Everything You Must Know Before Moving From St. John's to Victoria in 2023
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to move from St. John's, the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador, to Victoria, British Colombia's beautiful capital city? With its lively culture and stunning natural beauty, there is much to consider before making this big move.
St. John's is a vibrant port city with an estimated population of around 200 thousand people. It features stunning views of Signal Hill and the Atlantic Ocean that can be enjoyed all year round. Its unique culture has made it one of the most sought-after destinations in Canada for visitors and locals alike.
Victoria is a picturesque coastal city located on Vancouver Island with a population of just over 85 thousand people. It’s renowned for its lush green landscapes, beautiful gardens and world-famous Butchart Gardens which are sure to take your breath away as soon as you arrive! With mild temperatures throughout the year, Victoria offers an idyllic atmosphere that many have come to love about British Columbia’s capital city.
Moving to Victoria from Victoria
Moving to Victoria from St. John's is not easy and requires a lot of considerations. Although there are various factors to consider, we've narrowed down the top 5 that you need to know: Cost of Living, Benefits of Moving, Where to Live, Pros and Cons, and Best Moving Solutions. Read on to find out more!
Cost of Living
Victoria is a city located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, it is the largest coastal city in Canada by population. Moving to Victoria requires budgeting ahead and understanding how your expenses will differ depending on your lifestyle; the following table shows a comparison of costs between St. John's and Victoria to help you plan accordingly.
| Category | Victoria | St. John's |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate (Production Home) | $315 / sq ft. | $213 / sq ft. |
| Real Estate (Custom-Built Single- Family) | $347/sq ft. | $220 / sq ft. |
| Housing (1 Bedroom) | $1,750 / Month. | $900 / Month. |
| Housing Utilities and Insurance | $200-300 / Month | $200-$300 / Month |
| Transportation | $85 / Month - BC Transit Bus Pass | $68.00 / Month - Metrobus Transit Pass. |
| Car Insurance | $1,500 / Year | $980 / Year. |
| Entertainment | $200 / Month | $150 / Month |
| Grocery Cost for 1 Person | $350 / Month | $300 / Month |
| Communication (Phone and Internet) | $90-100 / Month | $150 / Month |
| Health and Fitness | $60-100/month. | $55/Month (Average Cost of Gym Membership) |
| Sales Taxes | 7% Sales Tax. | 15% / year |
Living costs in Victoria are generally higher than in St. John's. Production home real estate is more expensive per square foot in Victoria at $315 compared to St. John's at $213. Custom-built homes are also costlier in Victoria, with a rate of $347 per square foot compared to St. John's rate of $220. Housing costs are higher too, with a 1 bedroom costing around $1,750 in Victoria versus only $900 in St. John's. Transportation costs are cheaper in St. John's, with bus passes costing around $68 a month compared to the BC Transit Bus Pass which costs around $85 in Victoria. Car insurance is also cheaper in St. John's, costing an average of roughly $980 compared to the estimated annual cost of about $1,500 for car insurance in Victoria. Groceries and entertainment also cost less in St. John's than they do in Victoria - an average of about $300 for groceries and about $150 for entertainment each month versus roughly $350 and $200 monthly respectively for these items in Victoria. Finally, sales taxes are lower as well, at 15% yearly versus 7% sales tax on items purchased in Victoria per year..
Benefits of Moving to Victoria
Victoria has a lot to offer its residents when it comes to living an enjoyable life. The city is vibrant and active, with plenty of cultural events and experiences to fill your days. Moreover, the education in Victoria is top-notch due to the numerous universities and colleges around, allowing you to get an excellent degree. Meanwhile, the scenic views of both beachfronts and mountain ranges make it easy for anyone who loves nature or outdoor activities to find a pastime that suits them best. In comparison with St. John's which lacks these amenities, Victoria is far more attractive for those looking for a lifestyle upgrade. The diversity of people living there provides a much broader perspective on life than what would be available in St. John's - something that can be invaluable when starting out on your own journey!
Best areas to live in Victoria
Choosing a neighbourhood to live in is no easy feat, especially when you are moving to Victoria. With its bustling culture and myriad of distinct areas, the decision can be challenging. Before deciding what area to settle in, take a look at this list of the best neighbourhoods in Victoria- each with their own distinctive character and charm.
