Moving to Vancouver from Toronto - [EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW!]

[@LivingInVancouver-BC]

Thanks for watching my video about moving to Vancouver from Toronto. I hope that you found it useful! If you'd like my Guide To Moving To Vancouver, comment here and I'll send it your way FREE!

[@shakrmaker]

Is the shipping cost so painful that you should not even ship your bed frame and mattress? I realize we'll all do our research and get quotes - but curious for your take - that you shouldn't ship even ship a mattress, and only boxes.

[@AdventuresOfAWanderLust]

Great video, I moved to BC 9 years ago from Toronto and I agree with all of your comparisons, the rain does not bother me, better than ALL the snow in Ontario, I personally love all the outdoor activities in BC and every time I return to Ontario to see family I feel like I'm suffocating in the concrete jungle of the GTA,. Love BC...

[@LivingInVancouver-BC]

Thanks, @louiseborg0371! I really appreciate you sharing your experience and checking out the channel. Glad that you love living here in Vancouver as much as i do! :) Getting outdoors really is so much easier in Vancouver.

[@AmoneyP]

My family is seriously considering moving to Vancouver, been there many times, did countless amounts of research and your video was one of the best comparing Toronto and Vancouver, great job!!!

[@LivingInVancouver-BC]

Amazing (and thank you for watching)! I"m so happy to hear that you found this video helpful in your research. Are there any other topics related to moving to Vancouver that you are finding it's tough to find info on?

[@mariaclaranaime1192]

Wow!!! I’m impressed with the quality of info you are sharing with us. THANK YOU SO MUCH! All tips are so useful and I didn’t find it anywhere else (and believe me… I’m doing my homework.

[@LivingInVancouver-BC]

Hi Maria! Thank you for sharing that. It's very nice to hear. :) I love that you are finding my content useful! I really do hope it helps...and feel free to reach out if you have any questions or if you'd like a copy of my Moving to Vancouver guide.

[@anthoneymahateva5851]

One of the best videos on the subject, highly pragmatic and useful information and very well presented.

[@LivingInVancouver-BC]

Wow, thank you! I'm really happy to hear that you got something out of this video!

[@anthoneymahateva5851]

@@LivingInVancouver-BCYou are welcome.

[@LivingInVancouver-BC]

👍

[@robinjoseph8925]

I still prefer Toronto to Vancouver. Much more job opportunities and friendlier people. Also much more welcoming towards immigrants. Jobs in Vancouver usually require local work experience. Vancouverites are often opinionated and lack the open mindedness of Torontonians. BC is more famous for its touristic places rather than livable cities.

[@LivingInVancouver-BC]

@robinsonjoseph8925 Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts. I don’t doubt Toronto may feel friendlier to new immigrants as it’s a much bigger and more international city than Vancouver. Vancouver would be (arguably) the second most open in Canada, though and still very friendly to immigrants on the whole. There will also definitely be more economic opportunities in Toronto than Vancouver due to its size…but again, Vancouver has the next most robust economy in the country…so if people value some of the other benefits of Vancouver then it can be a perfect choice for them.

[@robinjoseph8925]

​​​@@LivingInVancouver-BCIt totally depends on the individual. Everyone has preferences based on personal circumstances

[@LivingInVancouver-BC]

@robinjoseph8925 Yep. That's why I made the video...to help people understand the differences and to be able to draw their own conclusions as to which city works best for them.

[@ML-ov7wo]

Well said. Vancouver's beauty is found in it's nature. Toronto's beauty is found in it's people and culture. It's such a unique underrated city.

[@LivingInVancouver-BC]

@ML-ov7wo appreciate you contributing to the conversation...but I'm not sure we can argue either Vancouver or Toronto are under-rated (not sure which one you were referring to, but I think it was Toronto). They are (arguably) Canada's biggest brands.

[@urgyenrangdrolable]

Excellent Video! You covered everything!

[@LivingInVancouver-BC]

Thank you! I’m really glad to hear that you liked the video…I do my best to make sure they are thorough! ;)

[@MichaelRaymond-de7de]

Good stuff hermano......love your stuff....keep up the content...I will keep watching...

