Everything You Must Know Before Moving From Vancouver to Calgary in 2023
Are you considering a move from Vancouver to Calgary in 2023? With the right information, moving cities can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Vancouver is a coastal seaport city situated in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia, Canada. It has an estimated population of 631,486 residents and is considered one of the most ethnically diverse cities in Canada. There’s something special about Vancouver – it’s vibrant energy makes it a great place to explore and discover new experiences.
Located approximately 800 km east of Vancouver, Calgary is Alberta's largest city with 1.2 million people calling it home. This modern metropolis boasts award-winning cultural attractions such as Glenbow Museum and The National Music Centre located within its downtown core. With its beautiful Rocky Mountains backdrop, Calgary is known for its cowboy spirit that still lingers through some of its neighbourhoods today - providing visitors with an authentic western experience unlike any other Canadian city!
Relocating from Vancouver to Calgary
Planning a big move? Relocating from Vancouver to Calgary can be a challenging process. With so many factors to consider, we have gathered the 5 most important points that will help you transition into this new chapter of your life with ease. Read on to learn all about them!
Cost of Living
Calgary is a vibrant and business-friendly city, located in the province of Alberta in Canada. As with any move to a large city, it's important to consider all the costs associated with different lifestyles before relocating. To help you get started, we've created a comparison table below that shows average costs between living in Vancouver and Calgary.
| Category | Calgary | Vancouver |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate (Production Home) | $250 / sq ft. | $462 / sq ft. |
| Real Estate (Custom-Built Single- Family) | $317 / sq ft. | $940/sq ft. |
| Housing (1 Bedroom) | $1,225 / Month. | $2,100 / Month for a 1 bedroom apartment. |
| Housing Utilities and Insurance | $200 - $400 / Month | $150-$250 / Month |
| Transportation | $109/month for a monthly adult transit pass called "Calgary Transit Pass". | $98 / Month for a monthly transit pass. |
| Car Insurance | $1200 / Year | $1,680 / Year. |
| Entertainment | $300 / Month. | $100 / Month |
| Grocery Cost for 1 Person | $350 / Month. | $300 / Month. |
| Communication (Phone and Internet) | $110 / Month | $100 / Month |
| Health and Fitness | $50 / Month | $70-100/month |
| Sales Taxes | 5% / Year | 7%. |
Home and real estate prices in Calgary are significantly lower than in Vancouver. The cost of housing (1 bedroom) is around $875 cheaper per month, while custom-built single-family homes cost $623 per square foot less. Utilities and insurance are also cheaper in Calgary; on average, $150-400 compared to $150-250 per month. Monthly public transport passes are more affordable in Calgary, with a monthly adult transit pass costing $109 compared to $98 in Vancouver. Car insurance is also cheaper in Calgary ($1200/year) than Vancouver ($1680/year). Entertainment costs an average of $200 less a month in Calgary than Vancouver. Grocery costs are similar between the two cities, although Calgary’s is slightly higher at $350/month compared to Vancouver’s at $300/month. Communications such as phone and internet services cost the same amount ($100/month). Health and fitness memberships also have similar costs, ranging from $50-$100 depending on the city. Lastly, sales taxes are slightly higher in Vancouver at 7% compared to 5% for Calgary.
Benefits of Moving to Calgary
Calgary offers a unique landscape with beautiful landscapes, pristine nature and vast parks to explore. Moreover, there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation and leisure activities here that you will not find in Vancouver. Furthermore, Calgary has many economic opportunities to offer which make it an attractive destination for residence or business. Meanwhile, the city also boasts of strong cultural diversity and welcoming atmosphere making it a great fit for new Canadians who are looking to start a new life in Canada. Lastly, Calgary's quality of life is rated as one of the highest in the country and provides residents with an opportunity to live their best lives while working hard at the same time.
Best areas to live in Calgary
Choosing a neighbourhood to live in Calgary is no small feat. With numerous suburbs, each boasting unique attractions and characteristics, it can be difficult to narrow down the best options for you and your family. Therefore, we've put together a list of the best neighbourhoods in Calgary below, so that you can make an informed decision about where to move.
Bel-Aire
Bel-Aire is a vibrant neighbourhood located in Calgary that offers scenic views and plenty of opportunities to explore. The area boasts a diverse population with people from many different cultures and backgrounds. The nearby attractions such as the Peace Bridge, Kensington Village, and Calgary Zoo are just a few minutes away. Living in Bel-Aire provides a unique balance between urban convenience and natural beauty - one can experience all the city's hustle and bustle while also enjoying peaceful nature walks or bike rides around the nearby parks. With its vibrant community of friendly neighbours, excellent shopping options, and abundance of outdoor activities, Bel-Aire is an idyllic spot for any move - offering something for everyone!
