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20 Pros And Cons Of Living In Vancouver, BC Canada 2024
Want to know the pros and cons of living in Vancouver, Canada? You’re in the right place!
Consistently thought of as one of the best cities in the world, Vancouver is an exciting place to live.
A bustling city on Canada’s West Coast, you can hike in the morning, check out Stanley Park and the aquarium in the afternoon, dine at any type of restaurant your stomach desires, and check out live theatre in the evening.
The reasons that living in Vancouver, BC is so popular are not only the beauty, nature, and things to do. Being Canada’s largest port and one of the biggest industrial centers, the economy is wildly diverse and prosperous, meaning that finding a job is highly likely!
While a Vancouver vacation is always a good idea, is the city a good place to stay permanently?
The decision will be much easier for you to decide after comparing the pros and cons of living in Vancouver.
When you’re ready to visit France, find the cheapest flights with this tool.
14 Pros of Living in Vancouver, BC
PRO: YVR is a fantastic airport
Only 12 km from downtown Vancouver, Vancouver International Airport is an airport you want to go to.
For 12 years now, YVR airport has been voted the best airport in North America by the Skytrax World Airport Awards. 12 years!
There are even two aquariums for you to check out while you wait! The Jellyfish Exhibit has 12 jellyfish and is located on Level 4 of the International Terminal, while Level 3 houses the 5000 creatures that live in the Main Aquarium.
During takeoff or landing, you are treated to striking views of the city, mountains, and the Pacific Ocean.
The easy access to downtown Vancouver or Richmond on the SkyTrain makes getting home so quick and easy!
You can feel safe in YVR airport as they are very Covid friendly. In fact, the airport just received the first-ever Covid-19 Airport Excellence Award.
When you’re ready to visit France, find the cheapest flights with this tool.
Pro: Amazing schooling
With 11 school districts in Metro Vancouver, the residents here are highly educated. Earning some of the top grades in the country, Vancouver students can feel proud of their high scores.
Parents have the choice of putting their children into either public school or private school in the city, as there are plenty of both.
The way it works in Vancouver is that placement into public schools goes by neighbourhood. Whichever neighbourhood you live in is where you go to school, so many parents choose neighbourhoods based on where they want their children to go to school.
Those wanting higher education need to look no further than UBC, the University of British Columbia, which is only a half-hour bus ride from downtown!
There’s also Simon Fraser University, and Vancouver Film School, otherwise known as VFS.
Vancouver has earned itself the nickname Hollywood North due to all the projects that film here, giving students the opportunity to practice what they’re learning in school!
Pro: Shopping haven
Vancouver is a shopping lovers paradise, with small boutiques, large shopping centers, high-end couture, second-hand stores, and many independent shops.
People plan visits to Vancouver just to shop!
There are several neighbourhoods known for their shopping experiences. The best areas to shop while living in Vancouver are on The Drive (Commercial Drive) for funky gifts and European food, Gastown for souvenir shops and one-of-a-kind jewellery, Lonsdale Quay on the North Shore for the market, and downtown for everything you could possibly hope to find. Downtown you’ll find everything from Tiffany’s and Holt Renfrew to Roots and Sephora.
Then there’s Granville Island, with the public market opening in 1978. Granville Island is always busy with tourists flocking here to experience the handmade crafts, the unique gifts, the food stalls, ocean views, and the ever-popular Raptors, a group of falconers who bring out hawks to educate visitors. Seeing these hawks is one of the fun, free things to do in Vancouver!
Locals also love Granville Island for the local produce, fresh-caught seafood, and many shops to pop into!
If big shopping centers are more your style, then you are in luck! Vancouver has Pacific Center, Metrotown, Oakridge, International Village, Kingsgate Mall, Park Royal, and more. And that’s not even counting the outlet stores!
Needless to say, if shopping is something you love, Vancouver is the perfect place for you.
Pro: It’s home to Stanley Park
Imagine a forest: deep green with blue skies peeking out at you from over the tops of densely packed trees, some over 50 meters tall and centuries old. The forest is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, and you can see mountains across the water. There are trails to walk, beaches to swim at, and wildlife to see.
This is Stanley Park, Vancouver’s best-loved park and one of the biggest draws to the city.
Stanley Park is home to The Vancouver Aquarium, an important space for marine animal education, conservation, marine research, and animal rehabilitation. Tourists and locals alike love to visit the aquarium and see the beauty of marine life.
There are also several restaurants to eat at, Totem Poles to admire, and gardens to wander, making Stanley Park a great place to meet friends on the weekend or to cycle after work!