[@LivingInVancouver-BC]

Thank you @michaelraymond-de7de! Appreciate you watching my channel and glad you are enjoying it. I’ll keep making it if you keep watching. ;)

[@MichaelRaymond-de7de]

@@LivingInVancouver-BC I'm not ...probably not your main customer....but there is something about you and your content that has me interested....I'm interested in quality not so much content....born and raised on lulu island (Richmond)...I precieve you to be selling your expertise as a local who nows....I am more focused on the region as a center for expansive development.....internet AI. and the next development in technology infused ban width....I see the area ripe for the next step in development

[@LivingInVancouver-BC]

Whether you are a potential client or not, i am happy to have you watching and enjoying my content!

[@lilik2255]

Thank you for all videos you’re making, they are very useful. Vancouver is indeed more expensive than Toronto, especially grocery. I’d say 20% more expensive. But it’s so beautiful, green, clean and relatively safe, so I believe it’s worth this “extra”😁

[@LivingInVancouver-BC]

I appreciate that @lilik2255! It's always good to hear my work is helpful...and appreciated! I think that you and I definitely agree that living in Vancouver is worth the additional expense!

[@nedhappily]

I'd say it's cost more to own a property and live in Toronto. Condo fees in Toronto are 35%higher than most condos in Vancouver, also property tax is higher in GTA as well. And eat out (restaurants) only charge 5% (GST) in BC but 13%(HST) in Ontario.

[@LivingInVancouver-BC]

@nedhappily Thanks for checking out the channel and sharing your experiences! You are right about condo fees generally being higher in Toronto...but it's because in Ontario the strata is forced to save for future work. That isn't a requirement in BC. Stratas here tend to get that money on an as-needed basis (eg assessments)...so you end up paying either way. No argument on property taxes. You are right about that, too. But I would say most other expenses are pretty equivalent. BUT...the biggest ticket item is real estate. Vancouver real estate is STILL more expensive for equivalent types of property in equivalent locations. Considerably more expensive.

[@nedhappily]

@@LivingInVancouver-BC Yea but overall average sold prices in Aug, 2023 in both metropolitans (GTA/ GVA) still not much different. ($1.1M in GTA v.s. $1.2M in GVA) Whoever can afford houses in Toronto can definitely afford a place in Van for sure. For the pre-con market, I'd say same price precons in Vancouver are still much bigger, not many 200-300 sqft units like in Toronto. Concord, Pinnacle and Menkes are building 80-90 storey homes with micro units like crazy in downtown TO these days.

[@LivingInVancouver-BC]

Comparing the averages is misleading (it's actually $1.3M for Vancouver). That's why I'm saying that if you compare apples to apples (similar type of property in a similar area) that Vancouver's prices are considerably higher. Houses are where you see the biggest gap, but I see it still being significant in all housing types. As for pre-construction, yes in Vancouver the micro-condos are still not allowed...so they aren't being built. We do see them being built in some of the suburbs, though...like Surrey.

[@albefung]

Thanks for the insights and have been following some of your great videos! Will be great also to do a comparison between Vancouver vs Ottawa sometimes in future (since I used to live in Ottawa then moved to Asia and now thinking of moving back to Canada and am thinking of between Vancouver & Ottawa!

[@LivingInVancouver-BC]

@albertfung thanks for checking out the channel! In a nutshell, i can tell you that Ottawa is less diverse, has less going on, more extreme weather, but will have higher wages (due to government jobs) and a lower cost of living. There’s a much stronger link to Asia in Vancouver than Ottawa…and it’s easier/faster to get to for future visits too! Hope that helps!

