Newcomer Guide to Living in Vancouver, BC
By WelcomeAide Team
Quick Summary
- Vancouver is one of Canada's most diverse and livable cities, with mild winters and a high cost of living
- Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment ranges from $2,100 to $2,800 depending on neighbourhood
- SkyTrain, buses, and SeaBus connect Metro Vancouver across three fare zones
- Key settlement agencies include MOSAIC, ISSofBC, and S.U.C.C.E.S.S.
- Strong job markets in tech, healthcare, film, construction, and hospitality
Why Newcomers Choose Vancouver
Vancouver is one of the most popular destinations for newcomers to Canada. The city sits on the west coast of British Columbia, surrounded by mountains and ocean. It is consistently ranked among the most livable cities in the world. For newcomers, Vancouver offers strong ethnic communities, excellent public transit, world-class healthcare, and a mild climate compared to most Canadian cities.
However, Vancouver also has one of the highest costs of living in Canada. Understanding the city before you arrive will help you make better decisions about where to live, how to get around, and where to find settlement support. This newcomer guide covers everything you need to know about living in Vancouver.
Vancouver Neighbourhoods: Where to Live
Metro Vancouver is made up of several cities and municipalities. Each area has a different character, cost of living, and community feel. Here is a breakdown of the most popular areas for newcomers.
Downtown Vancouver
Downtown is the urban core with high-rise apartments, offices, restaurants, and entertainment. It is walkable and well-connected by transit. However, it is the most expensive area for rent. A one-bedroom apartment downtown costs approximately $2,500 to $2,800 per month. Downtown is ideal if you work in the city centre and prefer a car-free lifestyle.
Burnaby
Burnaby is directly east of Vancouver and is well-served by the SkyTrain Expo and Millennium lines. Metrotown, the largest mall in BC, is located here. Burnaby has a large Chinese and Korean community. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $2,100 to $2,500 per month. Burnaby offers a good balance of urban amenities and slightly lower costs than Vancouver proper.
Surrey
Surrey is the second-largest city in BC by population and one of the most diverse. It has large South Asian, Filipino, and Middle Eastern communities. The city is served by the Expo Line SkyTrain. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800 to $2,200 per month. Surrey offers more affordable housing options and is a popular choice for families. The new Surrey-Langley SkyTrain extension will improve transit connections further.
Richmond
Richmond is located south of Vancouver and is home to Vancouver International Airport (YVR). It has a very large Chinese community, with extensive Chinese restaurants, shops, and services along No. 3 Road. The Canada Line SkyTrain connects Richmond to downtown Vancouver in about 25 minutes. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $2,000 to $2,400 per month.
Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam
The Tri-Cities area (Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, and Port Moody) is connected to the rest of Metro Vancouver by the Millennium Line SkyTrain extension (Evergreen Extension). These areas offer a more suburban lifestyle with access to nature. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,900 to $2,300 per month. The area has growing Korean and Middle Eastern communities.
Tip:
When choosing a neighbourhood, prioritize proximity to a SkyTrain station. Living near transit saves money on car costs and makes commuting much easier. Check our Vancouver housing guide for detailed rental advice.
Cost of Living Comparison
Here is a comparison of monthly costs across Metro Vancouver neighbourhoods to help you plan your budget as a newcomer.
| Expense | Downtown Vancouver | Burnaby | Surrey | Richmond |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom Rent | $2,500 - $2,800 | $2,100 - $2,500 | $1,800 - $2,200 | $2,000 - $2,400 |
| Groceries (family of 2) | $600 - $800 | $500 - $700 | $450 - $650 | $500 - $700 |
| Monthly Transit Pass | $110 (1 zone) | $143 (2 zone) | $189 (3 zone) | $143 (2 zone) |
| Utilities (heat, electric) | Often included | $80 - $120 | $100 - $150 | $80 - $120 |
Public Transit: SkyTrain, Buses, and SeaBus
Metro Vancouver has one of the best public transit systems in Canada, operated by TransLink. The system includes the SkyTrain (automated light rail), buses, SeaBus (passenger ferry), and West Coast Express (commuter rail).
SkyTrain Lines
The SkyTrain has three lines:
- Expo Line: Runs from Waterfront (downtown) through Burnaby, New Westminster, and Surrey (King George station)
- Millennium Line: Connects VCC-Clark through Burnaby to Coquitlam (Lafarge Lake-Douglas station)
- Canada Line: Runs from Waterfront through Cambie Street to Richmond and YVR Airport
Fare Zones and Compass Card
Metro Vancouver transit uses a zone-based fare system. You need a Compass Card, a reloadable plastic card, to pay fares. You can buy a Compass Card at any SkyTrain station for a $6 refundable deposit.
| Fare Type | 1 Zone | 2 Zones | 3 Zones |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Single Trip | $3.15 | $4.55 | $6.05 |
| Adult Monthly Pass | $110.00 | $143.00 | $189.00 |
| Concession Monthly | $57.50 | $57.50 | $57.50 |
Did you know?
After 6:30 PM on weekdays and all day on weekends and holidays, all SkyTrain and bus travel is charged at the 1-zone fare regardless of how many zones you cross. This makes evening and weekend travel much cheaper.
Finding Housing in Vancouver
Housing is the biggest expense for newcomers in Vancouver. The rental market is competitive, and you may need to act quickly when you find a suitable unit. For a detailed guide on finding housing, including where to search, what documents you need, and how to avoid scams, read our complete Vancouver housing guide.
