Moving to Vancouver as a Newcomer to Canada: Complete Relocation Guide

Vancouver by the Numbers: Why Newcomers Choose This City

British Columbia receives approximately 14.6% of all permanent residents admitted to Canada. In Q1 2024, 17,745 new permanent residents chose BC as their destination (IRCC Open Data). The province is also home to 241,196 work permit holders and 155,415 study permit holders as of early 2024 (AMSSA/IRCC), making it one of the most internationally diverse provinces in Canada.

The top source countries for immigrants to Canada are India, China, and the Philippines (IRCC Ad Hoc Dataset), and Metro Vancouver’s population reflects this: over half (54%) identify as a visible minority, per the 2021 Census. International migrants are projected to fill roughly a third of all new jobs in BC over the next decade, so the province is actively building infrastructure and services around newcomer needs.

From our own data helping thousands of families move across Metro Vancouver: 26.9% of all Vancouver moves are 1-bedroom apartments — the highest ratio of any city in our network. This tells us newcomers are predominantly starting in smaller units and scaling up as they settle. For details, see our 2025 Year in Review.

What It Actually Costs to Live in Vancouver (2026 Data)

Vancouver is expensive — but the numbers are more manageable than headlines suggest if you plan carefully. Here’s what to budget, backed by the latest official data:

Housing (Your Biggest Expense)

According to the CMHC 2025 Rental Market Report, the average two-bedroom rent in Metro Vancouver’s purpose-built rental market is $2,363/month. Good news: the vacancy rate has risen to 3.7% — the highest in over 30 years — giving renters more negotiating power than they’ve had in decades. Landlords in newer suburban buildings are even offering one to two months of free rent to attract tenants.

• Security deposit: Capped at half a month’s rent under the BC Residential Tenancy Act. No last month’s rent or key deposits allowed.

• Rent increases: Limited to 2.3% in 2026 (gov.bc.ca). Landlords must give 3 full months’ written notice. Rent can only increase once per 12 months.

• Anti-discrimination protection: The BC Human Rights Code prohibits landlords from discriminating based on place of origin, race, ancestry, or source of income. If you experience discrimination, file a complaint with the BC Human Rights Tribunal (free).

Monthly Budget Breakdown

• Groceries: ~$366/month per person. The Canada Food Price Report 2026 forecasts $4,393/person/year. Shop at international grocery stores (T&T Supermarket, H Mart, Fruiticana, Persia Foods) for significantly better prices on specialty items.

• Transit: $111.60–$201.55/month for an adult pass (details in the transit section below). Students pay only $46.90/month with U-Pass BC.

• Internet: ~$75/month average in BC. Promotional rates from Telus and Shaw (now Rogers) start around $50/month but rise after the first year.

• Phone: $25–$60/month. Freedom Mobile and Public Mobile offer the most affordable plans. All major carriers sell SIM cards at any mall.

• Auto insurance (if driving): ICBC is BC’s sole auto insurer. Basic rates have been frozen since 2019 and won’t increase until at least spring 2027 (BC Government). ICBC issued a $110 rebate per policy in 2024.

• Healthcare: MSP (Medical Services Plan) has no monthly premiums — it’s free for all BC residents. However, dental, vision, and prescription drugs require employer benefits or private insurance.

For context: BC’s minimum wage is $17.85/hour (effective June 2025, gov.bc.ca). The median household income in Vancouver is approximately $82,000/year (2021 Census). For a full breakdown of moving costs, see our Vancouver Moving Cost Guide.

Finding Housing: A Practical Strategy

Securing permanent housing from abroad is difficult — most landlords require in-person viewings and Canadian references. Here’s a data-backed approach:

Step 1: Book Temporary Housing (2–4 Weeks)

An Airbnb, hostel, or short-term rental gives you a base to apartment hunt in person. Budget $1,500–$2,500 for the first month of temporary housing. The 3.7% vacancy rate (CMHC) means you’ll find more options than in previous years.

Step 2: Search Online Before You Arrive

• Craigslist Vancouver — still the most-used rental listing platform

• Liv Rent — verified listings, good for newcomers

• Facebook Marketplace and groups like "Vancouver Rentals"

• Purpose-built rental buildings (managed by Hollyburn, Concert, Wesgroup) — more newcomer-friendly than private landlords

Step 3: Prepare Your Documentation

• Employment letter or proof of funds

• Passport and work permit or PR card

• References (international references accepted by many managed buildings)

• Some landlords accept international credit reports or larger deposits in lieu of Canadian credit history

For a deep dive into Vancouver’s rental landscape, including neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood vacancy data, see our Vancouver Rental Market Guide 2026.

