Marketing Costs & Benchmarks for Canadian Small Businesses (2026)
What clicks, leads, and agency management actually cost in Canada right now — with Vancouver-specific notes. Figures are industry benchmarks compiled for 2026, not a live auction read.
These are industry-typical ranges compiled from published platform data and current market rates — planning numbers, not promises. They are deliberately not our client results: we don't publish client numbers without named permission. If you want the version of this page tailored to your business, run a free ADvice simulation or check our pricing.
Vancouver & BC Local Data Points
Local context that changes how these benchmarks apply in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much does Google Ads cost per click in Canada in 2026?
For local service businesses, most clicks cost between $2 and $20. Trades like plumbing and HVAC sit at $8–$20, lawyers at $15–$40, and restaurants or salons at $1–$4. Vancouver runs slightly above the national average because of competition density.
What is a good cost per lead on Facebook Ads in Canada?
For local services, $5–$30 per lead is a healthy range depending on the industry. Salons and restaurants can land under $10, coaches and consultants typically run $10–$30, and trades retargeting sits at $15–$40. Anything under $10 for a qualified local lead is strong.
How much should a small business in Vancouver spend on marketing?
A common rule of thumb is 5–10% of revenue. In practice, most Metro Vancouver service businesses we work with spend $1,000–$3,000 per month all-in (management fee plus ad spend) and see meaningful lead flow from that level.
Are these benchmarks from AP Digital client campaigns?
No. These are industry-typical ranges compiled from published platform data and market rates, not claims about our own client results — we do not publish client numbers without named permission. Use them as planning ranges, not guarantees.
Why do Vancouver Google Ads cost more than other Canadian cities?
More advertisers bidding on the same local searches. A plumber in Vancouver competes with dozens of others for the same emergency keywords, while a smaller market like Abbotsford or Kelowna has fewer bidders and lower click prices for the same term.