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Many Americans moving to Vancouver wonder where to start. Between the visa routes, relocation, and starting anew, it’s easy to lose track of all the to-dos. Luckily, this guide contains all the steps for relocating to Vancouver. See which visas are available, what costs to expect, which international mover to hire, and compare the pros and cons of living in Vancouver, BC.
When moving furniture to Vancouver from the USA, you want to know what to budget for. Naturally, a move from Los Angeles will be much cheaper than from New York.
| Volume | Origin | Average cost |
| One-bedroom apartment | Los Angeles | $1,550 – $1,950 |
| One-bedroom apartment | New York | $3,270 – $4,110 |
| Three-bedroom house | Los Angeles | $2,230 – $2,800 |
| Three-bedroom house | New York | $4,110 – $5,160 |
Disclaimer: The prices above are estimates. Actual costs may vary based on specific circumstances and service providers.
Several elements impact the price of moving to Vancouver from the US, such as the total distance, volume of your belongings, season, customs and border fees, and additional services such as storage or special item handling.
Relocating to Vancouver, Canada, from the US? Calculating the volume of your move will help you get more accurate quotes from movers. Start below!
If you’re looking for an international mover who can handle your move to Vancouver from the US, Sirelo can help! In our large database, you can explore renowned movers located throughout the States and browse their details, services, and reviews.
Here are the 5 best moving companies to Vancouver from the US:
SDC International Shipping provides national and international removals. They also offer services such as excess baggage, vehicle transport, and piano and art transport. Users mention their efficiency, good communication, and care when packing furniture.
Uplift Movers is a luxury moving company based in New York. They provide an all-inclusive price based on your inventory and distance with no hidden fees. They provide excess baggage, vehicle, piano and art transport. Clients pride their good price, professionalism, and care with furniture.
Transparent International is another east coast based company. They offer overseas moving with effort and precision to ensure a smooth removal. You can opt for extra services such as vehicle, piano, and art transport. Their team of experts are known for their efficiency and professionalism.
Canada’s immigration system can be tricky when moving to Vancouver as an American. Let’s first look at the main pathways to move permanently. These are the immigration programs:
Most visas require a valid passport, language test, Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), proof of funds, police certificates, medical exams, and documents like a job offer or business plan.
Applications are submitted through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal. The American embassy in Canada, Vancouver does not handle immigration. If you’re in Canada and need to apply for a permit extension or status change, use the IRCC portal.
Moving to Vancouver, BC, from the US offers urban convenience with natural beauty. Here’s what you need to know about Vancouver’s lifestyle, neighborhoods, and job market.
Depending on where in the States you’re moving to Vancouver from, the costs are either higher or lower.
Coming from Houston, the cost of living in Vancouver is around 5.1%. Rent prices are 16.8% higher on average, while restaurants are slightly more affordable. With lower salaries in Canada, you will have almost 35% less local purchasing power in Vancouver than in Houston.
However, if you’re coming from New York, the cost of living is almost 35% lower in Vancouver. Below is a more detailed comparison of various living costs in US dollars.
| Item | Vancouver, Canada | New York, USA | Houston, USA |
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $18.07 | $30.00 | $20.00 |
| Pint of Beer | $8.00 | $6.51 | $6.00 |
| Regular Cappuccino | $4.09 | $5.96 | $5.37 |
| Eggs (dozen) | $4.10 | $6.28 | $3.89 |
| Single Transport Ticket | $2.48 | $2.90 | $1.25 |
| Monthly Rent (1-bed, City Center) | $2,005.59 | $3,926.09 | $1,667.94 |
| Monthly Rent (1-bed, Outside Center) | $1,674.23 | $2,759.22 | $1,252.41 |
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $3,220.02 | $5,211.57 | $4,495.12 |
Source: Numbeo. All prices are in US dollars.
Located between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains, Vancouver offers plenty of outdoor activities, like hiking, skiing, and kayaking. The diverse and inclusive city generally warmly welcomes expats and ranks well in healthcare, education, and public services.
The average cost of living in Vancouver is about 10% higher than the British Columbia average. When coming from a cheaper US city like Houston, expect to spend more in Vancouver.
Vancouver has neighborhoods for every lifestyle! These are the most popular among expats:
Canada and the States are culturally similar, so integrating into the inclusive community in Vancouver will be relatively easy. British Columbia offers universal healthcare, but you might need to start with private insurance until you’re eligible for provincial coverage.
Employment can be challenging, especially if you’re not working remotely for an American company (more below). Vancouver’s expensive housing market is competitive and tricky for Americans without Canadian credit history. Start with temporary housing and start house-hunting after moving to Vancouver.
Even though Canada is close to the States, you cannot work remotely for your US employer on a tourist or visitor visa. There’s no well-defined visa process for remote workers (yet), so most Americans apply for a work permit or use spousal or family sponsorship to work legally.
If you’re looking for a job in Vancouver, platforms like Indeed Canada, WorkBC, and City of Vancouver Careers can help. In-demand sectors include technology, green energy, healthcare, and finance.
Is it worth moving to Vancouver? We’ll let you decide based on these pros and cons of living in Vancouver as an American expat.
Your relocation to Vancouver from the US does not need to be overwhelming! Relax and follow this checklist with all the things to know before moving to Vancouver:
Our mission is to be your go-to moving platform for you and your loved ones. With our years of expertise and extensive network of movers, we’re here to make your moving process as stress-free as possible.
