Moving to Vancouver , relocate to Vancouver

If you are wondering how to move to Vancouver, you will be happy to know you’re not alone. Expats from all over the world are drawn to start a life in the True North surrounded by nature. However, be prepared to spend over half of your monthly income on rent. Still interested? Read on to find out everything you need to know about moving to Vancouver.

Relocating

Relocating is never an easy process, but Vancouver is worth it in the end. This city has it all and expats know it. Neighborhoods are vibrant and diverse, nature is abundant, the food is out of this world, jobs are plentiful, and education and healthcare are topnotch. What else do you need to convince you?

If you are still wondering about whether to move to Vancouver, maybe our pros and cons list will help you make your final decision.

Things to Know Before Moving to Vancouver

Vancouver, constantly ranked among the top ten cities to live in, might give you the idea it is an expat wonderland. While we do not want to rain on your parade, it is always advisable to consider every pro and con before moving. The quality of life in Canada’s third-largest city is overall very high, but Vancouver also has its downsides that you need to know.

The Pros

Diverse Population

Vancouver’s population is a mix of Aboriginal people, English-Canadians, English, Scottish, Irish, Chinese, Koreans, Indians, Hispanic, Filipino, Iranians, and many more. The city embraces diversity and welcomes all nations.

Vast Nature

The beaches and North Shore mountains are not all there is to Vancouver. Stanley Park, for example, is a beautiful green space in the middle of the city and the sunsets from there are out of this world.

Booming Economy

The job opportunities are plenty. Expats will be happy to know that there are a lot of openings in healthcare, education, finance, and technology. In fact, the city even has trouble providing additional office space to fit all those skilled workers.

Good Healthcare

Public healthcare in Vancouver is subsidized by taxpayers. Everyone with a permanent residency permit has full access to healthcare that covers almost everything.

Excellent Education

The public education system in Vancouver is free and ranks high on an international level. Schools in the city have a different emphasis, some even cater to the multicultural needs of the population. 

The Cons

Expensive

Vancouver is one of the most expensive cities worldwide when it comes to real estate. Be prepared to either spend half of your income on rent or to have hour-long commutes to and from work because you live on the very outskirts of town.

Earthquakes

Vancouver is situated on two Northern plates, which makes it a high-risk area for earthquakes. The city is affected by a lot of small earthquakes. However, research shows that before long, Vancouver could be hit by a devastating one.

Low Wages

Although there are a lot of employment opportunities, salaries are low if you are not a skilled worker. The minimum wage is 14 CAD (10 USD) per hour. Living in a city this expensive, it can be hard to juggle bills and have fun on a minimum to average salary.

Homelessness and Drugs

There are a lot of young homeless people in Vancouver. You will see a lot of drug use and young people on the street in East Hastings and Downtown Eastside.

Crime

Although Vancouver is a fairly safe city, crime rate is high. You can see a lot of drug use around the street and violence against women is unfortunately not uncommon.

Tips and Advice for Moving to Vancouver

Is it Hard to Move to Vancouver as an Expat?

Apart from everything you need to do to get work and residence visas in Canada, relocating can be difficult for expats who do not know the lay of the land. Finding a home in a city hit by a housing crisis is very hard. Many expats decide against moving to crowded and expensive Vancouver city itself, preferring a bigger and less expensive home in the surrounding communities like Burnaby, Surrey, and the Tri-Cities of Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, and Port Moody.

Most suburbs are well-connected to the center by public transportation. If you can, try finding a short-term rental before deciding on a more permanent place. This way you have more time to get to know the city and find the neighborhoods that resonate with you and your budget. For more information on how to find a new home and whether or not your landlord allows pets, read the Living in Vancouver guide.

Jobs are plentiful, however, finding a well-paid and skilled job as an expat is competitive. Why? Because Canada already has highly-skilled native graduates that do not need an expensive work visa. Vancouver is currently creating a lot of new jobs, and expats with specialized skills in areas such as IT, (bio)engineering, and business and technology might just be in luck.

Do not let this discourage you from relocating to such an amazing. Expats quickly forget the hassle of moving upon arriving because they feel immediately accepted and welcomed. Being such a culturally diverse city, Vancouver is home to so many ethnicities that it is impossible to not feel the spirit of the city. And if you are shy and need a nudge meeting new people, you will find exciting and diverse communities through InterNations. There you can connect with fellow expats, local events, and community groups.

Moving with Pets

Can’t move without your furry best friend? Don’t worry. You do not need to. It is possible to bring pets into Canada, but be aware that it is a bit of a hassle. To enter the country, pets are not required to be microchipped. They also need a valid Rabies Certificate (EU Pet Passport) written in English or French, and issued by a licensed veterinarian, as well as all recommended vaccinations. If you are planning on taking your pets with you, read the detailed Moving with Pets section in our Canada Guide.

Get Expert Help to Move

All the hustle and bustle of a move is already overwhelming without taking into account visa applications, job hunting, and home-finding. If you are planning your relocation to Vancouver, let us help you through the process. InterNations GO! provides expert services, such as international shipping and visa support, giving you a head start to your new life abroad.

Vancouver Profile