Mount Royal
Mount Royal is an incredibly attractive and multi-cultural neighbourhood located in South Western Calgary. The neighbourhood is home to a variety of people from all different backgrounds, making it a great place for everyone to live and work. Mount Royal also boasts an array of great attractions, including the picturesque Mount Royal Park that overlooks the Bow River Valley and provides breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains. Additionally, its location nearby popular tourist areas like downtown Calgary make it easy to access different parts of the city quickly on foot or by public transportation. Living in Mount Royal means being close to a number of amenities, while still enjoying peaceful living during off peak hours. It's no wonder so many people have chosen this vibrant community as their homebase!
Roxboro
Roxboro is a bustling, energetic Calgary neighbourhood with a population of 15,000 people who hail from diverse backgrounds. Surrounded by vibrant parks, the area is close to several popular tourist attractions such as Fish Creek Provincial Park and Calgary Zoo. The area offers many exciting opportunities for entertainment, from a nearby shopping mall to bowling alleys and movie theatres. Living in Roxboro will provide convenient access to major attractions and all the amenities of city life without sacrificing its tranquil environment, which features plenty of walking trails and bike paths. With lots to do nearby and an ideal location not too far away from downtown Calgary- Roxboro provides the perfect balance between urban convenience and suburban charm.
Britannia
Calgary's Britannia neighbourhood is known as an inner-city community of diverse backgrounds. This vibrant multicultural neighbourhood is close to the city centre and some of Calgary's best attractions like the Bow Valley Square and its surrounding restaurants, shops, and pubs. From the Britannia area, neighbours can enjoy a short drive to Olympic Plaza or downtown Calgary in minutes. Living in this quaint community provides easy access to all that Calgary has to offer while still maintaining a cozy small-town feel. Britannia offers up exciting cultural experiences with its many restaurants, cafes, music venues and art galleries in addition to plenty of outdoor activities for any season.
Elbow Park
Moving to Elbow Park makes you a part of an upscale neighbourhood in Calgary, where people living here can enjoy the views of rivers and nearby trails. Located near downtown Calgary, Elbow Park offers plenty of services and activities within minutes from home. Residents here can take advantage of the close proximity to shopping malls, restaurants and other attractions all within 10 minutes drive away. The neighbourhood also features historic houses with distinctive architecture styles but painted in vibrant colours for a unique look no other neighbourhood has. Living in Elbow Park gives one access to great outdoor activities like bike riding and walking along the riverbank while having plenty of amenities at their fingertips.
Pros
- The lower cost of living in Calgary compared to Vancouver is a great advantage for those looking to move in 2023.
- In Calgary, you can enjoy warmer summers compared to Vancouver's cooler temperatures.
- In Calgary, job opportunities abound compared to Vancouver, making the move a smart choice for those looking to advance their career.
Cons
- Moving to Calgary from Vancouver can mean experiencing colder, harsher winters.
- Calgary may offer less cultural diversity than Vancouver, making it harder to find a place to belong.
- Moving from Vancouver to Calgary means trading the oceanfront cityscape for one further away from the sea.
What Are the Best Moving Solutions in Moving From Vancouver to Calgary?
Moving from Vancouver to Calgary can be a big decision, and the process can seem overwhelming. Fortunately, there are many highly experienced moving companies available who specialize in making this transition for you as easy and stress-free as possible. Hercules Moving Company is just one of the many companies offering local, long-distance and international moving services that make sure that all your items are transported safely from point A to point B. Furthermore, reputable moving companies also offer packing services so you don't have to worry about doing it yourself. They come with their own materials so everything from boxes to bubble wrap will be provided! Meanwhile, most companies provide detailed quotes that include added fees for stairs or extra items that make it much easier for you to budget accordingly. It's important not to forget about checking the company's reputation online or verifying their registration number with Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) before signing any agreement.
Conclusion
Summary: Moving from Vancouver to Calgary in 2023 is a great idea with many benefits. Calgary offers a unique landscape, plenty of economic opportunities and an awesome quality of life. There are many types of moving solutions available that can provide convenient services to make the transition easier. When making the decision to move, one should consider the cost of living, best areas to live in and the pros and cons between cities.
