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LIVING IN VANCOUVER VS KELOWNA – WHERE SHOULD YOU MOVE?

LIVING IN VANCOUVER VS KELOWNA – WHERE SHOULD YOU MOVE?

If you’re trying to decide between Vancouver and Kelowna, it’s important to compare the two to see which city fits your needs best. Are you looking for a big city with plenty of things to do, or a smaller city with a more laid-back lifestyle? Keep reading to learn more about living in Vancouver vs Kelowna.

Quick Summary of Vancouver & Kelowna

Vancouver is the largest city in British Columbia, Canada, and it’s no surprise that it’s also the most populous. With over 630,000 people living in the city, it’s a bustling metropolis with plenty to see and do. From world-class shopping and dining to outdoor activities and nightlife, Vancouver has something for everyone.

Kelowna, on the other hand, is much smaller, with a population of just over 130,000. It’s located in the Okanagan Valley and is known for its relaxed lifestyle. If you’re looking for a slower pace of life, Kelowna may be the city for you.

Now, let’s get into more detail about living in Vancouver vs Kelowna!

The cost of living is slightly higher in Vancouver

One of the most important factors to consider when moving to a new city is the cost of living. Both Vancouver and Kelowna are relatively expensive cities to live in, but Vancouver is definitely the more expensive of the two.

In Vancouver, the cost of living is relatively high, especially when it comes to housing. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Vancouver hovers around $2200, while in Kelowna, it’s closer to $1950.

Vancouver has better transportation than Kelowna

Whether or not you need a vehicle will also affect your cost of living. If you’re planning on living in Vancouver without a car, you’ll be happy to know that it’s possible! The city has an excellent public transportation system that can get you just about anywhere you need to go.

In contrast, Kelowna is a bit more spread out, so having a car is definitely more of a necessity. To experience all that the Okanagan Valley has to offer, you’ll probably need your own set of wheels.

Depending on how you get around, the cost of living in Vancouver vs Kelowna could be different for you based on your transportation needs.

Vancouver is a big city, while Kelowna is more laid-back

A major difference between living in Vancouver vs Kelowna is the overall atmosphere of each city.

Vancouver is a large, cosmopolitan city with plenty to do and see. As a result, the pace of life is generally faster and being busy is the norm. While more entertainment and job options are available in Vancouver, the big city vibe may not be for everyone.

Kelowna is a smaller city but still has all the amenities you could want, without the hustle and bustle of a big city. It’s often described as being “laid-back” – perfect for people who want to enjoy a slower pace of life. In fact, many people retire to Kelowna because of this very reason.

Tourism is big in both Vancouver and Kelowna

Vancouver and Kelowna are popular tourist destinations, so living in either city means you’ll always have something to do!

In Vancouver, there are endless activities and attractions to keep you busy. From Stanley Park and Granville Island to the Vancouver Aquarium and Capilano Suspension Bridge, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. If you’re a fan of the outdoors, Vancouver is also an excellent place to go hiking, biking, or skiing in the winter.

Kelowna is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. In the summer, you can enjoy activities like swimming, hiking, and camping, while in the winter, you can hit the slopes at Big White Ski Resort. Or, if you just want to relax during the summer, you can enjoy a glass of wine at one of Kelowna’s many wineries.

Vancouver has the ocean, Kelowna has lakes

Both Vancouver and Kelowna are nature-centric cities, with an array of outdoor activities to pursue no matter the season. When comparing the two in terms of nature, it really comes down to personal preference.

Do you prefer the ocean or lakes? If you’re leaning towards the ocean, then Vancouver is the city for you. living in Vancouver gives you access to beautiful beaches, world-renowned Stanley Park, and countless hiking and biking trails.

If you prefer lakes, Kelowna will give you that quintessential Canadian cabin living experience complete with all the water activities you could hope for – swimming, boating, and more.

Vancouver and Kelowna have different weather

While Kelowna experiences all four seasons, Vancouver’s climate is milder due to its location on the coast. This means that if you’re looking to escape the cold winters, Vancouver is going to be the better choice.

However, if you’re looking for a true Canadian winter experience complete with snow and all, Kelowna is going to be the place for you.

Whichever you choose, neither city has extreme weather conditions that will make living there unbearable. Again, it just comes down to personal preference. Do you prefer living in a city with milder weather or one with all four seasons?

Great jobs are available in both Vancouver and Kelowna

If you’re looking for work in the tech field, then Vancouver is the place to be. The city is home to many big-name tech companies, as well as a number of startups. Kelowna, on the other hand, is a great place to work if you’re looking for a job in the agricultural or tourism industry.

That being said, both cities offer a wide range of job opportunities, so it really depends on what you’re looking for. You may find more jobs in Vancouver, but the cost of living is also higher.

Both Vancouver and Kelowna have quality schooling options

For those with children, or who are planning on starting a family, both Vancouver and Kelowna offer great schooling options. You’ll find both public and private schools in both cities. From early childhood education to K-12 and all the way up to post-secondary, there are plenty of great options for education in both Vancouver and Kelowna.

For post-secondary students, Vancouver is home to the University of British Columbia (UBC) and the University of Canada West to name a couple. Meanwhile, Kelowna is home to UBC as well, along with Okanagan College.

So, if you’re looking for quality schooling options, Vancouver and Kelowna both have you covered.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Even after reading about living in Vancouver vs Kelowna, you may still be undecided about which city is right for you.

Here are some questions to ask yourself to help you make your decision:

What is your budget?

Both Vancouver and Kelowna are fairly expensive, depending on your living situation. If you’re looking to save money, Kelowna may be the better option as living expenses are slightly lower than in Vancouver.

Do you prefer an urban or rural lifestyle?

Vancouver is a bigger city while Kelowna has a more rural feel. If you’re looking for an urban lifestyle with all the city amenities, Vancouver is the place for you. However, if you prefer a slower-paced lifestyle, Kelowna may be a better fit.

What is your climate preference?

Do you prefer the warmer weather of Kelowna or the cooler temperatures of Vancouver? Vancouver has milder winters but can be rainy, while Kelowna has hotter summers and snowy winters.

What job opportunities are you looking for?

Both Vancouver and Kelowna offer a variety of job opportunities, depending on your field. However, Vancouver typically has more job openings overall and a larger variety of positions.

What nature activities do you enjoy?

Both Vancouver and Kelowna offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, depending on your interests. Vancouver has the ocean and beaches while Kelowna has lakes and mountains. Skiing, hiking, and camping are all popular activities in both cities.

These are just some of the questions you should ask yourself when deciding whether to move to Vancouver or Kelowna. Weighing the pros and cons of each city will help you make the best decision for you.

Living in Vancouver vs Kelowna – Which Should You Choose?

At the end of the day, both living in Vancouver and Kelowna have their pros and cons. It really depends on what you’re looking for in a city and what’s important to you. Both of these cities are incredibly popular and offer a lot in terms of job opportunities, nightlife, and outdoor activities.

Are you moving to Vancouver or Kelowna?

Sparta Movers are here to help! Whether you’re relocating from across the province, Alberta, or even across the country, we can help make your move as stress-free as possible.

We offer a variety of moving services to suit your needs, and our team of experienced movers will treat your belongings with the utmost care.

Contact us today for a free quote!

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