- Download our Moving to Vancouver Guide (PDF)
Expats planning a move to Vancouver are sure to have questions about what to expect of life in this cosmopolitan city. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about Vancouver.
How safe is Vancouver?
Vancouver has made a concerted effort to reduce its crime rate. A large percentage of the city budget is now spent on police and their presence is notable. Housebreaking is a fairly common problem according to North American standards, but according to world standards, Vancouver is an exceptionally safe place to live.
What is there to do in Vancouver?
The nightlife in Vancouver can be a little dull, with a limited selection of dance clubs and bars. However, this is a minor downside given the cheap and varied restaurant and shopping options on offer. The bountiful natural surroundings and the accompanying outdoor activities mean that one is never at a loss for something to do.
Do I need a car in Vancouver?
Almost all of Vancouver is covered by the public transport system and the local government has made an immense effort to make life easier for pedestrians. Of course, the flexibility offered by a car is still desired by many, but parking can be very expensive in the city.
What is the cost of living in Vancouver?
The cost of living in Vancouver is high. It's the most expensive city in Canada for expats and is frequently rated among the most expensive cities in the world. This includes the purchasing of property which has continued to skyrocket as demand soared in recent years.
Further reading
►For an overview of relocating to the city, see our Moving to Vancouver page
Expat Experiences
"Vancouver in general is a very safe city. We have not experienced any crime and finding a low-crime city was a top priority for us."
Read more about American expat Cyrus's experiences in Vancouver.
Are you an expat living in Vancouver?
Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Vancouver. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.
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