One of the best things about living in Vancouver for me is that when a friend visits for the first time, I get to take them to Stanley Park and play tour guide!
We always stop at the aquarium, but my favorite thing to do in the park is simply walking the trails while ogling the tall trees.
Pro: You’ll always find food trucks
Go to any festival, farmers market, or busy street, and chances are you’ll find a food truck!
The variety of cuisines that food trucks offer is vast: there’s Indian, Asian, Latin American, hot dogs, Mexican, breakfast foods, health food options, and even dessert trucks!
You can try an assortment of food trucks at events like the Greater Vancouver Food Truck Festival, Dine Out Vancouver, by checking the Street Food app, and in busy parts of the city and parks.
Pro: Plenty of fun sporting events
Are you a sports fan? If you are, then you want to be living in Vancouver!
The city is home to an array of sports teams – soccer, football, basketball, hockey, and lacrosse, among others – and two major sports stadiums: BC Place and Rogers Arena.
Did you know that Vancouver hosted the 2010 Olympic Games? There’s now a neighborhood between downtown and Fairview called Olympic Village, which is also a stop on the Canada Line part of the SkyTrain.
There are so many events consistently going on in the city that being a sports fan living in Vancouver is very advantageous!
Pro: You don’t need to know French
Canada is a bilingual country; our official languages are French and English equally.
In some cities, this could be an issue, but in Vancouver most people speak English, making it easy to live and work in Vancouver if you aren’t bilingual.
However, Vancouver is a cultural melting pot, so while you’re wandering the streets, you’ll find yourself hearing plenty of conversations in other languages. Common languages spoken in Vancouver are Farsi, Korean, Mandarin, Spanish, Tagalog, Hindi, Punjabi, Cantonese, and German. It is incredible!
Need help learning a new language? I recommend iTalki! I’ve tried ALL the apps, but iTalki is the only way I’ve managed to learn as much as living in the local country.
Pro: The nightlife
While Vancouver may not have the club scene that Ottawa’s Byward Market or Montreal has, the city does offer its own type of nightlife.
From Queen Elizabeth Theatre to The Orpheum to The Playhouse, there are always live theatre shows to go see.
With various movie theatres and the famous Rio Theatre, every night is movie night. In the summertime, there are even free outdoor movie events!
Vancouver has a great drag scene as well, and if you’re looking to dance there are a slew of clubs downtown.
Pro: Relatively moderate weather
In cities like Toronto or Winnipeg, you may not want to spend winter days going on hikes, but in Vancouver, that’s fine!
We have relatively moderate weather, so we can spend our days outside year-round!
Sure, December may be cold compared to August, but it never gets as cold as other parts of Canada. If you wear a coat, you will still be comfortable enough to go outside.
There is nearly as much to do in winter in Vancouver as there is in summer. We have events year-round, meaning that living while in Vancouver you won’t be bored!
Though the weather is mild, we do still technically have four seasons.
Springtime is so lovely in Vancouver! I think one of the best things about living in Vancouver is wandering the streets in spring and photographing the cherry blossoms that line the sidewalks.
Summer is hot and humid, especially when considering the Heat Dome in the summer of 2021, but with so many beaches, you can easily cool off!
Fall is so beautiful, and my personal favorite time of year to be living in Vancouver!
The air is crisp and cool, perfect for walking outside in a scarf and sweater. The leaves are crunchy, the houses decorate (walking around East Van will show you the character of well-loved homes), and rainy season isn’t in full effect just yet.
Now onto winter, aka. the reason Vancouver is also referred to as Raincouver.
No, it doesn’t get as cold as other Canadian cities, but it sure does rain a lot!
Vancouver averages 160 days of rain per year. But don’t let that deter you from living in Vancouver, you can still ski or snowboard the snowy mountains at this time of year!
Be sure to pack a quality raincoat – like this one – to survive Raincouver!
Pro: Easy access to nature
A city known around the world for its natural beauty, getting to spend time in nature is a huge draw to living in Vancouver.
Luckily for us, it is very easy to spend time in green spaces. There are over 230 parks in Vancouver.
The City of Vancouver has a goal to become the greenest city in the world.
Right now, over 90% of Vancouver is within a 5-minute walk to a green space or park, with the hope being that soon all Vancouver residents will be within the 5-minute walk mark!
I recommend this tour to see the forests of Vancouver.
Pro: Hiking around every corner
Some of the best and closest hikes from downtown Vancouver are in North Vancouver, which has some of the lowest crime rates in Canada!
