Everything You Must Know Before Moving From Edmonton to Victoria in 2023
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to move from Edmonton to Victoria in 2023? Edmonton, the capital of Alberta, is a vibrant city known for its spectacular river valley parks and trails. With a population of over one million people, it offers an abundance of cultural experiences and amenities. Home to the West Edmonton Mall — one of the largest shopping malls in North America — it's an exciting place to live and visit.
Victoria is located on Canada's stunning Pacific coast and is often referred to as the 'Garden City'. It has a population of over 85,000 people and renowned for its mild temperatures year-round. Located on Vancouver Island, there are plenty of outdoor activities available such as hiking, kayaking, fishing or beach walks along miles of pristine coastline. Victoria also boasts some wonderful attractions such as Butchart Gardens where visitors can explore 55 acres filled with exotic plants and breathtaking views.
Moving from Edmonton to Victoria
Making the transition from Edmonton to Victoria in 2023 may sound daunting and overwhelming, but don't worry, we've got you covered. There are many factors to consider when moving, but we've gathered the five most important considerations that you need to be aware of. Get ready to explore everything that you need to know before making this big move!
Cost of Living
Victoria is the largest city in British Columbia and the 14th-most populous city in Canada, making it an ideal spot to settle down. The cost of living varies greatly depending on one’s lifestyle; to better understand this, please see the table below for a comparison between Edmonton and Victoria.
| Category | Victoria | Edmonton |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate (Production Home) | $329 / sq ft. | $220/sq ft. |
| Real Estate (Custom-Built Single- Family) | $420 / sq ft. | $325/sq ft. |
| Housing (1 Bedroom) | $1,320/month for a 1 bedroom apartment. | $975 / Month |
| Housing Utilities and Insurance | $250-350 / Month. | $170-200 / Month |
| Transportation | $85 / Month for a Monthly Pass. | $97 / Month (Ets Monthly Pass) |
| Car Insurance | $1,680 / Year. | $1,132 / Year. |
| Entertainment | $150 / Month | $200 / Month |
| Grocery Cost for 1 Person | $300 / Month. | $250 / Month |
| Communication (Phone and Internet) | $110 / Month | $113 / Month |
| Health and Fitness | $55-80 / Month | $55-90 / Month |
| Sales Taxes | 7% | 5% / 0.05 |
Moving to Victoria is more expensive than moving to Edmonton overall. Real estate prices in Victoria are significantly higher, with production homes costing $329/sq ft compared to $220/sq ft in Edmonton and custom-built single family homes costing $420/sq ft compared to $325/sq ft. Similarly, housing costs in Victoria come in at around $1,320/month for a one bedroom apartment while Edmonton is a more budget friendly option, at $975/month. Utilities and insurance are also more expensive in Victoria, ranging from $250-350/month while the range is much lower in Edmonton at $170-200/month. Transportation is also pricier in Victoria with a monthly pass costing around $85 compared to $97 for an ETS Monthly Pass in Edmonton. Entertainment and communication costs are slightly higher per month in Victoria compared to Edmonton. Grocery costs for 1 person are marginally cheaper in Victoria with an average of about $300, as opposed to about $250 per month for 1 person's groceries in Edmonton. Lastly, sales taxes are slightly lower in Alberta (5%), compared to 7% taxes on purchases made in British Columbia.
Benefits of Moving to Victoria
The city of Victoria offers an array of benefits that you can't find anywhere else, particularly when compared to places like Edmonton. Diversity is the first, and perhaps most obvious benefit - the population of Victoria is more culturally rich compared to its northern counterpart. This can be seen in the vast variety of ethnic restaurants across the city as well as their unique cultural celebrations and events throughout the year. Meanwhile, education opportunities are more accessible and plentiful in Victoria with its numerous universities, college programs and research institutions. Health care is also one area where Victoria stands out; it's home to many prestigious health care hubs such as Royal Jubilee Hospital. Finally, there's no better place to explore nature than along Vancouver Island’s coastal trails or relaxing on one of the many beaches throughout the region—something that cannot be found in Edmonton. All these features together make a strong case for anyone considering relocating from Edmonton to Victoria.
Best areas to live in Victoria
Selecting a neighbourhood in Victoria can be a challenging task considering the wide range of options and factors to consider. With its beautiful beaches, stunning gardens, and diverse neighbourhoods, it is important to factor lifestyle preferences when selecting your new home. Before venturing into the list of best areas to live in Victoria below, it is essential to understand why this Canadian city has so much potential.
