The Newcomer’s Guide to Long-Distance Moving to Vancouver
September 18, 2025
Planning long distance moving to Vancouver? This guide breaks down what to expect: from cost of living and livability stats to neighborhood diversity, weather, transit, and how to choose the right long-distance mover.
Table of contents
- Why people move to Vancouver
- Cost of living in Vancouver
- Best neighborhoods in Vancouver
- Getting Around Vancouver: Transit and Traffic
- Outdoor lifestyle in Vancouver
- Fun facts about Vancouver
- What to watch out for when moving to Vancouver
- How MTS makes moving to Vancouver easy
At a glance
- Why Move to Vancouver: Ranked among the world’s most livable cities, with diverse neighborhoods, career opportunities, and a year-round outdoor lifestyle.
- What to Expect: Canada’s highest housing costs, above-average utilities and groceries, traffic congestion, and surprises like pricey gas, insurance, and childcare.
- How to Prepare: Plan ahead for condo rules, narrow streets, and rainy weather, then rely on MTS for transparent pricing, trained crews, and seamless long distance moving to Vancouver.
Is moving to Vancouver really worth it?
By the numbers, it’s hard to argue against. In 2025, Vancouver ranked 10th worldwide for livability.
The highest of any North American city, scoring 95.8/100 on the Economist Intelligence Unit’s index. Healthcare, education, and public safety all rate above 95, and the city has cut carbon emissions by 18% since 2007, even while its population has grown nearly 20%. More than 40% of residents are foreign-born, creating one of the most diverse and multicultural cities in the world.
Add in access to world-class universities, a climate that allows for year-round recreation, and endless opportunities to live an active, outdoor lifestyle, and it’s no wonder over 8,000 Canadians move here every year.
But here’s the reality check: a one-bedroom downtown costs over $2,500 a month, traffic is among the worst in North America, and weeks of rain can test even the most optimistic newcomer. Vancouver may top global livability charts, but for many, affordability is the steepest mountain to climb.
That’s where MTS Moving comes in. As specialists in long distance moving to Vancouver, we’ve helped thousands of Canadians relocate to the West Coast with guaranteed quotes, professional crews, and a process designed to reduce stress.
This guide is designed to give you a clear-eyed look at what newcomers to Vancouver can expect, from lifestyle perks to cost-of-living challenges, and how to start your new life the right way.
Why People Move to Vancouver (2025)
With its mix of natural beauty, career opportunities, and cultural vibrancy, Vancouver consistently attracts thousands of newcomers every year. Here’s what makes the city such a magnet for people across Canada and around the world.
Feature | Statistic or Rank |
Livability Index (global) | 10th worldwide (score 95.8/100) |
Outdoor access | 200+ parks, 11 km seawall, 350+ km trails |
Film industry jobs | 99,000+ in BC, 400+ productions/year |
Tech sector size | 6,400+ companies, 3.3% unemployment |
Foreign-born population | 40%+ |
Annual major productions | 400+ |
International festivals/year | 100+ multicultural events |
Median home price | $1.2M+ (2025; among highest in Canada |
Lifestyle: Mountains, Ocean, and Outdoors Year-Round
Vancouver is one of the few cities in the world where you can ski, hike, bike, kayak, and hit the beach; all in the same week. The city sits between the Pacific Ocean and the North Shore Mountains, offering endless opportunities for recreation.
Stanley Park (larger than NYC’s Central Park), Grouse Mountain, and hundreds of trails make outdoor living a way of life here. Thanks to its mild coastal climate, residents enjoy year-round access to nature, paired with the conveniences of a modern urban centre.
Careers: Film, Tech, Healthcare, Green Economy
Beyond its scenery, Vancouver is also an economic powerhouse. From film sets to tech start-ups to hospitals and green businesses, the city offers diverse career paths that continue to draw skilled workers and entrepreneurs from every corner of the globe.
- Film & TV: Known as Hollywood North, Vancouver is North America’s third-largest film hub , employing 99,000+ people and generating $4 billion annually.
- Technology: With 6,400+ tech companies and major expansions by Amazon, Microsoft, and Apple, the sector is booming; unemployment dropped to just 3.3% in 2024–25.
- Healthcare: Anchored by leading hospitals and research institutes, Vancouver is a hub for medical innovation.
- Green Economy: From renewable energy to sustainable construction, Vancouver leads Canada’s shift to a low-carbon economy.