In North Van you can hike Lynn Canyon, the Grouse Grind, Capilano Canyon, Bowen Lookout, and so many more.
In Vancouver and the surrounding area, you can hike the beloved Pacific Spirit Regional Park, Burnaby Mountain, Deer Lake, or even Iona Beach.
There are countless opportunities to go hiking in the city, but even more if you’re willing to venture out a bit further in BC.
A personal favorite of mine is one of the easiest, both to get to and to hike.
Lynn Canyon on Vancouver’s North Shore is a beautiful hike that has multiple trails, a rock pool, and a free suspension bridge!
Pro: So much green space (Vancouverism)
Vancouverism is a term coined to describe the planning of Vancouver, and now it is a model for urban planning and architecture. Wanting more green spaces with good site lines, Vancouver was built with tall slim buildings separated by low-rise buildings.
This keeps the views of the green mountains and blue ocean visible even deep into the city.
There are so many green spaces in Vancouver, which adds to the natural landscape surrounding the city.
Vancouverism just makes sense, and makes living in Vancouver, a big city, feel smaller and closer to nature.
Pro: Variety of food: from holes in the wall to Top Chefs!
Being such a culturally diverse city, it’s really no surprise that you will not be disappointed by Vancouver’s food scene!
Conde Nast Traveler has named Vancouver one of the world’s best foodie cities.
Being a seaside city means there is plenty of fresh, high-quality seafood for the local restaurants to serve up in a wide variety of dishes, while local farms provide the seasonal produce.
Vancouver is said to have the best sushi outside of Japan. You have to taste it!
Or maybe try local Japadog, a Japanese-style hot dog cart by Japanese immigrants that now have multiple stand locations and even a food truck.
Ramen is very popular here, as is Indian food, brunch spots, fine dining, and burger joints. There are delicious options for any type of budget.
Vegans and vegetarians need not fear as there are plenty of plant-based restaurants!
I recommend this tour to explore Vancouver’s food scene!
Pro: Skytrain offers beautiful views on your commute
The longest driverless train system in North America, the Skytrain, is fun to ride!
Originally built when Vancouver hosted the World Expo in 1986, this train is mostly above ground, giving you views of metro Vancouver, the mountains, and even the harbour!
With 3 different lines connecting all of Vancouver and the surrounding areas, riding the Skytrain above ground is truly stunning.
Release your inner child by sitting in the two aisle seats at the front or back of a train. It feels like you’re on a ride!
6 Cons Of Living In Vancouver
Con: Cost of living
As the most expensive city to live in in Canada — and second only to San Fransisco when it comes to North America as a whole — Vancouver isn’t cheap!
The cost of living is astronomically high and can make living in Vancouver difficult for some.
A joke in Canada is that BC stands for Bring Cash, and it’s true!
The typical one-bedroom apartment in Vancouver is currently around $2,056 while the average home starts at $1.4 million.
These figures aren’t including any extras, like hydroelectric or internet.
To live an average lifestyle here, you need to earn at least $44,000/year.
This is really just to live comfortably, this doesn’t include entertainment or dining out. So boost that salary if you’re hoping to have a fun Vancouver lifestyle.
Con: Cost of travel elsewhere in Canada
While speaking to fellow travelers, many are impressed when they find out I’m from Canada.
They talk of wanting to travel here, but say it is just too expensive.
In some countries, you can travel cheaply once there, but Canada is not one of them.
Canada is big, so you have the options of driving, flying, bussing, or taking a train.
None of these come cheap though!
Once you’re in Vancouver it is often cheaper to fly to Asia or Hawaii than it is to fly to Toronto or Halifax.
A con of living in BC is that visiting family or friends in other provinces often comes with a high price tag.
Con: The traffic and driving
When living and working in a city, traffic is something you need to think about.
The verdict on Vancouver traffic? It’s the worst in Canada.
Yes, Vancouverites have been blessed with the title of the worst traffic in Canada.
As if that isn’t bad enough, Vancouver is often ranked as having more traffic jams than Los Angeles!
As someone whose apartment looks out onto a major intersection in the city, I can tell you that the drivers here are reckless. On a typical day, it isn’t unusual to witness drivers not stopping for ambulances, nearly mowing down pedestrians, running red lights, or cutting people off; it’s quite dangerous.
Google “Why are Vancouver” and “Why are Vancouver drivers so bad” is one of the top suggestions.
So be warned before you decide you want to live in metro Vancouver and drive to work every day!