Uplands
Uplands is a quiet and serene neighbourhood located in the Greater Victoria area of British Columbia. It is known for its stunning views of the Salish Sea, its close proximity to parks and outdoor trails, and its diverse population. The neighbourhood is just a few minutes away from downtown Victoria, where you can enjoy local attractions such as cafes, restaurants, bars, shops and theatres. Living in Uplands means having access to all of these amenities while still living in a safe and beautiful community. With easy access to public transit options like buses and ferries as well as abundant green space for outdoor activities, Uplands offers an ideal balance between metropolitan life and peacefulness - making it an ideal place for families looking for a new home.
Rockland
Rockland is a small and upcoming neighbourhood in Victoria, BC. It is perfectly situated to capture the wild beauty of its surroundings with many parks and beaches nearby. The downtown area is only a short drive away and easily accessible by public transportation, making it ideal for commuters. Rockland offers all the amenities one needs to have an enjoyable life while being close enough to explore many outdoor attractions like Butchart Gardens or other historical sites. Living in Rockland means easy access to popular restaurants, plenty of shopping options, as well as arts and entertainment venues that make living here truly unique.
Gonzales
Gonzales is a lively neighbourhood in Victoria, BC. Located near downtown, it offers easy access to all the attractions that make Victoria unique. Gonzales is within walking distance of the Inner Harbour and historic Chinatown, while its many restaurants and nightlife provide something for everyone. The area also has plenty of parks and green spaces to explore. With its variety of activities and proximity to both city life and nature, living in Gonzales provides a little something for everyone's lifestyle. Nearby beaches, museums, markets, galleries and shops make it easy for residents to explore their new home at any time. Gonzales is an ideal place for anyone looking for an exciting mix of urban amenities with a small-town feel.
Oak Bay
Oak Bay is one of the most beautiful neighbourhoods in Victoria and a great choice for people who are moving in 2023. Nestled next to the ocean, Oak Bay offers stunning views, plenty of outdoor activities, and an abundance of nearby attractions to explore. From Oak Bay, you can easily drive or take the bus to visit downtown Victoria’s world-famous Inner Harbour, Butchart Gardens or Chinatown within 20 minutes. Living in Oak Bay means being able to enjoy all the perks of city life without sacrificing access to nature as it is surrounded by numerous parks including Willows Beach Park and/or Cadboro Bay beach which is a top destination for kayaking and boating enthusiasts. All this makes living in Oak Bay truly unique with something for everyone—from enjoying leisurely strolls along Dallas Road waterfront promenade with its breathtaking views over Juan de Fuca Strait on sunny days to discovering local culture such as neighbourhood events hostel by local rec centers or restaurants offering various culinary delights from around the world!
Fairfield
Fairfield is an exciting and picturesque neighbourhood in the capital city of Victoria, British Columbia. It's surrounded by lush green spaces, as well as a variety of entertainment, dining and shopping options. The nearest attractions are just minutes away—from Beacon Hill Park to the Royal BC Museum—with plenty of bike paths and pedestrian-friendly streets to explore. Living in Fairfield means you'll have access to a unique culture and lifestyle that celebrates both its natural beauty and vibrant urban offerings. With easy access to some of the region's best beaches, spectacular views of downtown Victoria, plenty of parks and excellent public transportation, it's no wonder why more people are moving there every year!
Pros
- The warmer climate of Victoria compared to Edmonton provides a unique advantage for those who choose to move there.
- The proximity to the ocean when moving from Edmonton to Victoria is a major advantage, as it offers access to numerous seaside activities.
- Victoria is the perfect destination for outdoor activities, offering far more variety and oppurtunities than Edmonton.
Cons
- Compared to Edmonton, living in Victoria requires a higher cost of living.
- Despite the cheaper cost of living, Victoria has a slightly higher unemployment rate than Edmonton, making it more difficult to secure a job.
- Victoria's climate is generally damper than Edmonton, with substantially more rainfall.
What Are the Best Moving Solutions in Moving From Edmonton to Victoria?
Moving from Edmonton to Victoria can be overwhelming, especially when you have to navigate through the various moving companies and services available. Luckily, there are many reputable moving companies out there that offer a wide variety of services. Hercules Moving company is one such company that specializes in long distance moves between Canadian cities. They offer reliable and secure packing, loading and delivery services at an affordable rate. Furthermore, they also provide assistance with organizing furniture assembly/disassembly and storage arrangements if needed. Meanwhile, it is important to remember to check the reputation of the moving company online as well as its registration with Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) before signing any contract. With due diligence and research in advance, you are sure to find a reliable mover who won't fail you during this stressful period!
Conclusion
Summary: Moving from Edmonton to Victoria in 2023 is a great idea for those looking for more cultural and educational opportunities, better health care and access to nature. There are numerous neighbourhoods with different benefits, however Uplands, Rockland, Gonzales, Oak Bay and Fairfield all offer something unique. Moving costs can be expensive but research should be done in advance to make sure you choose the right company for the job.