Neighbourhoods for Newcomers: Community, Transit, and Budget

Where you live depends on your budget, language needs, and transit requirements. Here are five areas popular with newcomers:

• Metrotown (Burnaby): Large East Asian community. Excellent SkyTrain access (Expo Line). Abundant shopping and dining at Metropolis at Metrotown. Many purpose-built rentals with newer amenities. Average 2-bed rent: ~$2,200–$2,500.

• Surrey (City Centre & Guildford): Large South Asian community with extensive Punjabi-language services. More affordable rents ($1,800–$2,200 for 2-bed). Growing SkyTrain access. Many settlement services (DIVERSEcity) located here.

• Commercial Drive (East Vancouver): Multicultural neighbourhood with Italian, Latin American, and East African communities. Walkable with independent shops and cafes. 1-bed apartments from ~$1,600–$2,000.

• Richmond: Large Chinese community with extensive Chinese-language services, restaurants, and grocery stores. Canada Line provides direct SkyTrain access to downtown and YVR airport. Average 2-bed: ~$2,100–$2,400.

• New Westminster: More affordable with strong transit connections (2 SkyTrain stations). Growing newcomer community. Close to settlement services in the Tri-Cities. Average 2-bed: ~$1,900–$2,200.

For crime data and safety rankings by neighbourhood, see our Safest Vancouver Neighbourhoods Guide.

Your First-Week Checklist (With Links and Costs)

Here’s exactly what to do in your first week, in priority order, with links to every official resource:

• 1. Apply for a SIN (Social Insurance Number): Required to work legally in Canada. Free. Apply at any Service Canada office with your passport and work permit. You’ll receive it the same day if you apply in person. You can also apply online.

• 2. Open a bank account: All major banks (RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, CIBC) offer newcomer banking packages with no monthly fees for the first year. Bring your passport, work permit, and proof of address. No SIN required to open an account.

• 3. Get a Canadian phone number: Buy a SIM card at any mall kiosk or carrier store. Freedom Mobile plans start at ~$25/month. You need a Canadian number for apartment viewings and job applications.

• 4. Buy a Compass Card for transit: Available at any SkyTrain station. $6 refundable deposit. Load it with stored value or a monthly pass (see fare table below). Details at translink.ca.

• 5. Register for MSP (health coverage): BC’s Medical Services Plan has no monthly premiums — it’s free. Apply at gov.bc.ca. Important: there is a waiting period of up to 3 months before coverage begins (coverage wait period details). Buy private health insurance to cover the gap — plans from Blue Cross or Manulife start at ~$80–$150/month.

• 6. Connect with a settlement agency: Free government-funded services (details below). They can help with everything from job searching to language classes to finding housing.

Getting Around Vancouver: Complete Transit Fare Breakdown

Vancouver has excellent public transit. Many newcomers don’t need a car — our data shows that 83.2% of Vancouver moves stay within Metro Vancouver, and the SkyTrain, bus, and SeaBus network covers most of the region. All fares below are effective July 1, 2025 (TransLink).

Adult Stored Value Fares (Compass Card)

• 1-Zone: $2.70

• 2-Zone: $4.00

• 3-Zone: $5.10

• DayPass: $11.95 (unlimited travel, all zones)

Adult Monthly Pass

• 1-Zone: $111.60/month

• 2-Zone: $149.25/month

• 3-Zone: $201.55/month

Concession Fares (Youth 14–18, Seniors 65+, Children 5–13)

• Stored value: $2.25 (1-zone), $3.30 (2-zone), $4.50 (3-zone)

• Monthly pass: $63.80 (all zones)

• DayPass: $9.40

Student U-Pass

Post-secondary students: $46.90/month for unlimited all-zone travel (U-Pass BC). This is one of the best transit deals in North America.

Key tip: Buses are always charged as 1-zone regardless of distance. The zone system (2 and 3-zone fares) only applies to SkyTrain and SeaBus during weekday peak hours (start of service to 6:30 PM). Evenings and weekends, everything is 1-zone.

Coming July 2026: A 5% fare increase has been approved (TransLink). This is part of a funding plan for the largest bus service increase since 2018.

SkyTrain Lines

• Expo Line: Downtown → Burnaby → New Westminster → Surrey

• Millennium Line: VCC-Clark → Burnaby → Coquitlam

• Canada Line: Downtown → Richmond → YVR Airport

Driving in BC with a Foreign Licence

You can drive on your foreign licence for 90 days after moving to BC. After that, you must get a BC driver’s licence from ICBC. Licence exchange fee: ~$31. New licence card: ~$75 for 5 years.

