics and activities.