The Cost of Living in Vancouver, Canada

Sometimes when securing a new job, it can be beneficial to move closer to the surrounding area. This can cause stress and anxiousness when deciding if this would be a cost-effective move. At TRS we pride ourselves on ensuring recruitment needs are met, whilst recommending employees who will have a strong understanding of the predicted quality of life based on costs, location and transport times. To help make moving decisions a little easier, here are estimations of the cost of living in Vancouver, Canada.

Access

In order to work in Vancouver, you will need to be issued with a work Visa or permit. This is a vital factor in ensuring you are legally valid to work in Canada. Depending on the length you wish to stay in Canada, you will need to consider whether you should apply for permanent residency. If contracted for a specific length of time, you can apply for employer-specific work permits. Find out more about and apply for Immigration and Citizenship at The Government of Canada's website. 

Accommodation

Living arrangements are one of the most prioritized factors of moving, regardless of your circumstances. According to Expatistan, Monthly rent for a 900sqft furnished accommodation is C$2,055 per month. For a furnished studio averaging at 480sqft is estimated at C$1,394. These prices can vary depending on the areas within Vancouver, but as a mid-rate, it can give you an idea of how far your income will spread. It is common that people wish to pay enough money to guarantee quality, but also wish to be able to have savings in order for them to live comfortably across other factors. Utilities also need to be considered. Bills such as gas and electric are necessities of modern living, therefore the regular costs of which need to be researched. Expatistan records monthly utilities at C$116. Those moving need to think about whether these expenses are to fit within their budget.

Transport

Transport costs can drain your income. This is necessary spending in order for you to attend work during your given hours. When driving your own car, you can expect on average 1litre of gas to cost C$1.38. Monthly public transport tickets are recorded to cost around C$108, and a 5-mile taxi journey reaching C$18. Estimations on the length and frequency of your transport can decide the most cost-effective means of transportation, this also depends on your working location and the transport provided to that area. A topic as important as this can present your ability to work in the field you are considering, offering clear results on how likely it is for you to be able to arrive at work on time and complete daily tasks with ease. This, therefore, gives you important evidence before continuing with engineering recruitment opportunities in this area, offering clear talking points during interviews to highlight your dedication and organization.

Personal care

A major aspect of positive lifestyle is the concept of personal care. Medical advice and medication can ensure a healthy body and mind, meaning you are more likely to have a positive personal life as well as being a positive worker. A short visit to a private doctor typically costs C$108, with 1 box of antibiotics listed at C$23. This, therefore, means these occasional expenses will need to be included in your financial cost, to ensure the correct help is given when unwell or injured. These costs can, however, vary depending on your company benefits as an employee under your chosen business, this will be something to query with employers to ensure you are using money effectively.

Entertainment

Not only are transport to work and accommodation vital in moving decisions, mental health and positive lifestyle can also be prominent in importance. Depending on your personal interests, it can be helpful to predict your entertainment costs. If fitness is a hobby, you can consider gym memberships to cost C$70 per month, which will be recorded as a fixed bill to exit your bank account. 2 cinema tickets are valued at C$29, which can be regular or irregular depending on your decisions. For those who like to eat out on occasion can predict their pricing for a basic dinner for two to be C$51, which can rise to around C$103 depending on course numbers.

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