Moving From Seattle to Vancouver: What You Need To Know Before You Go

Key takeaways for moving to Vancouver:

• Lower living expenses: Vancouver tends to be easier on the wallet than Seattle, especially when it comes to food, utilities, transit, and rent.Pretty much the only thing that is more expensive is if you plan on buying a property (rather than renting), but that’s not currently an option for non-citizens, anyway.
• Cross-border moving: Moving to a different country is a little more complicated than a domestic move. You’ll need a visa — Express Entry is the fastest way to gain permanent residency — and you’ll need to declare all your stuff for customs.
• Culture: While the US and Canada share many cultural similarities, Vancouver is a bit more laid-back than Seattle. Think slower pace, globally inspired food, and an outdoorsy lifestyle with mountain and ocean access.
• Public healthcare: Free public healthcare in Vancouver is available to citizens and permanent residents. Other expats will likely need to get private health insurance.
• Public transportation: Vancouver’s public transportation system includes buses, trains, ferries, and even bike rentals. It’s well-connected, though some options (like the SkyTrain) don’t reach every neighborhood.

Things to do before you move:

• Arrange for housing. Non-Canadians currently cannot buy residential property in metro areas, so your best bet is to rent. Start browsing home and apartment rentals early.
• Gather important documents. A passport is all you need to cross the border, but you’ll need additional documents when applying for permanent residency or a work visa. Get the necessary paperwork in order ahead of time to avoid processing delays.
• Hire a moving company. A move to Canada comes with cost-saving options like rental trucks and moving containers. Those DIY moving methods will save you money, but a full-service international mover can handle packing and is experienced in navigating customs requirements and other considerations.
• Study up on Canadian culture and healthcare. While Canada shares a lot in common with the US, it still has its own distinct culture. On top of that, any major city like Vancouver has its own unique vibe. Before you move, take some time to learn about different cultural norms and other distinctions like healthcare requirements for an easier transition.

Here are some of the best neighborhoods to live in Vancouver:

• Kitsilano: This family-friendly neighborhood is home to Kitsilano Beach and the largest outdoor saltwater pool in Canada. It is a pedestrian-friendly area with many bike and bus routes for commuters.
• Yaletown: Popular among young professionals, Yaletown has a lot of trendy restaurants and nightclubs and a variety of community events. The neighborhood is home to the Vancouver Seawall — the world’s largest waterfront walk — and David Lam Park, an abandoned rail line turned unique linear outdoor space surrounded by modern mixed-use developments.
• Lynn Valley: Lynn Valley is a draw for expats, thanks to its laid-back atmosphere and more affordable housing. Abundant parks and access to the North Shore Mountains make this area great for outdoor recreation.
• Commercial Drive: Commercial Drive is a culturally rich area with thriving Italian and Latin American communities. The neighborhood attracts 20-somethings and the art crowd from all walks of life thanks to a variety of eclectic businesses and restaurants, a well-rooted theater scene, and a variety of annual events that celebrate the area’s diversity.

Here are your visa options:

• Express Entry: Considered the best option for US residents, the Express Entry program provides a fast track to permanent residency for skilled workers or those who are part of a skilled trade. You are scored based on skills, work experience, and education to determine if you qualify.
• Work permits: You can apply for a work visa if you have a job offer from an eligible Canadian employer.
• Student visa: If you have been accepted at a Vancouver college or university, you’re eligible for a student visa, which will grant you stay in Canada until you complete your studies.
• Family sponsorships: These visas are available to spouses, dependent children, parents, and even grandparents of a Canadian citizen. Other relatives are eligible under special circumstances.

Canadian healthcare

Only citizens and permanent residents get free public healthcare. Work and student visa holders staying more than six months can apply, but otherwise you’ll need private insurance (around $36–$143 per month).

The good news is that out-of-pocket healthcare tends to be cheaper than in the US.

Culture & lifestyle

Despite some similarities in geography, size, and lifestyle, the two locales have one major distinction — pace of life. Seattle is a little more hustle and bustle than Vancouver, which may take some getting used to, even if a slower tempo is something you seek.

Vancouver is also a melting pot. With half of its 706,000 residents coming from outside of Canada, the city is one of the most diverse in North America and is known for its Chinatown and Little Italy communities.

That diversity manifests itself in Vancouver’s food scene and numerous cultural events, and it could be a big reason why the city is generally considered to be an inclusive place to live.

Climate & weather

Vancouver is actually pretty similar to Seattle — just a lot wetter (if you can believe that!). Winters are a bit colder, too, and come with more snow.

Still, if you like Seattle’s climate, you’ll feel right at home. If not, pack an umbrella and some extra layers.

Add these tips to your checklist:

• Apply early for your visa. Work permits and other permanent residency applications can take several weeks (or even months) to process, so start your application as soon as possible.
• Arrange your housing. The rental market in Vancouver isn’t as competitive as it has been in years past, but it’s never a bad idea to get a jump start on finding a place to live. Make sure you understand the terms of the lease agreement before you sign — every province in Canada has its own tenant-landlord laws.
• Get rid of stuff you don’t want or need. Even if your new space will be the same size as your old one in Seattle, it’s still a good idea to downsize before your move. Sell, donate, or toss items that are gathering dust or no longer working. Less stuff means a cheaper and faster relocation.
• Pick a moving method. Think about how much you want to spend and how much you want (or don’t want) to be involved in the actual process of moving from Seattle to Vancouver. You should also consider the size of your move and types of items you have. It might be wiser (and less strenuous on your back) for you to hire full-service movers if, say, you have a four-bedroom full of priceless family heirlooms and expensive antiques. On the flip side, a moving container or rental truck would be more than sufficient for transporting a sparse studio apartment.
• Compare pricing. Once you decide on a moving method, be sure to get multiple quotes for your Seattle-to-Vancouver move. Three or more estimates gives you a better comparison of price… and it may give you leverage with companies that advertise price matching.