Pros and Cons of Moving to Vancouver

Known for its majestic mountains, lush rainforests, and stunning ocean views, as well as its fantastic quality of life, Vancouver is a top-rated destination for expats. Whether it’s lifestyle, work, or accommodation in Vancouver, there’s a lot to consider when deciding whether to move to Canada’s largest port city.

Check out our list of pros and cons of moving to Vancouver below.

Lifestyle in Vancouver

+ PRO: Great sports and outdoor activities

If you’re a fitness enthusiast, you’ll never run out of summer or winter sports options, thanks to Vancouver’s diverse and sprawling landscape. The North Shore Mountain Range and the Pacific Ocean serve as great arenas for outdoor activities, including skiing, surfing, kayaking, and mountain biking. 

Whale watching has also become a popular activity, with tours operating from March to October. These tours offer spectacular sightings of orcas, humpback whales, and grey whales. Cycling and mountain biking are becoming favourite pastimes, with extensive trails and bike lanes catering to all skill levels.

- CON: Nightlife is somewhat restricted

If you’re an avid party-goer considering a move to Vancouver, you may be disappointed by the city’s low-key nightlife. Vancouver’s strict noise by-laws and liquor laws have hampered the growth of its club and bar scene. 

Changes are on the horizon, though. In December 2023, Vancouver’s city council approved amendments to liquor by-laws, allowing more bars and pubs to open, especially in the downtown Granville strip. Spas, barber shops, and retail stores can now also obtain liquor-primary licences, which is slowly adding vibrancy to the city’s nightlife.

+ PRO: Diverse and inclusive community

Vancouver is known for its cultural diversity and inclusive atmosphere, making it easy for newcomers to feel at home and embraced by the community. The Culture|Shift Strategy was launched to promote the representation of diverse voices, particularly from historically underrepresented communities, ensuring Vancouver’s cultural landscape is more inclusive. Community-led events and festivals showcase the city’s rich multicultural heritage, bringing people together to celebrate different traditions.

+ PRO: Excellent public amenities

The city is equipped with a vast range of public amenities, such as parks, libraries, and recreational centres, providing ample opportunities to enjoy a high quality of life. Facilities like Stanley Park and the Vancouver Public Library are not just amenities but integral parts of the city’s identity, reflecting Vancouver’s commitment to quality public infrastructure.

- CON: Rainy weather for much of the year

Vancouver’s climate is characterised by a lot of rain, particularly during fall and winter, which can be a downside if you’re not a fan of wet weather. However, the city’s mild winters make it more comfortable than many other parts of Canada, where snow and freezing temperatures are the norm.

Shopping, Activities, Attractions, and Nightlife in Vancouver

Working in Vancouver

+ PRO: Important commercial hub for Canada

With excellent deep-water harbour infrastructure, thriving fishing, forestry, and mining industries, and a growing service sector, Vancouver is an attractive option for people with wide-ranging skills. Its vibrant economy means job opportunities abound, particularly in new and emerging sectors such as technology, renewable energy, and cybersecurity.

- CON: The job market is competitive

Competition in Vancouver’s job market is fierce, and you’ll compete not only with other foreigners, but also with Canadians who move to the city from elsewhere in the country looking to progress their careers. That said, some industries are currently experiencing labour shortages. For example, the construction sector faces shortages in trades like electricians, carpenters, and plumbers. Healthcare and accommodation services are also in need of workers, making it easier for those in these fields to secure employment.

Job Opportunities in Vancouver

Accommodation in Vancouver

+ PRO: Excellent standard of accommodation

A lot of the accommodation in Vancouver is in the form of high-rise condos and apartments, while standalone houses are in relatively short supply. Housing here is generally high quality, and while most apartments come unfurnished, they usually include essential appliances. 

Many newer buildings also offer sought-after amenities such as swimming pools, theatre rooms, gyms, and co-working spaces. Emerging trends show an increasing demand for eco-friendly housing with sustainable features like energy-efficient appliances and solar panels.

- CON: Accommodation is expensive, and house hunting is competitive

Accommodation in Vancouver is extremely expensive (among the most expensive in North America). The rise of remote work has also prompted people to look beyond the city centre, with many now favouring suburban areas that offer larger spaces. Despite the shift, demand remains high, making house hunting remarkably competitive.

Accommodation in Vancouver

Getting around in Vancouver

+ PRO: Fantastic public transport infrastructure

Getting around in Vancouver is a breeze with an integrated public transport system that features buses, rapid trains, and passenger ferries. The SkyTrain expansion, including the Broadway Subway Project, aims to improve east-west connectivity and reduce congestion. Taxis and ride-hailing services are also readily available, making transportation easy for those without a car.

+ PRO: Cycling is encouraged

With dedicated cycle lanes, safe bike storage facilities, and bicycle racks in the front of buses, cycling in Vancouver is a dream for anyone wanting a healthy, eco-friendly way to travel. Mobi by Rogers, the city’s public bike share system, has expanded its reach, adding stations near the University of British Columbia (UBC) campus, making cycling accessible to even more residents. Equity programmes are also in place, offering discounted passes for youth to encourage them to take up cycling.

- CON: Traffic congestion can be frustrating

Though Vancouver has great public transport, driving in the city can be challenging due to frequent traffic congestion, especially during rush hours. The city has been working to improve traffic flow through measures like the Transportation 2040 Plan and the Congestion Management Strategy. Dedicated bus lanes on priority corridors have also been introduced to help ease congestion and ensure smoother commutes for residents.

Getting Around in Vancouver

Cost of living in Vancouver

+ PRO: Free universal healthcare

Vancouver offers universal healthcare to citizens and permanent residents, and the British Columbia Medical Service Plan affords residents access to high-quality and publicly-funded healthcare. In January 2020, MSP premiums were eliminated, making healthcare more accessible to Vancouver residents. The plan continues to cover medically necessary services, ensuring peace of mind when it comes to health.

Healthcare, Health Insurance and Hospitals in Vancouver

- CON: High taxes

High income and property taxes can be a significant downside, particularly if you’re moving from a region with lower tax rates. To support small businesses and community partners facing high taxes due to development, the Development Potential Relief Programme (DPRP) has been extended to provide some financial relief. While these taxes help maintain Vancouver’s public amenities and services, it’s something to consider when planning your finances.

+ PRO: Free education

Public schooling in Vancouver is free for Canadian citizens, those on permanent-resident visas, and those on work visas. British Columbia also has one of the highest-regarded education systems in Canada.

Education and Schools in Vancouver

- CON: High cost of living

The cost of living in Vancouver has been steadily rising, making it the second most expensive city in Canada. Accommodation takes the biggest chunk of your salary, and eating out here isn’t cheap either. Escalating housing costs have been a significant driver of this increase. Despite these challenges, Vancouver offers a range of eateries that suit different budgets, and the quality of food is often excellent.

Cost of Living in Vancouver

Safety and security in Vancouver

+ PRO: Vancouver is exceptionally safe

Vancouver is known as one of the safest cities in the world, which adds to its attraction. While, like any city, it has its less desirable pockets, Vancouver is remarkably safe, and you’re likely to experience very little crime if you use common sense. New initiatives, like the establishment of Community Policing Centres (CPCs) and increased access to real-time traffic cameras for law enforcement, have been introduced to maintain this level of safety. 

The Vision Zero strategy also aims to eliminate traffic-related fatalities, making Vancouver even safer for pedestrians and drivers alike. These measures help foster a sense of security for residents and ensure that Vancouver remains one of the safest places to live.