Everything You Must Know Before Moving From Toronto to Victoria in 2023
Have you ever considered moving from Toronto to Victoria in 2023? Toronto is the largest city in Canada and a major cultural, financial, and economic hub. It is home to nearly 3 million people living within its boundaries, with an area of 630 square kilometers. When walking through the bustling streets of downtown Toronto, you can feel the energy that radiates from this vibrant city.
Victoria is situated on Vancouver Island in British Columbia and also boasts a population of around 3 million. The land area measures in at 2,808 square kilometers – one of the largest cities by area in Canada. With its mild climate year-round and stunning views of snow-tipped mountains, Victoria offers an unparalleled quality of life for those who choose to call it home.
Moving to Victoria from Victoria
Moving to Victoria from Toronto can be a big step, with lots of considerations to make before taking the plunge. But fear not! We have collected the five most essential items that must be taken into account when making the move to ensure your relocation is successful. Let's take a look at what they are.
Cost of Living
Victoria is a stunning city - full of culture, nature, and opportunities - but its cost of living may be higher than what you're used to in Toronto. It's important to keep in mind that the expense of living will depend on your lifestyle, and for a more detailed financial comparison between Toronto and Victoria, please refer to the table below.
| Category | Victoria | Toronto |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate (Production Home) | $265/sq ft. | $475 / sq ft. |
| Real Estate (Custom-Built Single- Family) | $534 / sq ft. | $1,001 / sq ft. |
| Housing (1 Bedroom) | $1,334 / Month | $1,750 / Month |
| Housing Utilities and Insurance | $200 - $300 / Month. | $250 / Month. |
| Transportation | $85 / Month for a Monthly Pass of public transportation system. | $156 / Month for a Monthly Pass. |
| Car Insurance | $1,500 / Year | $1500 / Year |
| Entertainment | $120 / Month. | $300 / Month |
| Grocery Cost for 1 Person | $300 / Month | $400 / Month |
| Communication (Phone and Internet) | $85 / Month | $80 / Month |
| Health and Fitness | $50-100 / Month | $70 / Month |
| Sales Taxes | 7% sales tax. | 13\% Sale Taxes. |
Moving to Victoria from Toronto can mean significant savings in many areas. Real Estate is considerably cheaper in Victoria, with production homes costing $265 per square foot compared to $475 per square foot in Toronto. Custom-built single-family homes also cost less in Victoria at $534 per square foot, compared to $1,001 per square foot in Toronto. Housing is also much cheaper in Victoria, with a one bedroom costing an average of $1,334/month compared to $1,750/month in Toronto. Utilities and Insurance are also cheaper at roughly $200-$300/month in Victoria compared to $250/month in Toronto. Public transportation is more affordable too, with a monthly pass costing around $85/month versus $156/month for a monthly pass in Toronto. Car insurance costs are the same for both cities and entertainment costs about two and a half times less than that of Toronto's at around just $120/month. Groceries are also cheaper at around $300/month on average compared to the average of $400/month for one person in Toronto, while communication costs like phone and internet are slightly lower as well ($85/month versus$80/month). Finally, health and fitness expenses are slightly lower in Victoria at around the range of $50-$100/month versus the average of around $70/ month for those living in Toronto. Sales taxes are also significantly lower at 7% compared to 13% sales taxes found in Toronto.
Benefits of Moving to Victoria
Victoria is full of stunning and breathtaking coastal beauty, whereas Toronto does not offer anything similar. Moreover, Victoria has four distinct and different seasons to enjoy, whereas Toronto only has two. The cultural diversity of Victoria is a must-see; it provides an enriching experience for anyone moving from the city of Toronto due to the large contrast between cities. Outdoor recreation in Victoria also offers something new that you won't find in Toronto; there are plenty of outdoor activities available year-round no matter what time of year it is. Finally, quality education can easily be found in Victoria with many reputable schools that provide higher learning experiences equivalent to big city counterparts like Toronto.
Best areas to live in Victoria
Choosing the best area to live in Victoria can be challenging, as there are many factors to consider. From its picturesque suburbs, to the bustling inner-city neighborhoods, Victoria offers a variety of different living styles and experiences. With this in mind, let us take a look at some of the best neighbourhoods that Victoria has to offer.
Uplands
Uplands is a charming and highly desired area of Victoria. As the 2023 census recorded, it's population comprised mostly of families with young children. The neighbourhood is surrounded by beautiful parks and green spaces, as well as plenty of shopping outlets within close proximity to provide whatever one might need for day to day life. From Uplands, downtown Victoria can be reached within 10 minutes via car or public transport, and the Vic West Beach is a mere 20-minute drive away.Living in Uplands promises a quiet yet vibrant lifestyle filled with outdoor activities and great amenities just around the corner!