Countries with direct licence exchange (no testing required): Austria, Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, Guernsey, Ireland, Isle of Man, Japan, Jersey, Netherlands, New Zealand, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, all Canadian provinces, and most US states.

Applicants from other countries must pass a 50-question knowledge test (40 correct to pass, $15 fee) and a road test ($35–$50). For detailed road construction and route planning, see our Vancouver Road Construction Guide.

Cycling

Vancouver has over 300 km of cycling routes. Mobi bike-share has stations throughout the city. The mild climate makes year-round cycling practical with rain gear.

Free Settlement Services for Newcomers

Vancouver has excellent free settlement services funded by the federal and provincial governments. These agencies help with employment, language training, housing, and more:

• ISSofBC (Immigrant Services Society of BC): Free settlement counselling, employment programs, language classes, and temporary housing assistance. issbc.org

• MOSAIC: Multi-lingual services including employment help, English classes, and family programs across Metro Vancouver. mosaicbc.org

• SUCCESS: Multilingual settlement services with a strong presence in Chinese, Korean, and other Asian language communities. successbc.ca

• DIVERSEcity: Settlement and integration services primarily serving Surrey and South of Fraser communities. dcrs.ca

• WelcomeBC: The BC government’s central portal for newcomer resources, including guides to healthcare, education, and employment. welcomebc.ca

What Our Moving Data Shows About Vancouver

We help thousands of families move in Metro Vancouver every year. Here’s what our 2025 Year in Review data reveals about how people move in this city:

• 83.2% of Vancouver moves stay local (within Metro Vancouver)

• 26.9% of all moves are 1-bedroom apartments — the highest ratio in Canada

• 16.8% are long-distance, primarily to Greater Victoria, Kelowna, and Nanaimo

• Busiest days: The 1st and last day of each month (when leases start/end)

• Average local move cost: $1,092 across our network

• Average long-distance move: $2,884

• Most popular local destinations: Vancouver → Surrey → Burnaby

• BC ↔ Alberta corridor: 159 total moves in 2025, making it our busiest interprovincial route

To save money on your move, consider timing: our Best & Worst Times to Move in Vancouver guide shows that mid-month, mid-week moves in October–February are the most affordable. If you’re moving into a condo, read our Vancouver Condo Moving Rules guide first — strata rules and elevator bookings can cause delays if you’re not prepared.

Weather: What to Actually Expect

Vancouver has Canada’s mildest climate. Winters rarely go below freezing at sea level, and summers are warm and dry (20–25°C). The trade-off is rain: expect grey, drizzly conditions from October through March. Here’s the comparison that matters for newcomers:

• Vancouver winter low: ~1°C average in January

• Toronto winter low: ~−10°C

• Calgary winter low: ~−15°C

• Winnipeg winter low: ~−22°C

You’ll want: a quality rain jacket (Gore-Tex or similar), waterproof boots, and layers. You will not need a heavy parka, snow tires (at sea level), or a snow shovel. Data from Environment Canada shows Vancouver averages only roughly 45 cm of snow per year, compared to Toronto’s roughly 122 cm and Montreal’s 210 cm.

Your First 30 Days: A Week-by-Week Timeline

Week 1: Essentials

• Apply for SIN at Service Canada (free, same-day)

• Open a bank account with a newcomer package (no fee first year)

• Get a Canadian phone number

• Buy a Compass Card ($6 deposit) and learn the transit system

• Register for MSP health coverage (free, 3-month wait)

• Visit a settlement agency (ISSofBC, MOSAIC, or SUCCESS)

Week 2–3: Housing

• Begin apartment hunting in person — the 3.7% vacancy rate means more options than in previous years

• Bring all documentation to viewings: employment letter, passport, references

• Budget: half a month’s rent for security deposit + first month’s rent

• Review the BC Residential Tenancy Act so you know your rights

Week 4: Settling In

• Set up internet and utilities

• If driving: visit ICBC to begin licence exchange (90-day deadline)

• Register children for school (if applicable)

• Explore your neighbourhood — find your grocery store, transit stops, and nearest walk-in clinic

• Buy interim private health insurance if MSP hasn’t kicked in

Vancouver is an incredible city to build your new life in Canada. It’s expensive, but the diversity, natural beauty, and quality of services for newcomers make the adjustment period worthwhile. Need help with the move itself? Get a free quote from Two Small Men in Vancouver — we move thousands of newcomers every year and know exactly how to handle everything from condo elevator bookings to long-distance shipments from other provinces.