Everything You Must Know Before Moving From Ottawa to Victoria in 2023
Victoria, located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, has an estimated population of about 90 thousand people. With its mild climate and breathtaking views of the ocean and mountains, it’s no wonder why so many people are drawn to this beautiful city. As Canada’s most western provincial capital, Victoria boasts many unique attractions such as Butchart Gardens and Craigdarroch Castle that make it an ideal destination for tourists from around the world.
Moving to Victoria from Victoria
Considering a move from Ottawa to Victoria in 2023? With so many factors to consider, it can be difficult to decide what's most important. Our experts have identified the top five considerations for those considering such a big move—cost of living, benefits of moving, where to live, pros and cons and best moving solutions. Read on for more information.
Cost of Living
Moving to a large and vibrant city like Victoria will bring a new kind of lifestyle, and with it come changes in expenses. In order to compare the cost of living between Ottawa and Victoria, here is a table which illustrates their respective expenses.
| Category | Victoria | Ottawa |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate (Production Home) | $322 / sq ft. | $250 / sq ft. |
| Real Estate (Custom-Built Single- Family) | $342/sq ft. | $375/sq ft. |
| Housing (1 Bedroom) | $1,200 / Month | $1200 / Month for 1 bedroom apartment. |
| Housing Utilities and Insurance | $150-$250 / Month | $250 / Month |
| Transportation | $85.50/Month for a monthly pass with BC Transit. | $119.50/Month for a monthly transit pass called Presto Pass. |
| Car Insurance | $1,316 / Year. | $1,150 / Year |
| Entertainment | $200 / Month | $150 / Month |
| Grocery Cost for 1 Person | $200 / Month. | $300 / Month. |
| Communication (Phone and Internet) | $100 / Month | $120 / Month |
| Health and Fitness | $50-80 / Month | $60-100 / Month |
| Sales Taxes | 7% / Year | 13% |
Moving to Victoria from Ottawa is a great choice for those looking for a lower cost of living. Real estate costs in Victoria are about 27% lower than Ottawa, with production homes costing $322 per square foot versus $250 per square foot in Ottawa. Housing costs are the same in both cities, however utilities and insurance cost less in Victoria at an average of $150 to $250 per month compared to $250 per month in Ottawa. Transportation costs are also significantly cheaper in Victoria with a monthly pass costing just $85.50 compared to the Presto Pass at $119.50 in Ottawa. Car insurance is slightly cheaper in Ottawa at an average of $1,150 per year versus $1,316 per year in Victoria. Entertainment expenses are much lower in Victoria at approximately $200 per month compared to just $150 per month in Ottawa. Grocery costs for one person come out slightly cheaper in Ottawa ($300/month) than Victoria ($200/month). Finally, communication costs are also less expensive in Victoria at around $100/month compared to the price of a similar plan in Ottawa which is typically around $120/month. Sales taxes are 7% annually on purchases made within the province of Victoria compared to 13% within Ontario where Ottawa is located.
Benefits of Moving to Victoria
The first paragraph: Victoria, Canada offers many benefits for anyone looking to move from Ottawa. One of the biggest is its cosmopolitan city charm and culture which stands in stark contrast to the smaller cities around Ottawa. Moreover, Victoria boasts a stunning coastline that’s perfect for outdoor recreation, while Ottawa has none. Meanwhile, there are great restaurants throughout Victoria that offer unique flavours not found in Ottawa or other nearby cities.
The second paragraph: Additionally, Victoria has plenty of historic charm with old buildings and historical sites scattered throughout the city. Moreover, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in Victoria that you won't find in Ottawa such as kayaking or whale watching excursions along its picturesque coastline. Furthermore, numerous parks around the city make it easy to explore nature while still enjoying all the amenities of a big city which can't be matched by anything near Ottawa.
Best areas to live in Victoria
Choosing the best neighbourhood to live in Victoria proves to be a challenging task. With so many vibrant communities, each with their own unique character and amenities, it can be difficult to decide where exactly you'd like to call home. To help narrow down your choices, here is a list of five of the best areas to live in Victoria.
Uplands
Uplands is a residential neighbourhood situated in the south-eastern part of Victoria. It is known for its beautiful Victorian-style homes and lush gardens. Its location provides quick access to nearby parks, beaches, museums, and excellent shopping venues. The distance to Inner Harbour Park and the Fairmont Empress Hotel are 5km respectively. Living in Uplands offers a relaxed atmosphere with easy access to major attractions, making it ideal for those seeking a tranquil yet action-filled lifestyle.