Key tips for newcomers searching for housing:
- Start your search on Craigslist Vancouver, Facebook Marketplace, and liv.rent
- Prepare a renter resume with references, ID, and proof of income or savings
- Consider shared accommodation to reduce costs during your first months
- Ask your settlement agency for housing support - this service is free
- Always view the unit in person before paying any money
Job Market in Vancouver
Vancouver has a diverse economy with strong opportunities in several sectors. Understanding which industries are hiring will help you focus your job search.
Top Industries for Newcomers
- Technology: Vancouver is Canada's second-largest tech hub after Toronto. Companies like Amazon, Microsoft, SAP, and hundreds of startups have offices here. Roles in software development, data science, and IT are in high demand.
- Healthcare: BC has significant shortages in nursing, home care, and allied health professions. If you have healthcare credentials, explore credential recognition through Health Match BC.
- Film and Television: Vancouver is known as "Hollywood North." The film industry employs thousands in production, set construction, visual effects, and support roles.
- Construction and Skilled Trades: With ongoing housing development, skilled tradespeople (electricians, plumbers, carpenters) are in demand.
- Hospitality and Food Service: Hotels, restaurants, and tourism businesses regularly hire newcomers. These jobs can provide immediate income while you pursue longer-term career goals.
Tip:
Register with WorkBC for free employment services including resume help, job search support, skills training, and wage subsidies for employers who hire newcomers.
Ethnic Communities and Cultural Life
Vancouver is one of the most multicultural cities in the world. Nearly half of Metro Vancouver residents speak a language other than English at home. Major ethnic communities include:
- Chinese community: One of the largest in North America, centered in Richmond, Vancouver's Chinatown, and parts of Burnaby
- South Asian community: Concentrated in Surrey, particularly along the Scott Road corridor, with temples, grocery stores, and cultural centres
- Filipino community: Spread across Metro Vancouver, with community organizations and churches throughout the region
- Korean community: Centered in Coquitlam and North Burnaby, with Korean restaurants, churches, and shops
- Iranian community: Growing community in North Vancouver and Coquitlam with cultural organizations and businesses
- Vietnamese, Japanese, and Latin American communities: Established communities with cultural events, restaurants, and support networks
Weather and What to Expect
Vancouver has the mildest climate of any major Canadian city. Winters rarely drop below 0 degrees Celsius in the city, though nearby mountains receive heavy snow. Here is what to expect by season:
- Spring (March to May): Temperatures range from 8 to 16 degrees Celsius. Cherry blossoms bloom across the city in late March and April.
- Summer (June to August): Warm and mostly dry, with temperatures from 18 to 26 degrees Celsius. This is the best time to enjoy Vancouver's beaches and outdoor activities.
- Fall (September to November): Cooler temperatures from 6 to 15 degrees Celsius. Rain begins in October and continues through winter.
- Winter (December to February): Mild but very rainy. Temperatures hover between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius. Vancouver averages about 160 rainy days per year. A good rain jacket is essential.
Important:
While Vancouver itself is mild, if you drive to the mountains or interior BC in winter, you will need winter tires. BC law requires winter tires or chains on most highways from October 1 to April 30.
Things to Do in Vancouver
Vancouver offers activities year-round. Many are free or low-cost, making them accessible to newcomers on a budget.
- Stanley Park: A 1,000-acre urban park with walking trails, beaches, the Seawall, and the Vancouver Aquarium
- Granville Island: A public market with fresh food, artisan shops, and street performers
- Grouse Mountain: Hiking in summer, skiing and snowshoeing in winter, with views of the city
- Free community events: Celebration of Light (fireworks), Canada Day events, cultural festivals throughout the summer
- Public libraries: Vancouver Public Library offers free programs, language classes, and settlement information for newcomers
- Community centres: The City of Vancouver operates 24 community centres with affordable fitness, swimming, and recreation programs
Settlement Agencies in Vancouver
Settlement agencies provide free services to newcomers including help with housing, employment, language training, and navigating government systems. These services are funded by the federal and provincial governments and are available at no cost to eligible newcomers.
Key Settlement Agencies
- MOSAIC: One of the largest settlement agencies in BC, serving newcomers in over 30 languages. Services include employment programs, English language classes, family programs, and legal advocacy. Main office: 604-254-9626.
- ISSofBC (Immigrant Services Society of BC): Provides comprehensive settlement services including the Welcome Centre at Vancouver airport, housing support, employment programs, and language classes. Main office: 604-684-2561.
- S.U.C.C.E.S.S.: Serves primarily Chinese-speaking newcomers but offers multilingual services. Programs include settlement counselling, employment training, and seniors programs. Main office: 604-684-1628.
- DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society: Based in Surrey, provides settlement, employment, and community services with a focus on South Asian and diverse communities. Main office: 604-597-0205.
Healthcare for Newcomers in Vancouver
As a newcomer to BC, you need to enroll in the Medical Services Plan (MSP), which is BC's provincial health insurance. MSP coverage begins after a three-month waiting period, so you should purchase temporary private health insurance for those first months. For a complete guide to healthcare, read our newcomer's guide to healthcare in BC.
Getting Started in Vancouver
Vancouver is a city that rewards newcomers who come prepared. The cost of living is high, but the quality of life, diversity, natural beauty, and opportunities make it one of the best places in Canada to build a new life. Start by connecting with a settlement agency, explore your neighbourhood options carefully, and take advantage of the free newcomer resources available to you.
WelcomeAide is here to support your settlement journey. Our AI Newcomer Navigator provides free, multilingual guidance on housing, healthcare, employment, and everything else you need to know. Learn more about our mission, explore our programs, or read more newcomer guides on our blog. For step-by-step help with your first weeks, check out our guide to your first weeks in Canada.