Everything You Must Know Before Moving From St. John's to Vancouver in 2023
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to move from the east coast of Canada all the way to the west? St. John's, a beautiful city located in Newfoundland and Labrador, has a population of over 100,000 people and is known for its stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. It is also home to some world-renowned restaurants, making it an ideal place for foodies. The unique environment makes it feel like you’re on an adventure each day here.
Vancouver is located on Canada's west coast in British Columbia and was recently named as one of the best cities in the world to live in. With a population over 600,000 people, there are many different cultures that make up this diverse city. Vancouver offers amazing outdoor activities such as skiing and hiking; but also has plenty of museums to explore and vibrant nightlife for those looking for something exciting after dark.
Relocating from St. John's to Vancouver
Moving can be a daunting task, but with careful planning and consideration, it doesn't have to be. When relocating from St. John's to Vancouver in 2023, there are many factors to consider including cost of living, benefits of moving, where to live, pros and cons and best moving solutions. Let us guide you through the essential considerations that will help make your transition a successful one!
Cost of Living
Vancouver is much larger than St. John's and the cost of living between them is significantly different. To help you plan better for the move, let's compare and contrast these two cities in terms of expenses so that you can make a well-informed decision before leaving St. John's in 2023.
| Category | Vancouver | St. John's |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate (Production Home) | $750 / sq ft. | $200 / sq ft. |
| Real Estate (Custom-Built Single- Family) | $1000 / sq ft. | $235/sq ft. |
| Housing (1 Bedroom) | $1,900 / Month for a 1 bedroom apartment. | $1,100 / Month |
| Housing Utilities and Insurance | $150-200 / Month | $200-300 / Month |
| Transportation | $98.00 / Month for a monthly transportation pass called Compass Card which covers unlimited bus, train, and ferry rides within Metro Vancouver. | $63 / Month for a Metrobus Transit Pass. |
| Car Insurance | $1,680 / Year | $975 / Year. |
| Entertainment | $250 / month. | $150 / Month |
| Grocery Cost for 1 Person | $400 / Month. | $400 / Month |
| Communication (Phone and Internet) | $80/month | $100 / Month |
| Health and Fitness | $50-80 / Month. | $50-100 / Month |
| Sales Taxes | 7% sales tax. | 15% / Year |
Vancouver is the much more expensive city to live in, with real estate prices being almost four times higher than St. John's. Housing costs are also significantly higher in Vancouver, with $900 more a month for a one bedroom apartment. Transportation is cheaper in Vancouver, with $35/month difference between the two cities. Car insurance is also significantly cheaper in Vancouver as well, at about a $700/year difference. Entertainment expenses and phone/internet plans costs are also considerably less in Vancouver, with a decrease of $100/month. Grocery cost and health/fitness expenses have the same costs between the two cities; however, Vancouver has 7% sales tax compared to St. John's 15%.
Benefits of Moving to Vancouver
Vancouver is Canada's natural paradise, offering breathtaking mountain and ocean views that are hard to come by in St. John's. It offers the beauty of nature, with lush green forests and ancient evergreen trees shaking in the wind. Moreover, this city has a diverse culture and wide range of food options to try out. In Vancouver, you can also enjoy mild weather all year round and an immense array of outdoor recreational opportunities - from hikes along spectacular trails to sailing along the gorgeous coastline - that are simply not available in St. John's. Meanwhile, Vancouver also offers an exciting nightlife with plenty of bars, restaurants and even live music venues to choose from; something which is not possible in St. John's where the nightlife is limited at best.
In short, for those looking for a change of scenery or more natural surroundings than what St Johns can provide - Vancouver has it all! With its beautiful scenery and vibrant nightlife; its mild climate; diverse culture; and abundance of outdoor recreational activities- moving to Vancouver promises a life full of exploration and adventure like no other!
Best areas to live in Vancouver
Choosing the perfect neighbourhood in Vancouver can be a difficult decision given the sheer number and variety of options. The vast array of neighbourhoods, from bustling downtown districts to quiet suburbs, requires careful consideration and research. Here, we present five neighbourhoods that will provide you with everything you need to make your move to Vancouver a success.
