Moving to Vancouver Guide 2025: How to Move to BC
Planning on moving to Vancouver, BC in 2025? Get your visa, find a job, housing tips, healthcare, and everything else you need for relocating to BC.
Moving to Vancouver - Get Started
Moving to Vancouver Checklist
I’m sharing my Vancouver checklist that I made for myself, that includes everything from applying for your visa to meeting friends in Vancouver. →
Cost of living in Vancouver
Vancouver is expensive. Make sure to save up for the high cost of living in Vancouver before you arrive. See our full breakdown. →
Best neighbourhoods in Vancouver
From the hip cafés and artistic culture of Mount Pleasant, to the beaches of Kitsilano, or the vibrant nightlife of Yaletown, find what suits your vibe. →
All about relocating to Vancouver
Getting a Canadian visa
The IEC visa is the easiest option for younger adults. For PR you might consider Express Entry. Read our full guide. →
Open a bank account
Banks like RBC, TD, and Scotiabank offer newcomer-friendly accounts. Bring ID, visa documents, and proof of address. →
Getting Canadian healthcare
MSP is British Columbia's public health insurance program that covers medically required healthcare services. You can apply online through the BC Government website or at a Service BC office. →
Get a SIN number
A Social Insurance Number (SIN) allows you to work and access government services. You'll need it immediately. →
Exchange your driver’s license
You can use your foreign license for up to 90 days, after which you must get a BC license. It is easy to exchange at ICBC. →
Find an apartment
You can find an apartment on Craigslist, Padmapper or Facebook. Use a “tenant resume” to get accepted. Try it out. →
Moving to BC from another province
If you're moving to BC from another province in Canada, the process is easier than moving internationally, but there are still a few things to figure out that a re a bit different.
- Finding a place to live: It’s hard to find an apartment so start your search early. You might have to wait to arrive here to see the spots, but can schedule them in advance. Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and PadMapper are good places to check.
- Changing your address: Update your address with Canada Post, your bank, employer, and any government services you use.
- If you’re bringing a car: You’ll need to update your driver’s license and car registration.
- Exchanging your license: You have 90 days to switch your driver’s license to a BC license. ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia) is the province’s only auto insurance provider, so expect higher rates than in some other provinces.
- Healthcare: Apply for MSP as soon as you move. There’s usually a 3 month waiting period, so you’ll need to keep your previous provincial health coverage or get private insurance in the meantime
- Moving van/trucks: Many people drive or rent a U-Haul to move across Canada.
- Finding friends: Make sure to join groups, go to meetups, and get an in-person job if possible.
Why move to Vancouver?
Pros
- I love Vancouver!
- Vancouver is surrounded by mountains, forests, and the ocean, offering stunning views and easy access to outdoor activities.
- Access to the outdoors like hiking, skiing, snowboarding, biking, kayaking, climbing, you name it.
- Unlike Toronto or Montreal, Vancouver has mild, snow-free winters with comfortable temperatures.
- Vancouver is culturally diverse and inclusive.
- It’s very safe and clean.
Cons
- It’s extremely expensive. Vancouver has some of the highest housing costs in North America, with rent prices averaging over $2,500 per month
- The cost of living is far higher than average wages, making it tough for many to save money.
- A lot of rain. Vancouver gets 160+ days of rain per year, with long, gray winters.
- There are a lot of unhoused people, the city should have better housing, and systems in place, but they don’t.
FAQs about Moving to Vancouver
Is it expensive to move to Vancouver?
Yes, Vancouver consistently ranks as one of Canada’s most expensive cities, particularly for housing. However, budgeting carefully can make it manageable.
How do I find friends quickly after moving?
Some people do say it’s hard to find friends in Vancouver, but I find people in Vancouver open and friendly! Vancouver has loads of meetup groups, sports clubs, and community events designed for newcomers.
Is Vancouver pet-friendly?
Yes, for the most part. Vancouver is pet-friendly, with dog parks, and beaches. Just be sure your housing explicitly allows pets, because a lot of apartments don’t allow it. Pets are not allowed in supermarkets or restaurants.
How easy is it to get around without a car?
It depends where you are. Vancouver’s public transit system (SkyTrain, buses, SeaBus) is extensive and reliable. Make sure to live or stay near a skytrain station.
When is the best time of year to move to Vancouver?
Ideally between June and September. The weather is sunny and warm, there’s outdoor events, and of course the beach!
How soon after moving can I access MSP healthcare coverage?
After applying for MSP, there’s a standard waiting period of 3 months. It’s recommended you buy private travel insurance to cover this initial period.
Are groceries and restaurants expensive in Vancouver?
Yes, groceries and dining out are pricier compared to other Canadian cities. Shopping at discount grocery stores like No Frills or Walmart and cooking at home can help lower costs.
How easy is it to find a job in Vancouver?
Finding a job can take time, as Vancouver’s job market is competitive. Networking and applying in advance significantly improve your chances. Certain sectors, like tech, healthcare, and hospitality, frequently hire newcomers.
Is Vancouver good for international students?
Yes, Vancouver is ideal for students, offering top-ranked universities and colleges like UBC and SFU. There’s also a vibrant international community and plenty of job opportunities after graduation.
Are there good outdoor activities close to Vancouver?
Definitely! World-class hiking trails, skiing resorts (Whistler, Cypress, Grouse), beaches, lakes, and mountain biking are all within easy reach, typically less than an hour away. It’s one of the best cities in the world for outdoor activities in my opinion.
Fun Vancouver Stats
I love data, so here’s some data:
Population & Demographics
- Vancouver's population: ~2.6 million (Metro Vancouver, 2024)
- One of Canada’s most diverse cities, with over 50% of residents identifying as a visible minority.
- Over 46% of residents speak a first language other than English.
Cost of Living & Housing
- Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in downtown Vancouver: $2,800+ per month.
- Home prices: A detached home is around $1.9 million (2024).
Weather & Climate
- Vancouver gets 161 rainy days per year.
- Average winter temperature: 5°C (41°F) (warmer than most of Canada).
- Summer highs: 25-30°C (77-86°F) in July and August.
- Vancouver ranks as one of the least snowy cities in Canada, with most precipitation falling as rain.
Economy & Jobs
- Unemployment rate: ~5% (as of 2024).
- Key industries: Technology, film & TV, tourism, and natural resources.
- Vancouver is home to major tech companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Slack, and EA Games.
Transportation
- Public transit score: 74/100 (one of the best in North America).
- Vancouver has the longest driver wait times in Canada (~37 minutes per trip).
- SkyTrain has three major lines: Expo, Millennium, and Canada Line.
Quality of Life
- Consistently ranked as one of the top 10 most livable cities in the world (EIU Global Liveability Index).
- Over 220 parks, including Stanley Park, which is larger than Central Park in NYC.
- Vancouver has one of the highest life expectancies in North America (over 82 years).
About me
I’m Jaycee Day, by day I am a Staff Product Designer at GitHub (A subsidiary of Microsoft), by night I run this site as a fun side project!
I grew up in Ladner, a small town outside of Vancouver, then moved to Vancouver for a year. I decided I needed a huge change so dropped out of college and moved to Berlin where I lived for 6 years. I needed another change so I then got rid of my apartment in Berlin and everything I owned and travelled the world for 2 years. After 2 years of travelling, I realized my heart was always in Vancouver, so moved back here.
The site was inspired by me living as an expat in another country, then going through the slow and bureaucratic process of moving back. I documented everything I went through, so decided to share it with the world, in hopes of helping the next person move to my absolute favourite place ❤️
Ready to move?
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