Oak Bay
Oak Bay is a vibrant neighbourhood located in Victoria, British Columbia with a high concentration of retirees. It is surrounded by beautiful beaches and has spectacular views of the ocean. The average commute distance to downtown Victoria or other local amenities such as grocery stores, post offices and banks, is just 10 minutes. Residents of Oak Bay can enjoy scenic views while having convenient access to all necessary services. Living in Oak Bay provides an idyllic lifestyle that includes leisurely walks down its picturesque streets and takes full advantage of its proximity to breathtaking scenery right at one's doorstep.
Rockland
An idyllic oasis in the midst of Victoria, Rockland is one of the oldest and most established neighborhoods in the city. This picturesque community offers the ultimate balance between beautiful natural surroundings, vibrant city life and a relaxed environment where locals can enjoy every moment. Its tree-lined streets boast stunning views of both mountain tops and waterfronts, while its prime location near downtown ensures easy access to shopping boutiques, galleries and local eateries. Rockland also has an abundance of parks for leisurely strolls and dog walking with plenty of playgrounds for children to enjoy. Residents can take advantage of nearby theaters, ice rinks, libraries and sports facilities making this area a great place to live for nature-lovers as well as those looking for more urban entertainment. With restaurants serving up delicious dishes from around the world just a short drive away combined with its close proximity to many popular attractions like Highrock Park; residents here have all they could possibly need from their hometown.
Gordon Head
Moving to Gordon Head, Victoria has its advantages. This peaceful neighborhood is known for its stunning waterfront views and lush parks, where one can find some respite between their busy lives. Gordon Head is just 4km away from the downtown district of Victoria, allowing easy access to the city's museums and cultural attractions. There are also plenty of nearby outdoor activities such as kayaking or fishing in Esquimalt Lagoon or Mount Doug Park for hiking and wildlife spotting. For those looking for an idyllic place to live, Gordon Head fits the bill with its natural beauty and close proximity to all amenities.
Arbutus
The Arbutus neighbourhood of Victoria is one of the oldest and most densely populated neighbourhoods in the city. Just South of downtown and tree-lined streets, it's full of art galleries and trendy cafes to explore. This area is close to so much; from Fisherman's Warf and The Royal BC Museum just 6 minutes away, to Chinatown only 8 minutes away, there's something for everyone. With its sunny weather year-round, inviting parks and beaches right miles away, moving here will be nothing but a pleasure!
Pros
- The mild weather in Victoria compared to Toronto is a great advantage when moving there.
- The oceanic surroundings of Victoria offer a unique, breath-taking backdrop to the city compared to Toronto.
- The laid-back lifestyle of Victoria compared to Toronto allows for a more relaxed pace of life.
Cons
- Moving to Victoria from Toronto in 2023 can be challenging as it involves being far away from family and friends.
- Moving from Toronto to Victoria in 2023 could be a difficult decision due to the limited employment opportunities in the latter city compared to Toronto.
- Moving to Victoria from Toronto in 2023 can be expensive, with a higher cost of living when compared to the city you are currently residing in.
What Are the Best Moving Solutions in Moving From Toronto to Victoria?
Moving is a complex process and even more so if you are moving to another city or province. When relocating from Toronto to Victoria there are a few important things you need to remember, with the most vital being finding the right moving company. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of great companies when it comes to transporting your belongings across Canada. Hercules Moving Company is an example of one such company offering reliable service and competitive prices for their customers. Likewise, there are many other companies available depending on your budget and needs. It’s critical that before signing any binding contract you check the online reputation of the chosen relocation provider as well as their registration with Canadian Association of Movers (CAM). Moreover, read all the content on their website carefully before signing off on any agreements or contracts in order to understand exactly what kind of services they offer and whether it meets your requirements for time and cost. Ultimately, by reading reviews from previous customers or doing research yourself you can find out which providers have the best solutions for moving from Toronto to Victoria in 2023.
Conclusion
Summary: Moving to Victoria in 2023 is a great decision for those who are looking for an unparalleled quality of life. With plenty of savings in housing and transportation expenses, stunning views of snow-tipped mountains, cultural diversity and year-round leisure activities, Victoria is the perfect place to call home. There are many beautiful neighbourhoods with different living styles and experiences to choose from ranging from Uplands all the way to Arbutus. It's important, however, that you choose the right moving company with reliable service and competitive prices such as Hercules Moving Company to ensure your relocation is successful. Furthermore, research online reviews beforehand so you can get an idea of what different providers offer before signing any binding contract or agreement.