Uplands
Uplands is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Victoria, and it has a population of over 8500 people. The neighborhood is bordered by Beacon Hill Park and the Gorge Waterway, providing sweeping views of nature and water. Uplands also offers residents access to several nearby attractions such as downtown Victoria, Inner Harbour area, Royal BC Museum and Parallel Beach. Living in Uplands offers a unique opportunity to enjoy an exciting city lifestyle while still having access to some of the most beautiful natural parks in the province. With its family-friendly atmosphere and close proximity to local amenities, Uplands is an ideal place for those looking for an active life in a colorful city surrounded by nature.
Oak Bay
Oak Bay is a neighbourhood in Victoria, British Columbia with a population of 16,368. Located on the southeastern tip of Vancouver Island, Oak Bay is surrounded by beaches and parklands like Cattle Point and Uplands Park. From Oak Bay it's only 22km to downtown Victoria or 25 km to Victoria International Airport. Moving to Oak Bay will mean living in a community rich with amenities and surrounded by spectacular views - the perfect place to call home!
Fairfield
Moving to the the beautiful neighbourhood of Fairfield in Victoria can be a transformative experience for anyone who desires to live in an area with diverse cultural and recreational attractions. The neighbourhood is bordered by green parks, lush wooded trails and tree-lined streets, making it one of the most peaceful locations in Victoria. There are also plenty of nearby amenities such as restaurants, gyms and grocery stores located within walking distance, so you never have to go too far for what you need. The distance between Fairfield and downtown Victoria is about 25 minutes by car or 40 minutes by bus - giving those who move there easy access to all the city's attractions. Living in Fairfield offers you a unique lifestyle filled with urban convenience combined with suburban peace – a perfect combination for anyone looking to start anew.
Rockland
Moving to Rockland, Victoria is full of possibilities for people in their 30s. There are plenty of cultural hotspots and a diverse mix of international cuisine. The area is close to the ocean, giving residents wonderful views and plenty of swimming or sailing opportunities. Rockland is just a short distance from many other attractions Victoria has to offer including museums, galleries, theatres, parks and outdoor recreation areas. People will find that living in Rockland makes it easy to explore the rest of the city while also offering enough seclusion for them to relax and enjoy their own space when necessary.
Gordon Head
The Gordon Head neighbourhood in Victoria is a diverse and vibrant community with plenty to offer. It's surrounded by lush parkland, including Mount Douglas Park, Gordon Point Park and Gyro Beach, ideal for outdoor activities like swimming and hiking. The area is also close to Victoria attractions like the Royal BC Museum, Inner Harbour and the University of Victoria. With its convenient location, amenities and friendly atmosphere, living in Gordon Head puts you within easy reach of everything that makes Victoria such an amazing city to call home.
Pros
- The warm climate of Victoria can be a great perk for those looking to move from St. John's, providing an enjoyable and milder environment.
- Moving to Victoria will provide more job opportunities than staying in St. John's, making it a great choice for career-minded individuals.
- The vibrant culture in Victoria compared to St. John's makes it an attractive place to move.
Cons
- The cost of living in Victoria is significantly higher compared to that of St. John's, making it a disadvantage for those planning to move from the latter city.
- The con point when moving from St. John’s to Victoria is the distant separation from close family and friends, making it difficult to maintain meaningful relationships.
- The dense population and thick traffic of Victoria can be a challenge for those choosing to move from St. John's, where highways tend to be less congested.
What Are the Best Moving Solutions in Moving From St. John's to Victoria?
Going from St. John’s to Victoria in 2023? You will need to find a reliable moving company that offers a range of helpful services. Hercules Moving Company offers professional packing and transportation services, as well as extra storage solutions for more belongings than will fit into your new home. Moreover, there are plenty of other options available with various levels of added conveniences; this includes shipping containers and specialized transport services for oversized furniture or delicate items. Meanwhile, it's always important to do your research on any prospective moving companies prior to the move - you should always look out for a company’s registration with the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) and check their online reviews before making any moves or commitments.
Conclusion
Moving to Victoria from St. John's is a great way to upgrade your lifestyle, from the vibrant port city to the picturesque coastal city. With higher costs of living in Victoria, it’s important for potential movers to consider the costs associated with their move and plan accordingly. The benefits are endless; from world-class education opportunities, diverse cultural activities and unparalleled scenic views - you can be sure that moving to Victoria will bring many advantages! When planning a move, it's essential to research the best solutions available so you can make a well-informed decision. Hercules Moving Company offers professional packing and transportation services along with extra storage solutions for those looking for convenient support during their relocation.
