Everything You Must Know Before Moving From Saskatoon to Kelowna in 2023
Kelowna is located on the shores of Okanagan Lake in British Columbia and has a population of over 139,000 people. With its stunning landscapes and endless outdoor activities, it is no surprise that Kelowna has earned the title “The Outdoor Playground”. Whether it be swimming at one of its many beaches or skiing down Big White Mountain, there are plenty of ways to enjoy nature here! Aside from this, it also offers great dining experiences with award-winning restaurants serving up delicious meals every day.
Relocating to Kelowna from Saskatoon
Making a move is never easy, and it can often seem daunting when it comes to relocating from Saskatoon to Kelowna. Although there are many considerations to make before the big move, we have narrowed down the top five that should be on everyone's list: cost of living, benefits of moving, where to live, pros and cons, and best moving solutions. Planning for the transition will be key in ensuring a smooth move.
Cost of Living
Kelowna is a city of many opportunities, with its booming job market and thriving tourism industry. When determining the cost of living it's important to take into consideration the lifestyle you're likely to lead; this table provides a useful comparison between Saskatoon and Kelowna.
| Category | Kelowna | Saskatoon |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate (Production Home) | $300 / sq ft. | $316/sq ft. |
| Real Estate (Custom-Built Single- Family) | $450 / sq ft. | $290/sq ft. |
| Housing (1 Bedroom) | $1,200 / Month. | $884 / Month |
| Housing Utilities and Insurance | $190-290 / Month | $150 - $250 / Month |
| Transportation | $53 / Month for a Monthly Bus pass. | $83.50 / Month for a Adult Monthly Pass |
| Car Insurance | $2000 / Year. | $1,080 / Year. |
| Entertainment | $100 / Month | $300 / Month |
| Grocery Cost for 1 Person | $300 / Month. | $400 / Month |
| Communication (Phone and Internet) | $113 / Month | $100 / Month |
| Health and Fitness | $50-80 / Month | $60 / Month |
| Sales Taxes | 12% | 6% / Year |
Kelowna has higher real estate production costs at $300/sq ft. compared to Saskatoon at $316/sq ft., but custom-built single-family homes are more affordable in Kelowna at $450/sq ft. than they are in Saskatoon at $290/sq ft. The cost of housing is also more expensive in Kelowna, with the cost of a 1 bedroom averaging $1,200/month compared to only $884/month in Saskatoon. Utility and Insurance costs range from $190-290/month in Kelowna compared to $150-$250/month in Saskatoon. Public transportation is significantly cheaper in Saskatoon with an Adult Monthly Pass costing around $83.50 per month compared to the $53 per month cost for a monthly bus pass in Kelowna. Car insurance is also much cheaper in Saskatoon at only $1,080 for a year, whereas it costs about double that amount annually in Kelowna. Entertainment expenses are significantly less expensive in Saskatchewan than they are in B.C., with an average of only around $100/month compared to the cost of almost triple that amount (around $300) for entertainment expenses per month in Kelowna. Grocery costs also tend to be cheaper on average in Saskatchewan than they are in B.C., coming out to approximately$400 per month as opposed to the average of around only$300 per month spent on groceries by residents of Kelowna. Additionally, communication expenses such as phone and internet plans are cheaper on average in Saskatchewan than they are B.C., costing around$100 per month as opposed to the approximately$113 per month spent by residents of Kelowna on their phone and internet services. Lastly, sales taxes tend to be higher by 6% annually on items purchased within Kelowna than they do for purchases made within Saskatchewan each year ($12% versus 6%).
Benefits of Moving to Kelowna
Kelowna offers an abundance of beauty and charm with its stunning natural scenery, boasting picturesque mountain views and a bustling downtown area. Moreover, Kelowna is also home to a vibrant tech industry, providing residents with more opportunities for career options. Meanwhile, the Okanagan Valley's rolling hills and lush vineyards offer wine connoisseurs from all over the world one of Canada's premier wine-making regions. Furthermore, there are year-round outdoor activities available such as hiking trails, skiing resorts or kayaking on Okanagan Lake. In comparison to Saskatoon which only offers urban amenities such as restaurants or shopping malls; Kelowna offers much more with its diverse blend of relaxed lifestyle attractions.
Best areas to live in Kelowna
Choosing a neighbourhood in Kelowna can be quite a challenge, as this city offers many attractive neighbourhoods. With different sizes, locations and amenities available, it is difficult to determine which one could best fit your needs. Here is a list of the best areas to live in Kelowna with their own unique offerings.