Diverse, Multicultural City with Global Appeal
Over 40% of Vancouver’s 2.6 million residents are foreign-born, making it one of the most multicultural cities in the world. Festivals, world cuisine, and inclusive neighborhoods celebrate this diversity daily. According to the 2021 Census, 78.4% of BC’s newcomers settled in Metro Vancouver, reinforcing its global reputation as one of the best cities for students, professionals, and families alike.
Cost of Living in Vancouver
Vancouver’s world-class lifestyle comes with Canada’s highest price tag. Housing tops the list, but utilities, groceries, and even everyday expenses like gas and childcare can stretch budgets further than expected. Here’s how the numbers break down.
Housing Costs: Downtown vs Burnaby, Surrey, Coquitlam
Downtown and central Vancouver remain the most expensive housing markets in Canada, driven by limited supply and high demand. Suburbs like Burnaby, Surrey, and Coquitlam offer more space and lower costs, with Surrey being the most affordable option for families.
Area | Avg. 1-bedroom rent (2025) | Avg. Home Price (2025) | Notes |
Vancouver | $2,421-$2,718 | $1.2M-$1.99M | Downtown is priciest in Canada; condos $900K+ |
Burnaby | $2,289-$2,400 | $1.6M-$1.8M (detached) | Townhouses ~$1.1M; condos $650–850K |
Surrey | $1,846 | $1.1M-$1.4M | Most affordable of the suburbs |
Coquitlam | $2,300 | $1.3M-$1.7M | More space, lower tax than Vancouver |
Utilities and Groceries
Beyond housing, everyday essentials run higher than the Canadian average—here’s what a typical month looks like.
- Utilities (Electricity, Water, Heat, Waste): $150–$230/month for a typical apartment.
- Internet & Cell: Internet averages $75–$120/month; cell plans $60–$90/month.
- Groceries: $400–$900/month for an individual, depending on diet and household size. Vancouver’s grocery index is ~6% higher than Toronto, and 12–20% higher than Montreal, making it one of the costliest in Canada.
Overall, daily essentials in Vancouver run well above both the Canadian and BC averages.
Surprises for Newcomers
Even if well-prepared, you could get caught off guard by a few recurring costs; budget for these upfront.
- Gas Prices: Among the highest in Canada; $1.70–$1.91/L, with spikes close to $2/L (vs. national average ~$1.41/L).
- Car Insurance: $1,800–$2,400/year on average; higher for new residents, younger drivers, or those with limited Canadian driving history.
- Childcare: $1,200–$1,600/month per child for infant/toddler care; subsidies exist but spots are limited.
- Property Taxes: 0.60% of assessed value (about $7,200/year on a $1.2M home). Lower than Toronto’s rate, but still substantial.
Best Neighborhoods for Newcomers
Vancouver and its metro area offer a wide range of communities, each catering to different lifestyles and budgets. Whether you’re a young professional seeking nightlife and convenience, a family looking for schools and green space, or someone prioritizing affordability, there’s a neighborhood that fits.
Young Professionals: Yaletown, Mount Pleasant, Kitsilano
Vancouver’s younger workforce gravitates toward vibrant, walkable neighborhoods with access to nightlife, transit, and outdoor amenities.
- Yaletown: Trendy and upscale, Yaletown is filled with sleek condos, waterfront parks, and buzzing restaurants. It’s popular with singles and couples working downtown who value convenience and a lively social scene.
- Mount Pleasant: Known for its creative vibe, Mount Pleasant blends breweries, cafés, and boutique shops with bike-friendly streets and quick downtown access. It’s a favorite among tech workers, freelancers, and artists.
- Kitsilano: With its beaches, parks, and laid-back atmosphere, Kits is perfect for active professionals and grad students. The mix of great food, high walkability, and proximity to UBC makes it both relaxed and connected.
Families: North Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam
Families moving to Vancouver often prioritize safety, schools, and larger homes—all found in these suburban hubs.
- North Vancouver: Offering excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and easy access to the mountains and waterfront, North Van communities like Lynn Valley and Edgemont feel close-knit and nature-oriented.
- Burnaby: With multicultural neighborhoods, abundant parks, and SkyTrain connections, Burnaby balances urban convenience with suburban comfort. Areas like Brentwood and South Slope are especially family-friendly.
- Coquitlam: Known for spacious, newer homes and strong schools such as Dr. Charles Best Secondary, Coquitlam provides family-oriented neighborhoods like West Coquitlam and Burke Mountain, with plenty of recreation options.
