Everything You Must Know Before Moving From Saskatoon to Vancouver in 2023
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to move from Saskatoon to Vancouver in 2023? Canada's two largest cities are both unique and offer different experiences for those looking for an exciting change of scenery. Saskatoon is a vibrant city in Saskatchewan with a population of over 300,000 people. It is known for its beautiful riverbank views and sprawling green spaces, making it a peaceful place to live. When visiting Saskatoon, one can feel the warm hospitality emanating from the locals and the small-town charm that pervades throughout the cityscape.
Vancouver is located on British Columbia's west coast with stunning ocean views and majestic mountain ranges nearby. This thriving urban centre has a population of over 600,000 people and boasts some of Canada’s best restaurants, museums and attractions. With so much beauty packed into one place, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as skiing or hiking while still experiencing the city’s unique culture – something no other Canadian metropolis can provide.
Moving to Vancouver from Vancouver
Moving to Vancouver can be a great adventure and opportunity, but there are many factors to consider before relocating. Luckily, we've done the research and selected the top five most important considerations when moving from Saskatoon: cost of living, benefits of moving, where to live, pros and cons of relocation, and best moving solutions. Make sure you review all of these points carefully as you prepare for your move!
Cost of Living
Vancouver is the largest city in British Columbia, and with its size, comes a wide range of cost of living expenses. When considering the cost of moving to Vancouver, it is important to remember that costs can vary greatly depending on lifestyle choices. Below, we have compiled a comparison table between Saskatoon and Vancouver to help you better understand the differences between the two cities.
| Category | Vancouver | Saskatoon |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate (Production Home) | $420 / sq ft. | $240/sq ft. |
| Real Estate (Custom-Built Single- Family) | $910 / sq ft. | $275 / sq ft. |
| Housing (1 Bedroom) | $1,950 / Month. | $954 / Month |
| Housing Utilities and Insurance | $152 / Month | $200-300 / Month |
| Transportation | $98/Month for a monthly 1-Zone Pass. | $85.50/Month for adult bus pass (Saskatoon Transit) |
| Car Insurance | $1,680 / year. | $1200 / Year. |
| Entertainment | $250 / Month | $200 / Month |
| Grocery Cost for 1 Person | $400 / Month | $300 / Month |
| Communication (Phone and Internet) | $85 / Month | $80 / Month |
| Health and Fitness | $60-100/month for a gym membership. | Gym memberships cost $60 / month on average in Saskatoon. |
| Sales Taxes | 7% / Year | 6% / Year |
Moving to Vancouver from Saskatoon can be quite expensive. Real estate prices are much higher in Vancouver, with an average of $420 per square foot, compared to $240 in Saskatoon. Similarly, a 1-bedroom rental apartment in Vancouver costs an average of $1,950 per month while it's only $954 per month in Saskatoon. Utilities and insurance are also more expensive in Vancouver at around $152 per month compared to the range of $200-$300 in Saskatoon. There is some savings on transportation fees as a monthly 1-zone pass costs only $98 in Vancouver compared to an adult bus pass costing $85.50/month in Saskatoon. Car insurance is also cheaper in Vancouver with an annual cost of $1,680 compared to $1,200/year in Saskatoon. Entertainment and grocery costs are similar for both cities at around $250/month and $400/month respectively, however communication (phone and internet) is slightly cheaper in Saskatoon at around $80/month compared to roughly $85/month in Vancouver. Finally, health and fitness memberships cost about the same on average ($60-$100) for both cities, though taxes are slightly lower at 6% per year for Saskatchewan residents compared to 7% for British Columbia residents.
Benefits of Moving to Vancouver
The majestic mountains of the British Columbia province, offer a breathtaking view and an exciting outdoor activity. For those who enjoy nature and outdoor sports, Vancouver is an excellent pick compared to Saskatoon. Meanwhile, the mild climate gives residents a pleasant break from extreme temperatures during summer and winter seasons.
Moreover, Vancouver offers a vibrant multiculturalism that supports art forms like theatre and music alongside foodie scenes with world-class restaurants offering fresh seafood, as well as sumptuous dessert spots that you won't find in Saskatoon. All these benefits make Vancouver stand out from its Saskatchewan rival in terms of culture and experiences available for citizens.
Best areas to live in Vancouver
Choosing an ideal neighbourhood in Vancouver is no easy task. With its diverse range of cultures, various styles of architecture, and multitude of neighbourhoods to select from, deciding where to settle can be quite difficult. Therefore, we have compiled a list of the best neighbourhoods in Vancouver for you to consider when moving here.