[@albefung]

@@LivingInVancouver-BC Good points and thank you for sharing! Will definitely reach out to you for advice if needed in the future if you don't mind : )

[@LivingInVancouver-BC]

Absolutely, @albefung. Any time. :)

[@florenciomendoza1212]

P.s. I’m retired now. Thank you Toronto. Can’t wait to move back home to Vancouver ❤️🇨🇦

[@LivingInVancouver-BC]

Congrats! :)

[@jasonpereira2416]

Thanks for this insightful video. There's no mention of traffic, is it similar to the TO traffic? Cheers

[@LivingInVancouver-BC]

Appreciate you checking out the channel, @jasonpereira2416! Traffic is definitely a topic that I should have covered...people in Vancouver will complain about traffic but it's NOWHERE near as bad as it can be in Toronto. Now, there are pain points (like crossing a bridge in rush hour) that can be unpredictable (if there's an accident on the Lions Gate Bridge for example) and some areas of Metro Vancouver that can be worse in rush hour than others (I'm looking at you, North Vancouver). But if you want to avoid the worst of the traffic in Vancouver (and you work in the city) I would advise not moving over a bridge/tunnel...or live along the Skytrain/West Coast Express routes so you don't have to rely on a car to get to work.

[@TranPinnockfamily]

Great video. What’s the best way to send our personal stuffs ( like clothes,….) from Vancouver to Toronto? Thank you ❤❤❤❤

[@LivingInVancouver-BC]

@TranPinnockfamily I mean, I guess it depends on how much you have? Could you bring it along in suitcases when you fly (if it's just clothes)? If you have more than that, try giving www.shipcanada.ca/ a go. My understanding is that they are one of the least expensive ways to ship smaller amounts across the country. Hope that helps!

[@TranPinnockfamily]

@@LivingInVancouver-BC thank you 🙏 ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@LivingInVancouver-BC]

@TranPinnockfamily No problem!

[@mateofernando5066]

How do I check if you are a realtor in good standing?

[@LivingInVancouver-BC]

Hi Mateo! Great question. I completely understand the desire to make sure you are working with the right person. Here's a link where you can search any real estate agent in BC to verify that they are licensed and to see any discipline history: www.bcfsa.ca/public-resources/real-estate/find-professional I'll also take this opportunity to humble-brag and mention the award that I've received that I'm most proud of...not just another sales award (of which I've received many in my 15 year career)...but in 2019 I was awarded the A.E. LePage Realtor of the Year Award for all of Canada. This award recognized me as the top agent out of nearly 20,000 agents in Royal LePage...for not only my sales record, but my contributions to my community and my standing amongst my peers.

[@KevinLaswisis]

Do you have heat in your condominiums or house or is heating not a thing there

[@LivingInVancouver-BC]

@KevinLaswisis Oh most definitely. We wouldn't survive winters without heating systems. :)

[@and1597]

Could anyone tell how come to much smaller Vancouver is more expensive than much developed (in my opinion only) and bigger Toronto ?

[@LivingInVancouver-BC]

In my opinion, it has to do with geography. Vancouver is tiny (just 110 sq km) vs most cities, but especially obvious when comparing to Toronto (630 sq km). On top of that, Vancouver is very tightly geographically constrained. Water to the west, mountains to the north, agricultural land reserve east and border to the south. We haven't had anywhere to expand for decades. While Toronto has the lake to the south, the geography allows more room for expansion...so we have MUCH more limited supply while still having incredible demand which continues to pressure prices up.

[@BKFLcorporate]

which area in Vancouver is best and safe. How much rain and cold month. Is it kids friendly city. i have two kids. education how is there

[@LivingInVancouver-BC]

Hi @BKFLcorporate You'll want to check out a few of my other videos that cover these questions...but in a nutshell, yes Vancouver is great with kids. Most of the city and suburbs are safe, but generally stay away from the Downtown Eastside...and education is excellent whether private or public schools. Check out my videos on the weather, neighborhoods and finding the best schools!

[@victoressien1849]

I am an international student moving to BC for school at Douglas college. Please how can i get a place to stay??

[@LivingInVancouver-BC]

Hi @victoressien1849. Thanks for checking out my channel! Assuming you are planning on renting when you move to Vancouver, you'll want to check out my video all about renting in Vancouver -> kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXSmpHaraNyahbM

[@eydat]

Thank you :)

[@LivingInVancouver-BC]

Thanks, @eydat! Thanks for checking out the video!