More Affordable: Surrey, Langley, New Westminster
For newcomers seeking more budget-friendly options, outer suburbs provide lower rents and good transit links while still offering vibrant communities.
- Surrey: With one-bedroom rents from $1,493–$1,785, Surrey is Metro Vancouver’s most affordable large city. Neighborhoods like Newton, Fleetwood, and Guildford are diverse, family-friendly, and benefit from expanding transit.
- Langley: Offering newer housing developments and townhouses, Langley has a suburban pace with shopping, parks, and plenty of green space. It’s ideal for those who don’t mind a commute in exchange for more space at a lower price.
- New Westminster: A historic riverside community with walkable neighborhoods and SkyTrain access. Older housing stock and rents under $2,000 make it attractive for newcomers who want affordability without being too far from downtown.
Bottom line: Vancouver’s neighborhood network ensures there’s a place for everyone; whether you’re chasing city-center energy, family-friendly communities, or more affordable suburbs within reach of transit.
Getting Around Vancouver: Transit and Traffic
Vancouver residents and newcomers rely on a strong public transit system, but rising costs, traffic congestion, and limited parking all play a role in daily life. The city’s walkable neighborhoods and extensive cycling network also shape how people move around.
TransLink SkyTrain, Buses, and Monthly Pass Costs
Public transit is the backbone of getting around in Metro Vancouver, with SkyTrain lines connecting the downtown core to suburbs and buses filling in the gaps.
- Cash Fares (2025): $3.35 (1-zone), $4.85 (2-zone), $6.60 (3-zone)
- Compass Card Stored Value: $2.70 (1-zone), $4.00 (2-zone), $5.10 (3-zone)
- Monthly Passes: $111.60 (1-zone), $149.25 (2-zone), $201.55 (3-zone)
- Day Passes: $11.95 (adult), $9.05 (concession)
The SkyTrain is rapid, reliable, and connects downtown, the airport, and surrounding suburbs, while high-frequency bus routes serve neighbourhoods not directly linked by rail.
Driving and Parking Challenges
For those who drive, traffic and parking are among the biggest frustrations in Vancouver. Congestion is especially heavy during rush hours, bridge crossings, and downtown entry points. Parking is costly and limited, with downtown rates of $2.50–$8/hour or $120–$400/month. Many residential areas now require permits, and city planning is shifting toward transit and active transportation over car dependency.
Biking and Walking Culture
Central Vancouver is among Canada’s most walkable and bike-friendly urban environments.
Neighborhoods like Yaletown, Mount Pleasant, Commercial Drive, and the West End offer high walkability with dense amenities. Vancouver also has over 320 km of bikeways, a seawall trail encircling Stanley Park and False Creek, and programs like Greenways to expand safe cycling routes.
Seasonal “Car Free Days” and bike-friendly events continue to grow in popularity, reinforcing Vancouver’s active transportation culture.
Outdoor Lifestyle in Vancouver
Few cities in the world combine urban living with such quick access to nature. Vancouver residents enjoy skiing and hiking in the nearby mountains, sunbathing at local beaches, and exploring parks and trails year-round; all just minutes from downtown.
Mountains: Grouse, Cypress, Whistler
Just 20 minutes from downtown, Grouse Mountain is a local favourite for skiing, snowboarding, and the Grouse Grind hike. Cypress Mountain offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and panoramic summer trails, while Whistler, less than two hours away, draws global visitors with world-class skiing, biking, and alpine hiking.
Beaches: Kits, English Bay, Jericho
Vancouver’s coastline features some of Canada’s best city beaches. Kitsilano Beach blends an urban vibe with volleyball courts and ocean swimming, while English Bay is known for its sunsets and summer fireworks. Jericho Beach offers a quieter escape with sailing, kayaking, and grassy parks perfect for families.
Stanley Park, Seawall, and Year-Round Fitness
Stanley Park, larger than New York’s Central Park, provides forest trails, playgrounds, gardens, and cultural landmarks. The Seawall stretches 28 km, making it the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path, ideal for biking, running, and strolling. Rain or shine, locals embrace outdoor fitness, from boot camps to marathons, making active living a daily ritual.
Fun Facts About Vancouver
Beyond its mountains, beaches, and livability rankings, Vancouver has a few claims to fame that make it stand out globally.
- 🎬 Hollywood North: Metro Vancouver hosts over 400 film and TV productions each year and is home to the largest VFX and animation cluster outside California.
- 🍜 Culinary Capital: With the highest number of Asian restaurants per capita in North America, the city’s food scene is world-renowned. There are more than 600 Chinese restaurants alone, plus hundreds specializing in Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Filipino, and fusion cuisine, especially in Richmond and Mount Pleasant.
