Reasons people are moving from Calgary to Vancouver

Moving to a new place can be a stressful, costly, and time-consuming process. Nowadays, a lot of people decide to put Calgary behind and move to Vancouver. Whether it is because of job opportunities, living costs, or entertainment. There are many reasons why people are moving from Calgary to Vancouver. Centennial Moving Canada is here to answer all of your questions and tell you more about this type of relocation.

A lot of people are moving from Calgary to Vancouver nowadays due to its wonderful setting.

The coastline and the weather are tempting, you will certainly enjoy them in Vancouver

Calgary is a very remote place. Winters are brutal for most people living there, and summers are very short due to Calgary’s winds. On the other hand, Vancouver offers amazing beaches and coastline views, mountains, and hiking opportunities everywhere. Currently, Vancouver is considered to be the best city to live in in North America. A lot of Calgary to Vancouver movers are often busy due to a great number of relocations. Life in Vancouver is amazing because of its setting, being surrounded by mountains and sea. You can have a lot of fun and entertainment and still be close to nature.

Vancouver is closer to major US cities

A lot of people are moving from Calgary to Vancouver because of its geographical position. Vancouver is closer to major US cities and many international airports than Calgary. This enables people to travel easier especially if they have to do it because of their job. There are a lot of job opportunities and many people decide to relocate in search of one. If you are in Quebec right now, a lot of moving companies in Quebec City will help you out with your relocation. If you are looking for a faster way of life with chances to travel, Vancouver is the right place for you.

Vancouver is a lively city with endless entertainment opportunities

Vancouver’s most popular attractions are the Vancouver Lookout and Science World, as well as the Vancouver Aquarium. A number of tourists are visiting it right now, and a lot of them decide to stay permanently. Moving companies Red Deer has will assist you if you ever decide to take this step. There are plenty of activities within the city itself, with innovative galleries and museums for everyone. You are meant to experience it outdoors, thanks to its climate and green spaces.

Vancouver is a diverse city

The city of Vancouver has the largest and most diverse community in Canada. It is a little more laid back than Calgary and is a much more cosmopolitan city. Vancouver is a mix of different ethnicities and religions from all over the world. A lot of people think that moving from Calgary to Vancouver is better for them since they want to be part of this diverse community. Aside from its living costs. it is a definitely good chance for a fresh start and new friendships. Whatever your reason is, you will not regret your decision.

Hiring movers in Calgary is cheaper.

Living costs in Vancouver are significantly higher

As you can see, there are many advantages to moving from Calgary to Vancouver. Unfortunately, now we come to the difficult part. And that is the cost of living. As you can probably imagine, living in Vancouver is more expensive than living in Calgary. You will have approximately 15-20% higher living expenses after you move. The average monthly living costs for one person in Calgary are around CA$2562. On the other hand, the average cost of living for one person in Vancouver is around CA$3130. If you are a family of four in Calgary, you need $6230. In Vancouver, you will need at least $7281 to get you through the month. Now let’s look at how this all looks when we look at food, housing, transportation, and other expenses in particular.

You will feel a slight increase in food prices after moving from Calgary to Vancouver

For food in Calgary, you probably spend around CA$755 a month. After you move to Vancouver, you will need around CA$796. So the difference in food costs is not that high. For example, eating in Vancouver restaurants is even 5% cheaper than what you are used to now. However, when it comes to fast food chains, sugary beverages, and even bottled water, things are going to be more expensive in Vancouver. When it comes to groceries, you will feel a moderate, 4% price increase after leaving Calgary. Bread, cheese, milk, and eggs are all around 20% more expensive in Vancouver. Fortunately, things like apples, bananas, tomatoes, and onions are cheaper.

Your transportation costs will go up as well

Transportation costs are always an important factor to consider when moving to a different city. The average fuel prices in Calgary in Aug 2022 were CA$1.89. In Vancouver, it was around CA$2.43 in the same period. That is why you will pay more for transportation where ever and however you plan to travel. For example, a monthly transit pass in Calgary is around CA$113.49. In Vancouver, you will need CA$121.60 for the same thing. It is more expensive to buy a car in Vancouver. And even hiring Vancouver movers will be more expensive than hiring long distance movers Calgary. So at least, you still have that advantage.

Vancouver offers wonderful outdoor activities for everyone.

Housing costs are your biggest obstacle

Now it’s time to take a look at the housing costs. This is, by far, the biggest problem you will have to overcome before you start looking for moving services Canada. And things aren’t looking too good for those that are planning to head this way. In the third quarter of 2022, median home prices in Calgary we around CA$572,000. That is a 13% increase compared to last year. Unfortunately, that doesn’t come near to prices in Vancouver. In the same period, the third quarter of 2022, median home prices in Vancouver were $1,396,977. So even with the 13% increase in home prices in Calgary, you do not get close to what you need for purchasing a home in Vancouver.