Oak Bay
Oak Bay is a residential neighbourhood in Victoria, BC. Just north of the downtown core, Oak Bay is surrounded by beaches and an abundance of parks. Shopping, cafes/restaurants are within walking distance as well as attractions like the Royal Victoria Yacht Club and Marine Drive Golf Course. For those that enjoy outdoor living, living in Oak Bay offers a great lifestyle with plenty to do year-round. From either a stroll on the beach or along one of the many hiking trails this area has to offer, it's easy to see why so many people choose to call Oak Bay home.
Rockland
Rockland is a vibrant community located in Victoria. Home to nearly 22,000 residents, it is the perfect destination for those who want to experience the beauty of Canada's west coast. Visitors will find a mix of historical buildings and modern amenities throughout the neighborhood, from charming cafes and bookstores to well-maintained parks and gardens. Surrounded by attractions like Butchart Gardens, Beacon Hill Park and Royal BC Museum, Rockland is an exciting place to live where you can explore all that nature has to offer while still having access to urban amenities. With easy access to downtown Victoria and other nearby cities via public transportation, living in Rockland provides plenty of opportunities for commuting or weekend getaways.
Fairfield
The Fairfield neighbourhood in Victoria is known for its diverse mix of cultures and lush, green landscape. The local cafes, small businesses, and unique culture make it the perfect spot to call "home". And with the University of Victoria only a few kilometers away, students find Fairfield to be an ideal living situation too. Living in Fairfield also offers easy access to stunning parks and trails while still providing quick access to downtown Victoria just a few minutes away by car or bus. Whether you're looking for a vibrant nightlife or a peaceful atmosphere to relax in, Fairfield has something for everyone - making it an ideal place for those who are moving from Ottawa to Victoria in 2023.
Gonzales
The bustling neighbourhood of Gonzales in Victoria is quickly becoming one of the most desirable areas to live in. With its vibrant nightlife, excellent transport links and close proximity to world-renowned landmarks such as Craigdarroch Castle and the Inner Harbour, it's easy to see why people are flocking here. Locals also enjoy access to some of Victoria's best restaurants, bars and shops within walking distance – making it a great place to call home. Those looking for a more peaceful lifestyle have plenty of green spaces nearby, while those seeking an active lifestyle can take advantage of the cycling paths that surround the area. Moving here puts you just minutes away from many city attractions, yet offers a unique sense of community that will make anyone feel right at home.
Pros
- In contrast to the cold of Ottawa, Victoria offers much warmer weather.
- The stunning scenery of Victoria makes it an incredibly attractive destination to call home, especially compared to Ottawa.
- The outdoor activities in Victoria offer much more variety and opportunities for exploration than those available in Ottawa.
Cons
- The cost of living in Victoria is significantly higher than in Ottawa, making it a major disadvantage for those relocating.
- Moving to Victoria from Ottawa will create an adjustment to island life, making it hard to be in touch with family and friends on the mainland.
- Moving to Victoria from Ottawa can be an isolating transition, as the vibrant city atmosphere of Ottawa is replaced by a more laid-back, remote landscape.
What Are the Best Moving Solutions in Moving From Ottawa to Victoria?
With the influx of people moving to different parts of Canada, getting from Ottawa to Victoria can be a stressful experience. Fortunately, there is a multitude of moving companies who offer their services in helping one transfer their possessions and home across the country. Hercules Moving Company is an example of one company that provides packing, lifting and hauling services in order to make any move easier and more efficient. Meanwhile, there are many other quality companies that can help you with your move. It is important to research carefully which company will be the best fit for your needs so as not to be disappointed later on with poor service or unacceptable rates. Furthermore, it is advisable when selecting a mover to check their reputation online – have they been registered with Canadian Association of Movers? This can help ensure that you are dealing with a legitimate company and provide peace of mind before taking on such an important endeavor such as relocation.
Conclusion
Summary: Moving to Victoria from Ottawa in 2023 can be a great choice for those looking for a lower cost of living, stunning coastal views and vibrant city charm. With an abundance of outdoor activities and numerous attractions around the city, it's easy to see why Victoria is becoming more popular among people looking to move. When planning for such a move, it's important to consider carefully the costs involved and research into the best moving solutions available. From Uplands to Gonzales, there are plenty of neighbourhoods in Victoria with unique characters that make living here a pleasurable experience.