Upper Mission
Move to the Upper Mission, a residential neighbourhood in Kelowna, and you will experience the best of BC living. Surround yourself with stunning beaches, lush parks and natural trails. Plus, you'll be just minutes away from cultural attractions like Orchard Park Shopping Centre and Creekbread Restaurant. The Upper Mission offers quiet streets with plenty of green space while still remaining close enough to downtown Kelowna. Whether you're settling down or just starting out, the Upper Mission is an ideal place to call home. Enjoy all that Kelowna has to offer when you move into the beautiful Upper Mission neighbourhood - with its easy access to natural beauty and local amenities making it perfect for any lifestyle!
Crawford Estates
Moving to Crawford Estates in Kelowna can be a rewarding experience. The neighbourhood is known for its family-friendly environment and wide-open spaces, surrounded by hills, valleys and parks. Shopping options are plentiful with several popular malls just a short drive away. Explore the nearby Okanagan Lake, the Myra Canyon trestles and get in touch with nature at the surrounding hiking trails and beaches. Living in Crawford Estates offers something for everyone, from amazing views to convenient amenities - all within easy reach of downtown Kelowna's vibrant culture.
Sheerwater
Sheerwater is a charming neighbourhood located in the heart of Kelowna. Featuring wide streets and lush parks, it has long been considered one of the most desirable places to live in Canada. With close proximity to shopping, nightlife and local attractions such as Big White Ski Resort, Sheerwater has something for everyone. You can enjoy beautiful views of Okanagan Lake, with many trails for walking or skating nearby. Living in Sheerwater means never being too far from anything; no matter what activity you're looking for, you won't have far to go! With its relaxed atmosphere and friendly neighbours, life in Sheerwater is sure to be an enjoyable experience.
Quarry Pines
Moving to Quarry Pines in Kelowna will give you a chance to experience its breathtaking coastal views and terrains. Whether you love the ocean, or a hike, or just some rest and relaxation, Quarry Pines has it all. Just 5 minutes away from the city centre and close to multiple attractions including parks, golf courses, breweries and eateries; it's the ideal place for an adventurous lifestyle as well as home life. Renting apartments here is affordable with access to plenty of public transportation. With one of Canada's most renowned ski hills just an hour away – there are endless opportunities for fun no matter what season! Get ready to be surrounded with beautiful landscapes while living comfortably in this vibrant neighbourhood.
Southridge
Southridge is one of the most rapidly-growing neighbourhoods in Kelowna - with a population of over 20,000 people and an average yearly growth rate of 10%. It is surrounded by plenty of natural beauty, including lakes, parks and trails as well as educational and recreational facilities. Its close proximity to downtown Kelowna means that locals can access all essential amenities within minutes. The neighbourhood also offers easy access to major highways for those needing to commute outside the city. Residents can enjoy an active lifestyle in the peaceful environment that Southridge offers - from outdoor water sports on the lake to exploring nearby parks or going shopping on Spall Road.
Pros
- An advantage of moving to Kelowna from Saskatoon is its warmer climate.
- The move to Kelowna will bring more hours of sunshine, making it a more ideal place to spend your days enjoying the outdoors.
- The stunning natural beauty of Kelowna provides a scenic backdrop for the city, in contrast to Saskatoon's more urban landscape.
Cons
- With the cost of living significantly higher in Kelowna than Saskatoon, moving to this new city can be a financial burden.
- With an influx of tourists from neighbouring cities, Kelowna's vibrant and bustling atmosphere can be overwhelming for those looking for a more tranquil living space.
- The con point when moving from Saskatoon to Kelowna is higher property prices, making it an expensive move for those relocating.
What Are the Best Moving Solutions in Moving From Saskatoon to Kelowna?
Moving from Saskatoon to Kelowna can be an exciting transition for anyone, and Hercules Moving Company is here to help make it easier. Professional services such as packing and loading, storage solutions, unloading and unpacking are offered by the company along with many other companies in the area. Moreover, movers should always check the reputation of the moving company they select and make sure that they are registered with Canadian Association of Movers (CAM). This will give them assurance that the mover meets industry standards and regulations. Meanwhile, customers should remember that a good reputation comes with quality service.
Conclusion
Relocating from Saskatoon to Kelowna can be a great transition for anyone looking to enjoy the stunning landscapes, endless outdoor activities and vibrant culture. With careful planning and consideration of cost of living, benefits of moving, best areas to live in, pros and cons, choosing the right mover is key in ensuring a smooth move. Hercules Moving Company provides professional services such as packing and loading that help make the process easier. With its unique blend of relaxed lifestyle attractions and opportunities for career options, Kelowna offers something special compared to other major cities in Canada.