Rent prices and utilities

If you are planning to rent, you will still need almost CA$1000 more after moving to Vancouver from Calgary. The average rent price in Calgary in August 2022 was CA$1,313. In Vancouver, it is around CA$2,293. When it comes to utilities, things are looking brighter. The average monthly bill in Vancouver will be significantly lower than in Calgary. On average, the utility bill for one person in Calgary is $155. In Vancouver, you will pay less than CA$100.

Childcare is far more expensive in Vancouver

If you are moving from Calgary to Vancouver with kids, prepare for significantly higher expenses. Childcare in Vancouver is 36% more expensive than in Calgary. If you are sending your child to a private preschool, your monthly expenses in Calgary are around CA$1,200.50. In Vancouver, private preschool for one child will cost you around CA$1,369.81 – 14% more. If you are sending one kid to middle school, your expenses will go even higher than now. In Calgary, two semesters for one middle school kid cost around CA$16,238.89. In Vancouver, CA$25,928.06 or 59% more.

How to find a job when moving from Calgary to Vancouver

When preparing for the job market, tailor your resume and LinkedIn profile to reflect Vancouver’s professional values—adaptability, teamwork, and sustainability. Highlighting these traits will help your application stand out. Vancouver’s tech scene is thriving, with major companies such as Amazon and Microsoft expanding their presence and opening a variety of new positions. If your background is in software development, data analysis, or IT project management, you’ll find plenty of career opportunities waiting for you.

The city is also a hub for film and digital media, earning the nickname “Hollywood North.” Those with experience in production, animation, or visual effects will find this industry especially promising. Networking plays a big role in landing a job when moving from Calgary to Vancouver. Building connections can make a real difference, as many opportunities come through personal referrals. Start by joining Vancouver-based LinkedIn groups and engaging with professionals in your field.

You can also attend local job fairs such as the Vancouver Virtual Job Fair or Tech Talent Vancouver. These events offer a chance to meet recruiters, learn about in-demand skills, and get a feel for what employers in Vancouver are looking for.

If you are moving with kids, your living expenses will increase

When do most people choose to move from Calgary to Vancouver

Spring is often considered the most popular time to move, as the days become longer and the weather turns warmer. Everything feels fresh and new, making it easier to stay motivated during the moving process. Still, spring showers can surprise you, and your moving day might land on a rainy one. If you’ve hired professional movers, they’ll know how to manage any weather conditions, but it could still dampen the excitement a bit. When considering what is the most popular month to move, it’s clear that the peak moving season typically begins in the second half of April and extends through the summer months. This period is favored by many due to more predictable weather and the opportunity to use vacation days, which helps reduce pressure and stress during the move.

Things you’ll leave behind when you move from Calgary to Vancouver

Starting fresh in Vancouver naturally comes with breathtaking views and countless new opportunities. Still, it’s normal to feel nostalgic about Calgary. There are certain things Vancouver simply can’t replace. After moving from Calgary to Vancouver many people find themselves missing the long, sunny days they left behind. The difference in climate becomes clear right away—Vancouver’s higher humidity contrasts with Calgary’s dry heat. Summers in Calgary often reach the high 30s Celsius, perfect for enjoying outdoor adventures. The cost of living also differs quite a bit, and relocating across the country from Calgary to Vancouver is no exception. Calgary tends to be more affordable, with lower housing costs and property taxes. For many considering this move, financial factors play a big part in the decision.

Find a moving company that offers car shipping services

A higher cost of living is something that you will need to overcome in order to move from Calgary to Vancouver. Luckily, there are many more job opportunities in Vancouver, and salaries are significantly higher. If you manage to find a decent job with a good salary, those higher expenses won’t mean much. If you already have a job waiting for you in Vancouver, then, the only thing that you need to do is to move. Unfortunately, there is 1,076.3 km between Calgary and Vancouver. So you will need help from professional movers. And, you will need to find those that do car shipping as well. So go online and look for car shipping companies Canada has to offer and see how they can help you move.

Stunning city views that attract many people moving to Vancouver from Calgary

A better life has a price

As you can see, there are many things that you need to consider before moving from Calgary to Vancouver. Yes, the quality of your life will increase but it will cost you. If you manage to get your finances in order, make sure that you hire one of the best long distance moving companies Canada has to offer and let them help you with your move. The distance between the two cities is great so you will need professional help for sure.