You're young. You're single. You are looking at places you would like to live.
Vancouver, British Columbia is one of your "first dream choices".
Here are some of the pros and cons to making a move to Vancouver:
Pros:
Natural Beauty: Vancouver is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including mountains, forests, and ocean views. The city’s beauty is unparalleled.
Outdoor Activities: You can enjoy hiking, biking, skiing, and water sports all year round. Stanley Park, with its seawall and beaches, offers endless outdoor recreation.
Cultural Diversity: Vancouver is a Sea Port and a melting pot of cultures, languages, and cuisines. You’ll find a rich tapestry of people from around the world.
Education: Vancouver has excellent post-secondary schools and universities. Simon Fraser University (SFU) sits on top of a mountain in Burnaby. The University of British Columbia (UBC) is renowned for its academic programs.
Healthcare: Canada’s universal healthcare system ensures access to medical services.
Public Transportation: The SkyTrain and buses provide efficient transportation within the city.
Cons:
High Cost of Living: Vancouver is one of the most expensive cities in Canada. Housing costs, rent, and dining out can strain your budget.
Traffic Congestion: Traffic can be heavy, especially during rush hours. Commuting can be time-consuming.
Rainy Weather: Vancouver experiences a lot of rain, which may affect your mood and outdoor plans.
Property Crime: While Vancouver is relatively safe, property crime (such as theft) can be an issue, especially in certain neighborhoods.
Homelessness: The city faces homelessness challenges, and you’ll encounter homeless individuals in some areas that you may not expect. The sad face of the city is probably unlike what you remember from the last time you visited Vancouver.
Nightlife: Vancouver’s nightlife scene is quieter compared to other major cities. Strict noise bylaws affect bars and clubs.
COST OF LIVING FOR A SINGLE YOUNG PERSON IN VANCOUVER AREA
The estimated cost of living for a single person in Vancouver can vary based on lifestyle choices and individual needs. Here’s a breakdown of estimated monthly expenses:
Rent: Rent prices in Vancouver can be high. On average, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $3000+ Canadian dollars per month. Rents will decrease as you move into the burbs further from the center. Your rent will likely be optimal if you join a commune and live 3 transit zones from city center. (Joking about the commune-- please don't join one.)
STAYING AT THE YWCA<-- Rates for 1 and 2-person residential rooms available Sept-May each year.
STUDENT HOUSING: Post-secondary education institutions, such as UBC and SFU, offer student housing. To register for student housing (dorms, etc.), you will need to connect with the institutions early on in the process of registering for study terms. You may also find boarding rooms in the UBC area in people's homes etc. by checking with Student Housing.
Food and Dining:
Groceries: A gallon of milk costs approximately 11.55 CAD, a loaf of fresh white bread is around 3.88 CAD, and a dozen eggs are about 6.04 CAD. These grocery prices tend to ascend on a fairly regular basis. There are many vegans in Vancouver with a complete infostructure related to where to buy vegan (including farmers' markets) and meetups, etc. Midway between Grocery Shopping and Eating Out: There are the usual urban food delivery services available. Your groceries and food delivery costs will depend on how often you do this, and how much they deliveries cost. There will probably not be any advantage, cost-wise, in getting food delivered in vs. eating out. Remember to budget.
Eating Out: A meal at an inexpensive restaurant is roughly 25 CAD, while a mid-range three-course meal for two people can cost 120+ CAD. If you are a foodie, Vancouver restaurants used to be pretty exciting to explore. Things have changed since the Pandemic and before-- but you can still explore to find the great and the cheap places to eat out. Count on laying out anywhere from 25CAD to 200+ CAD per week on eating out costs.
Transportation:
Public Transit: A one-way local transport ticket is about 3.15 CAD for 1 zone, and a monthly pass costs around 190 CAD for 3 zones.
Gasoline: The price of gasoline per gallon is approximately 7.38 CAD. (People who pick you up or drop you off by car will expect something in the range of of what they pay for gas, so maybe $5 to $10 per ride? Some of this expense will go toward their parking costs as well as general car maintenance and courtesy. Be grateful and considerate. Uber and Lyft costs range from $15 up)
Utilities:
Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for a 915 sq ft apartment amount to around 229 CAD per month. Mobile will cost about 66 CAD and Internet will run about 85 CAD per month.
Entertainment and Miscellaneous:
Going out for a domestic beer (pint) costs about 8 CAD, and a cappuccino is around 5.41 CAD. Lots of entertainment possibilities everywhere in the city and burbs. The Universities are an ongoing offering of fun events. A budget is a good idea.
Other expenses include personal items, entertainment, and leisure activities. Better not count on buying clothing or makeup on a regular basis or being able to afford a decent hair cut.
Keep in mind that these are estimates, and actual costs may vary based on personal preferences and spending habits. Vancouver’s high cost of living is balanced by its natural beauty, cultural diversity, and quality of life. It’s essential to budget wisely and explore affordable options.
Post-Secondary Schools:
University of British Columbia (UBC)
Vancouver Campus Address: 2329 West Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4
British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)
BCIT Address: 3700 Willingdon Avenue, Burnaby, BC V5G 3H2
Emily Carr University of Art and Design (ECUAD)
ECUAD Address: 520 East 1st Ave. Vancouver, BC. V5T 0H2
Kwantlen Polytechnic University
KPU Address: 12666 72 Ave, Surrey, BC V3W2M8
Langara- The College of Higher Learning
Langara College Address: 100 West 49th Avenue. Vancouver B.C. Canada V5Y 2Z6
Simon Fraser University (SFU)
SFU Address: 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6
Vancouver Community College (VCC)
VCC address: 1155 East Broadway, Vancouver, B.C. V5T 4V5
Vancouver Film School (VFS)
VFS address: 1380 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC
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