[@leeraewi]

I don't imagine moving back to Vancouver, but you mentioned pets. Toronto actually has really liberal laws, that allow tenants to own up to three pets and an restriction on that is a human rights violation. Do you see Vancouver at all ever adopting similar legislation? I think what Toronto has is pretty uncommon.

[@LivingInVancouver-BC]

@leeraewi It's definitely been talked about in recent years. Tenant rights organizations are pushing for it...and I know that the city of Vancouver itself said they see this as an issue. My understanding is that problem is that it's provincial jurisdiction in BC. So far, the province has been reluctant to get involved.

[@leeraewi]

@@LivingInVancouver-BC I lived in the UK forever, and had no renter rights, Moving to Toronto, I now have two dogs and it seems like it will be hard for me to ever leave!! They are great pets, and an asset to the community. Even New York coops are getting behind dog ownership... But it's a slow and hard process.

[@LivingInVancouver-BC]

Plenty of tenants have pets in Vancouver. I don't mean to give the impression that they are banned from all rentals. In fact, as a landlord I have no issue with my tenants having pets. It usually means they'll stay longer. So, It's not impossible to find a rental if you have pets, but it sure makes it harder. It limits the options that you have for renting...and in a market as tight as ours is (well below 1% vacancy) you don't want to make it harder on yourself if you can avoid it.

[@leeraewi]

@@LivingInVancouver-BC That anyone would ever have any concern about my two beautiful whippets seems insane to me, personally, but I know what you plainly state. It limits options, often pretty dramatically in a housing market like this. But, also, as you state, people with pets tend to be good, stable longterm renters.

[@LivingInVancouver-BC]

Yep. Many tenants with pets are great…but landlords fear the impact of a bad tenant with a bad pet. The damage deposit for a pet is only 1/2 month rent and that doesn’t cover much. By the way, i used to have a whippet myself…such gentle, beautiful dogs! You are right, not sure how any potential landlord could have concerns about them!

[@JamaicaLefferts]

I totally understand why Vancouver is expensive but Toronto is just way too expensive for no reason.

[@LivingInVancouver-BC]

Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts! Unfortunately, everything has become a lot more expensive over the last few years. :(

[@Kevintendo]

Why would you say you understand why Vancouver is expensive . Can you elaborate please

[@LivingInVancouver-BC]

I think that question was for @flatbish8950…but from my perspective, Vancouver is and has always been expensive because it is one of the most desirable places in one of the most desirable countries in the world, PLUS it is tiny geographically (just 110 sq km) in comparison to most cities AND it’s surrounded by limiting geography (mountains to the north, US border to the south, ocean to the west and the ALR to the east).

[@Kevintendo]

@@LivingInVancouver-BC totally makes sense! Great video!!!

[@LivingInVancouver-BC]

No problem, @Kevintendo! :) ...and thank you.

[@Justaperson717]

People in Vancouver are much more subdued and remote.

[@LivingInVancouver-BC]

I’d say people in a Vancouver are more chill. ;) Thanks for checking out the video and sharing your observations.

[@Justaperson717]

@@LivingInVancouver-BC I heard this term many times, before I moved to Vancouver area. I think you can use this term, if you mean that people here are colder.

[@LivingInVancouver-BC]

@justaperson717 LOL. It's not what I mean exactly. I don't see Vancouverites being cold at all...but I do think the experience people have can vary depending upon their own personalities and what parts of town they frequent and spend the most time in.

[@amitdwivedi2200]

Do internationally trained lawyers has great scope in Vancouver or in Toronto ?

[@LivingInVancouver-BC]

Both cities certainly have an abundance of opportunities for lawyers. I don't think that you could go wrong with either city...it would be more about the lifestyle that you'd want to lead. Which city appeals to you more?

[@BabakPA]

Trust me Toronto is NOT a great city! The energy is so grey here! Thanks for the video

[@LivingInVancouver-BC]

@BabakPA Appreciate you sharing your opinion....and thanks for the compliment!