- 🌏 Global Diversity: Vancouver welcomes newcomers from over 150 countries. In like Richmond and Burnaby, more than half the population is born outside Canada, creating one of the most multicultural communities in the world.
What to Watch Out For When Moving to Vancouver
Vancouver’s dense urban environment creates unique challenges on moving day. For those living in condos or rental buildings, elevator bookings are often required weeks in advance. Moves are limited to strict time slots, commonly morning or afternoon windows, and late arrivals can mean cancelled bookings or extra costs. Fees or deposits for service elevator use are also standard, sometimes reaching a few hundred dollars.
Street access is another hurdle. Many neighbourhoods, especially in the West End and Mount Pleasant, have narrow streets, heavy traffic, and limited parking, which make it difficult for moving trucks to maneuver. Bike lanes, one-way streets, and residential permit rules can all force movers into long-carry situations, adding both time and extra charges.
Weather is also a factor. Vancouver’s long rainy season means movers must prepare for slippery sidewalks and wet conditions from fall through spring. In the North Shore and mountain suburbs, snow and ice can cause even more disruption, delaying schedules and limiting truck access during winter months.
Finally, newcomers should be aware of hidden moving fees that often apply in urban settings. Long-carry charges, stair or elevator surcharges, waiting time if access isn’t ready, and “heavy item” fees for things like pianos are all common. Packing supply markups and insurance can add even more. Reviewing quotes carefully and planning ahead for these conditions can save both stress and money on moving day.
How MTS Makes Moving to Vancouver Seamless
Moving to Vancouver doesn’t have to be stressful when you choose a mover that understands the city’s unique challenges. MTS has extensive experience handling condo and high-rise moves, including strict elevator bookings and time slot restrictions. Our crews know how to work within these rules to keep your move on schedule.
We also provide video-verified weights and guaranteed all-in pricing, so you’ll never be caught off guard by hidden fees or urban logistics charges. Every move is handled by full-time, trained MTS staff, never subcontractors, ensuring consistency and professionalism from start to finish.
For added peace of mind, MTS includes $1.50/lb insurance coverage at no extra cost, with upgrade options available for high-value items. It’s this combination of expertise, transparency, and care that makes long distance moving to Vancouver smoother and more predictable with MTS.
Make Vancouver Home the Right Way
Moving to Vancouver means access to breathtaking scenery, thriving career opportunities, and one of the world’s most livable cities. But it also comes with challenges like high housing costs, rainy moving days, and potential hidden fees from less experienced movers.
By planning ahead and working with a trusted partner, you can avoid the stress and focus on the excitement of your new life in Vancouver. MTS Moving has helped thousands of Canadians relocate successfully, combining expertise, guaranteed pricing, and a reputation built on trust.
FAQs About Long Distance Moving to Vancouver
What’s the cost of living in Vancouver compared to other Canadian cities?
Vancouver has the highest cost of living in Canada. Housing is the biggest factor, with average downtown one-bedroom rents above $2,400, and even suburban prices outpacing cities like Calgary, Edmonton, and Ottawa. Groceries, gas, and insurance also trend above the national average.
Where is the best place to live in Vancouver as a newcomer?
It depends on your priorities. Young professionals often choose Yaletown, Kitsilano, or Mount Pleasant for walkability and culture. Families lean toward North Vancouver, Burnaby, or Coquitlam for schools and green space. More affordable options include Surrey, Langley, and New Westminster.
Is Vancouver affordable for families moving from Alberta or Ontario?
Families moving from Calgary, Edmonton, or mid-sized Ontario cities usually find Vancouver housing and childcare far more expensive. Suburbs like Surrey and Coquitlam can provide more space at a lower cost than downtown, but affordability is still a challenge compared to other provinces.
How do you get around Vancouver without a car?
Many residents rely on TransLink’s SkyTrain, buses, and SeaBus. Monthly passes range from about $112 (1 zone) to $202 (3 zones). Central neighborhoods are also highly walkable and bike-friendly, with over 320 km of bikeways and the world’s longest waterfront path along the Seawall.
What should I know before moving to Vancouver long-distance?
Plan ahead for condo rules like elevator bookings, prepare for rain during much of the year, and budget for higher costs in areas like gas, insurance, and childcare. Choosing an experienced mover such as MTS helps newcomers avoid hidden fees and ensures a smoother long distance moving to Vancouver experience.