Con: People aren’t as friendly as the rest of Canada
Canadians are known around the world as being the friendliest people, but in Vancouver, that simply isn’t the case.
Ask anyone working in retail and they will tell you horror stories of entitled and downright rude customers.
Ask anyone who moves to Vancouver and doesn’t know anyone; it is very hard to make friends.
The Vancouver Bail is normal (Vancouverites love to make plans, then bail last minute), and it is common knowledge that it is hard to make good friends with people who have lived their entire lives in Vancouver.
If you live in Vancouver and hold the door open for someone in a mall, there’s a 50/50 chance you’ll be scolded instead of thanked. Just be aware of that!
The day I moved here, I was sitting outside my new apartment building in the moving truck. I smiled at an older woman walking by as we made eye contact. She continued walking originally but ended up turning back to speak to me.
“You must be from the East Coast,” she said. I laughed and said I was from Ontario.
She told me she knew it as soon as I smiled at her, because strangers smiling at each other in Vancouver is rare.
Personally, I smile at everyone, but it is true that it’s rarer to get a smile back than no reaction at all.
👉 Want to make friends around the world? Join Meetups today for free!
Con: Transit leaves a lot to be desired
While the SkyTrain may be beautiful, BC Transit in general leaves a lot to be desired.
The busses are consistently late, the SkyTrain doesn’t cover enough ground, and being packed in too tightly on overcrowded trains are just a few regular complaints heard when taking public transit.
As someone who takes Vancouver public transit daily, my commute can often be unnecessarily stressful.
It’s really no surprise that so many people choose to drive or bike when they can.
Con: Sitting on a fault line
Vancouver just so happens to sit on a known fault line. A big one.
The Cascadia Subduction Zone runs from Northern Vancouver Island all the way down to Northern California.
It is thought that when this earthquake happens, it will be a 9.0+ magnitude and will result in a tsunami with waves 100 feet high.
If that isn’t stressful enough, Natural Resources Canada says that within the next 50 years there is a 30% chance of an earthquake big enough to cause significant damage.
Evidence shows that major earthquakes of this magnitude happen on the West Coast every 200-850 years. The last one was in January of 1700, meaning we are over 300 years due.
👉 Find out how much it costs to protect your trip today with Safety Wing travel insurance.
How to Transfer Money to Canada
Moving to Vancouver requires a lot of steps. One of the biggest ones is sending over money so you can start your life here.
Wise.com allows you to send money abroad with the lowest service fees and the best exchange rates. They’ll even show you competitor rates to prove that they’ll save you the most!
Sign up today to start moving your money to Vancouver securely and without ridiculous added fees.
Get Travel Insurance Before You Move Abroad
Moving abroad is full of hiccups. Protect yourself when things go wrong!
When things don’t go to plan, have Safety Wing on your side. You don’t need the added stress of dealing with medical bills, lost luggage, or delayed flights when things are going awry. You need a travel insurance provider you can trust to get you through the stress and be accessible 24/7.
Whether you need short-term, long-term or budget-friendly coverage, Safety Wing has your back.
I’ve always been able to rely on them when I’m moving to a new country, have had flight cancellations, or had something lost/stolen (these things do happen!). Even when I’ve hurt myself on hikes – which is a real possibility with the amazing Vancouver hikes and my clumsiness.
👉 Find out how much it costs to protect your trip today with Safety Wing travel insurance.
Fun Vancouver Tours to Learn the Area
- Historic walking tour of Vancouver’s Gastown with fine dining
- Go sightseeing at Whistler
- Sip wine in Fraser Valley on an exclusive wine tour
- Test your nerve at the Capilano Suspension Bridge
- Cycle around the city to get your bearings on this bike tour
Closing Thoughts On 20 Pros And Cons Of Living In Vancouver
Many people choose to live in Vancouver because of the vibrant foodie scene or the quickly growing economy, the stunning views or the sports events, the changing seasons or all of the city’s green spaces, and I can easily see why! The Vancouver lifestyle is very attractive.
This is a city full of life. Some may call it sleepy compared to the concrete jungle that is Toronto or the fun-loving Montreal, but the magnificent nature more than makes up for it!
Now you’re prepared to decide whether or not these pros and cons of living in Vancouver can work for you. You’ll have to balance the cost of living with the quality of life and plethora of nature.
Brooklyn Murtaugh of Just Being Brooklyn
Brooklyn Murtaugh founded Just Being Brooklyn as a space for travel lovers, history buffs, adventure seekers, those looking to work as an au pair, and all things Vancouver, BC – her home base.