[@florenciomendoza1212]

Finally you’re the first one. Honest who mentioned that it’s not really pouring rain in Vancouver during winter I used to live there my early 20’s & moved to Toronto due to my career & im thankful , however, I’m trying hard to move back ( asap lol) to my wonderful , beautiful Vancouver ( British Columbia) doesn’t matter where in BC. it’s first class. Cleaner, lots of great views & looonger nice mild , summery weather ( after the mild winter ,,,, drizzle drizzle drizzle NOT POURING RAIN) Thanks for the vids. Listen to this gentleman. Nicely put together. 👍😜👏❤️🇨🇦

[@LivingInVancouver-BC]

Thank you for sharing, Florencio...and thank you for the compliment. I'm happy to hear that you enjoyed the video! And come back to Vancouver soon! It's changed quite a bit since you lived here, but it's still as beautiful as ever. Be sure to let me know when you get here and perhaps you'll let me buy you a drink to help celebrate your return!

[@florenciomendoza1212]

@@LivingInVancouver-BC Welcome. Definitely you’re 1 of the 2 in the Real Estate Best Gentleman to meet & needs your expertise if needed Yale & downtown are on top of my lists but I’m flexible. Afraid close to the water lol & heights ( looking for hard or soft loft eventually) but definitely I’ll visit even for a week to look & observe. Hate the windchill , snow etc. no view ,nowhere to go in Toronto. Too crowded now omg. Cheers

[@LivingInVancouver-BC]

I appreciate that. :) Yeah...the nice thing in Yaletown or Downtown is that you'd never be very far from the water AND all of the conveniences of being in the downtown core....and while dense, it never feels as crowded as a place like Toronto.

[@skuzzlebutt9745]

@@LivingInVancouver-BCone thing you forgot to mention is the cocaine is much higher purity in Vancouver 👃❄️

[@LivingInVancouver-BC]

@skuzzlebutt9745 LOL. I'll have to trust your opinion here...but appreciate you sharing your specific expertise. ;)

[@denysedubois9334]

Forget about the odd meaning of the word chill used here in BC. The people here have no social people skills and individualism is non existent here also - if you don’t talk, think, dress like everyone else here… you are ostracized and thus impossible to make friends with. Fact: there is an international list, released every year, of the unfriendliest cities in the world. Vancouver is always on that list and came in #3 as the worst on the 2023 list released in Spring 2024. Sure native Vancouverites are very nice and friendly to tourists BECAUSE it is Vancouver’s main industry. A professional Vancouver born business man told me once that many Toronto and Montreal natives end up moving back home. I know what I speak of - I am Montreal born and raised, lived in Toronto, then moved and worked in the USA for 25 years in NYC, St. Louis, and Los Angeles. And as someone who minored in Anthropology as a graduate of Concordia University… hands down I have never experienced anywhere else what I have experienced here in customs and mores and what I say above. The ONLY reason I stay here is because of the mild winters because of last being in Los Angeles where I lived the longest. I have spoken to many, from other countries, and they feel the same way and are just as befuddled as I am. There is a belief here that they are the California of Canada. LOL - I can categorically state that the people of Vancouver are not even close to being like the friendly Californians.

[@WalterSchwartz-l5k]

Two citys i would not ever live in .

[@LivingInVancouver-BC]

👍

[@jameszhang949]

Both are rubbish

[@LivingInVancouver-BC]

LOL. OK. Why do you feel that way?

[@model1014]

REALL DO YOUR HOMEWORK NOT A PLACE WHERE I WOULD RAISE A FAMILY....

[@LivingInVancouver-BC]

@model1014 Appreciate you sharing your opinion and checking out the channel. I'm curious...where are you referring to (Toronto or Vancouver) and why wouldn't you raise a family there?

[@LivingInVancouver-BC]

🙃

[@LivingInVancouver-BC]

@egeb all our ancestors but i guess not you? Definitely not for everyone. :)

[@model1014]

JUST DONT DO IT WORSE HERE BAD THERE.... WHY WOULD ANYONE WANT TO?

[@LivingInVancouver-BC]

@model1014 Clearly millions of people live in Toronto and Vancouver...so there are plenty of reasons to do so. But, it's definitely not for everyone (doesn't sound as though it's for you). And you are right (from your other comment) people need to do their homework and weigh the decision very carefully!