Shaughnessy
Moving to Shaughnessy is a unique chance for any Vancouverite to experience the best of both worlds. Its perfect blend of urban and rural beauty provides residents with opportunities to explore nature trails, discover pristine beaches, and enjoy the cosmopolitan amenities downtown has to offer while living in an exclusive neighborhood. With Kits Beach at just 5 km away and Stanley Park located just 11 km away, Shaughnessy is ideally positioned for those seeking both city life and a quieter lifestyle. From trendy cafes and chic boutiques, to lush gardens and peaceful parks, you can enjoy the excitement of living in one of Canada’s most vibrant cities while embracing a community spirit that’s all its own.
Kerrisdale
Moving to Kerrisdale in Vancouver can be an exciting experience. This idyllic neighbourhood is home to some of the most desirable living spaces in the city and is bordered by picturesque parks, beaches, and other attractions. With downtown Vancouver within close proximity and easy access to Stanley Park, UBC, Kitsilano Beach, Granville Island Market and more — those who choose to settle down in this popular destination are sure never to run out of activities. For urban dwellers looking for a relaxed suburban lifestyle complete with national parks nearby — Kerrisdale has it all!
West Point Grey
West Point Grey is home to some of Vancouver's most affluent residents. It is surrounded by magnificent nature, including the Pacific Ocean to the west and sprawling parkland on its other sides. It is within easy reach of downtown Vancouver, UBC campus and several commercial areas, all less than 10 km away. Residents can find a balance between being close to nature while still having access to all of the modern amenities the city has to offer. Living in West Point Grey provides a unique opportunity for those who want both luxurious living and great outdoor experiences.
Dunbar-Southlands
Dunbar-Southlands is a neighbourhood in Vancouver, BC comprised mostly of single-family homes with an average household income of $131,000 CAD. It is bordered by the Pacific Spirit Regional Park and UBC Endowment lands to the west, Chancellor Boulevard to the east and 16th Avenue to the south. The neighbourhood offers quick access to downtown Vancouver by public transit and it's only a 20 minute drive away. For those who want explore more local attractions, there are nearby beaches like Jericho Beach or Spanish Banks where you can take in views of Burrard Inlet and bask in sunshine on warm summer days. Living here provides a peaceful atmosphere while being close enough to enjoy all that downtown has offer.
South Granville
South Granville is a highly sought-after area of Vancouver, famous for its demographic diversity and vibrant atmosphere. It's located close to plenty of amenities, parks, shopping centres and downtown Vancouver. From here you can reach some of the most popular tourist sights on foot or by bike in minutes as Stanley Park and English Bay are just a quick 15 minute ride away. There's never a dull moment living in South Granville with hip restaurants, bars, theatres and live music venues all at your doorstep. Enjoy cosmopolitan vibes while being close to nature - ideal for those who want to make the most of their new city life!
Pros
- Going from St. John's to Vancouver promises a much warmer climate, making it a major plus for those who are looking for an escape from the cold winters.
- The rich and varied culture in Vancouver provides an excellent opportunity to experience something new compared to St. John's.
- In comparison to St. John's, Vancouver offers the additional benefit of access to breathtaking mountains and stunning beaches.
Cons
- The higher cost of living in Vancouver compared to St. John's can be an intimidating factor when planning a move.
- Moving to Vancouver, as compared to St. John's, can be a challenge due to the increased traffic congestion.
- The population density in Vancouver is significantly higher than that of St. John's, making it a disadvantage for those looking to move from the smaller city.
What Are the Best Moving Solutions in Moving From St. John's to Vancouver?
Moving from St. John's to Vancouver can be a complicated process, with many different moving solutions waiting to be explored. The most common moving services are the classic packers-and-movers type of scenarios, where you hire a team of professionals to come in and take care of your relocation for you. An example of such a service is Hercules Moving Company, which specializes in professional and effective relocations across Canada. There are plenty of other companies that offer these kinds of services as well - all it takes is some research and comparing quotes between them! And while it should go without saying that checking the company's reputation online before engaging is paramount, make sure they are registered with the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM), so you know that they have been certified as reliable providers. Moreover, reading customer reviews on third-party websites will give you an idea regarding how well the chosen company fares when it comes to completing their mission: getting your stuff from A to B safely and securely!
Conclusion
Moving to Vancouver can be an exciting prospect, offering countless outdoor activities, a vibrant nightlife and diverse culture. When relocating from St. John's in 2023, there are many factors to consider such as cost of living and where to live in Vancouver. With careful planning, one can find the best moving solutions and explore unique neighbourhoods like Shaughnessy or South Granville which offer a perfect blend of urban life with suburban lifestyle. Be sure to weigh the pros and cons before deciding on your move so that you can make an informed decision for the change of scenery that only Vancouver has to offer!