Check out her Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.
FAQs About Living in Vancouver Canada
Living in Vancouver vs Toronto
Living in Vancouver and Toronto is massively different. Not only are they nearly on the opposite sides of Canada, but they also have very different cityscapes.
Vancouver is green, where Toronto is grey and chrome. Vancouver has many hikes just waiting to be explored. In Toronto, most of the hikes are on the outskirts of the city.
While both have large job markets and high costs of living, people report that the feel of living in Vancouver vs Toronto is extremely different. Toronto is much more uptight than Vancouver. Probably due to the lack of fun outdoor activities!
Living in Vancouver vs Calgary
Calgary is not nearly as green as Vancouver, but living in Calgary would make you better off financially. The living costs are significantly lower than living in Vancouver.
Unfortunately, living in Calgary means much more extreme weather. You’re likely to face heat waves and blizzards with alarming force.
Many people also struggle to find jobs in Calgary that fit their careers. Unless you are in a basic career, such as law or medicine, finding niche roles can be a challenge.
Is Vancouver expensive to live in?
Yes, Vancouver is the most expensive city to live in Canada and the second most expensive city to live in North America.
Cost of Living in Vancouver for International Students
If you are living in Vancouver as an international student, living there can definitely be expensive. Coming from somewhere with cheaper living costs will allow for more savings to put towards living expenses.
If not, try searching for housing that is close to campus so you aren’t paying for transportation. Get roommates to cut your costs from $2,000+ for an apartment.
Also, be prepared to pay additional fees for schooling. Canadian universities charge an international student fee that is more than Canadian tuition.
Where is Vancouver?
Vancouver is on the west coast of Canada in British Columbia. It’s located north of Seattle, Washington.
Vancouver is also the largest city in B.C.
How big is Vancouver?
The population of Vancouver is 675,218 (2017.)
Vancouver covers 115 square kilometres.
What is a livable salary in Vancouver?
A minimum livable salary, if you want your own apartment, is $44,000 per year. You can reduce this cost if you are willing to live with roommates, not dine out, and use as few services as possible.
A more accurate livable salary is $55,000 per year.
Is living in Vancouver worth it?
If you want to live near water and enjoy hiking, living in Vancouver can be worth it. However, the cost of living can exclude it from some people’s consideration.
Ultimately, it will depend on your ability to handle the pros and cons of living in Vancouver.
Is Vancouver a safe place to live?
Vancouver is a quiet place to live. The crime rate is low.
It’s a popular city for travellers, immigrants, and solo females – the three types of people most likely to be targetted by crime. They have flourished, which says a lot for the safety of the city.
Use common sense, and you’ll be ok living here.
Related Posts:
- 10 Pros and Cons of Living in Canada
- 13 Canada Capital Cities & The Best Things to Do
- 86 Bucket List Canada Things to Do: The Ultimate Must Do List
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Canada Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy Canada travel insurance?
100% YES! — Canada has “free” healthcare but it’s only for citizens! Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. I recommend World Nomads – starting at just $5 a day!
💧Can you drink the water in Canada?
Yes — In all major cities in Canada, you can drink the tap water. There are very few, rural areas that you can’t. However, you should never drink river or lake water anywhere in the country! I recommend a Brita Water Bottle for long hikes and backcountry camping to stay safe and hydrated.
🚙💨 Is it safe to rent a car in Canada?
Yes — Renting a car is a necessity in most of Canada! If you want to go on road trips or adventures outside of the major cities, you’ll need to rent a car. (Read more)
📲 Will my phone work in Canada?
Maybe — Some American companies work in Canada, but many will not. If your phone doesn’t work in Canada, I recommend getting a Canadian SIM card so you can get around and stay in contact with loved ones. We don’t have a lot of free WIFI in Canada, so you’ll need your phone for maps.
🏩 What’s the best way to book my Canada accommodations?
My go-to for Canadian hotels is Booking.com. For hostels, I use Hostel World. If you want a home-y feeling, check out VRBO (which is cheaper and safer than Airbnb).
Or get free accommodations with Trusted Housesitters!
✈️ What’s the best site to buy Canada flights?
For finding cheap Canadian flights, I recommend Skyscanner.
🎫 Do I need a visa for Canada?
Likely Not — US, UK, and EU passport holders don’t need Canadian visas. However, some other countries do (check here!). And if you plan to stay for more than 4 weeks (an average tourist visa length), you will need to look into visas to live in Canada.