Shaughnessy
The vibrant neighbourhood of Shaughnessy, nestled in the heart of Vancouver, is a desirable place to live. It is surrounded by lush greenery and nearby amenities include a community center, library, multiple parks and access to public transportation. It boasts stunning views of the city skyline and is only a short 15-minute drive from downtown for all your shopping and dining needs. Living in Shaughnessy provides an ideal balance between quaint suburban living and enjoying all that the city has to offer.
Kerrisdale
Kerrisdale is a vibrant neighbourhood located in Vancouver, British Columbia known for its charming streets, beautiful homes and boutiques. It has the luxury of being surrounded by many other great neighbourhoods; Point Grey to the West and Shaughnessy to the east. There are plenty of attractions within walking distance - restaurants, shopping malls and parks - as well as easy access to public transportation. For anyone looking for a new home in one of Canada's most sought-after cities, Kerrisdale offers an ideal blend of comfort and convenience with plenty of things to do any day of the week. With its diverse population and friendly atmosphere, it's no wonder so many people choose Kerrisdale as their new home!
West Point Grey
West Point Grey is a historic neighbourhood in the city of Vancouver, home to more than 18,000 residents. The lively beach-side community is bordered by Spanish Banks Beach and the Pacific Spirit Regional Park to the west and Sasamat Lake to the east. With easy access to outdoor activities, shopping malls, grocery stores, cafes and restaurants in all directions; West Point Grey has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation; this neighbourhood will provide it with its vibrant atmosphere and close proximity to downtown Vancouver only 15 minutes away. West Point Grey offers all the amenities of a big city with a cozy small-town feel that’s sure make you feel at home!
South Granville
South Granville, a desirable and picturesque neighbourhood in Vancouver, is known for its vibrant urban lifestyle. It's surrounded by great restaurants, cafes, shops, parks and cinemas; all within walking distance. Close to the University of British Columbia and Deer Lake Park, South Granville offers a sense of community with easy access to the city centre. With ample public transportation options and stunning views of downtown Vancouver’s skyline from nearby Vanier Park, South Granville offers an ideal mix of convenience and tranquility. Living here means taking advantage of everything Vancouver has to offer without feeling overwhelmed by its hustle-and-bustle atmosphere – perfect for those seeking an active yet stress-free lifestyle!
Coal Harbour
Moving to Coal Harbour, one of the most desirable and sought-after neighbourhoods in Vancouver, promises a unique experience for all newcomers. Located on the West side of Stanley Park, it is surrounded by various attractions and local eateries that offer delicious dining options. Furthermore, many leisure activities are within walking distance from the heart of Coal Harbour such as it's renowned seawall bike path, exploring historic sites such as Canada Place and living a trendy lifestyle with several stores close by. Living in this neighbourhood will provide a sense of comfort and convenience to those who want to make their stay memorable.
Pros
- The milder climate of Vancouver compared to Saskatoon is a definite plus for any movers looking to make the transition.
- The cultural diversity of Vancouver is an attractive and advantageous bonus when compared to Saskatoon.
- The key advantage of moving from Saskatoon to Vancouver is the access to both ocean and mountains, which Saskatoon cannot offer.
Cons
- The higher cost of living in Vancouver compared to Saskatoon can be a significant setback for anyone planning to move there.
- Moving to Vancouver from Saskatoon may be intimidating since it is more crowded and congested than its predecessor.
- Moving to Vancouver means dealing with higher levels of rain than in Saskatoon.
What Are the Best Moving Solutions in Moving From Saskatoon to Vancouver?
Moving from Saskatoon to Vancouver can often be a challenging and complex endeavor. A plethora of moving solutions are available depending on your needs, ranging from full service packing and loading crews who will move your belongings safely, to simply providing a truck rental for you to drive yourself. Hercules Moving Company offers an array of solutions to fit any budget or need. Additionally, there is a range of other highly-regarded companies all throughout Canada that will provide excellent services. It is important for potential customers to do research and check the reputation of the company they are looking into as well as ensure their registration with Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) before making their decision. Moreover, it may be beneficial if they could get quotes from more than one provider in order to choose the right price-quality balance during a move.
Conclusion
Summary: Moving to Vancouver from Saskatoon in 2023 promises a great adventure and opportunity, with more outdoor activities, culture and experiences compared to Saskatchewan. It may be expensive, so potential movers should review the cost of living differences between cities thoroughly. There are many desirable neighbourhoods available for everyone's taste, such as Shaughnessy, Kerrisdale and Coal Harbour. Potential residents should also weigh the pros and cons before making plans to move. Finally, there are multiple moving solutions available depending on individual needs that offer quality assurance at the right price!
