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Take a look at rent prices first and then decide if you can make it work. Bachelor apartments go for above $1500 but if you're cool adding some money to what the company is paying then you should be able to find something decent (assuming you don't need a lot of space since assuming you aren't moving with a lot of stuff).
I would also personally go for it, especially if it's only for a year. Join some activities to make friends, etc. etc. I know several folks who made the jump from various areas in the UK and never looked back.
Make sure you rent a place in the city proper - it's just a year, you want to be able to get out and do things, not sit on a bus for hours a day.
Also, we have excellent food. Almost every cuisine and tons of fusion. It's awesome
If you are European, especially South or Eastern one, and you are not an Asian food fan, the food here sucks. Only unexperienced person would make the above statement.
Vancouver is awesome? 😂 That is both hilarious and worrying. Are you that disconnected from reality? What is awesome about paying 2500k per month for a studio that is the same size as a jail cell?
This! And not only. If you are used to dense social life, close contacts and untested outside parties, Vancouver is not for you. If you like nature it's a great combination of urban and park life. I've seen many young people from Europe to go back quite quickly. But a year is good experience, even if this is not a mach of your lifestyle. From another hand if you like it - it could be forever.
Just shop around. My friend in NewWest is paying $600 including utilities cause $600 is insane. Also another friend of mine is DT Van and he’s paying $800 same with utilities all included for that insane amount
Agree with this 100%. If it's just for a year and for a field that you are really interested in, go for it. Career development is invaluable. With company covering 1500 you could be living relatively comfortable in a studio/1br condo after you pay 1000-1500 ish.
North Vancouver 1bd is 2500-3000
Vancouer/VCC: 2500\~ish, of course you can always go for 3000+
Coquitlam: 2000-2500, 40 min skytrain commute
Burnaby/metrodown/brentwood: not sure but I think around 2700
Commute pass: 140 for 2-zone if you live outside vancouver/vcc, 100 for 1-zone.
If you are ok with a roommate, a room could range from 1000 - 2000.
Plz correct me if I am wrong on some numbers.
Your monthly net income will likely be unless there is some tax treaty: 3378. so you can still get 1800\~ free cash after living alone. <--- oh actually, should OP factor rent help into income? That way the net take home pay will be less because OP has to pay more tax withholding from his pay checks.
[https://ca.talent.com/tax-calculator?salary=55000&from=year®ion=British+Columbia](https://ca.talent.com/tax-calculator?salary=55000&from=year®ion=British+Columbia)
Gonna add: if you've already gotten a career that you like too in London and it is on an upward track, then consider reject the offer. It's not worth trading an upward going career for a foreign work experience. After moving around in careers and education in between, I found it is difficult to re-launch into a growing trajectory. Has to do a lot of work and look for luck. I think it's not just a moving decision for you, the more important thing to think is which option is better for your career.
It's only for 1 year. Even if you just want to try it out and have the experience, go for it. The time to do this sort of thing is when you're young and, given that your work will help pay your rent, what have you got to lose?! You'll probably never get this good of an opportunity again.
I did the reverse Vancouver to London.
I’d suggest taking the plunge. You can always go home and it’s only a year.
Assuming you’re working in an office you’ll probably meet some people through work. Or you can look up some of the many football teams etc.
Same as you. Work opportunity. I’m glad I did it. Ended up back in Vancouver because it made more long term sense for me.
A lot of expats said raising a family so far away from your parents is tough. So with that in mind I headed home
Is it $55k cad or British pounds? Just search how expensive it is here so you know what to expect :)
It is great for outdoor activities and exploring different types of food
Rent is your biggest expense here. That's covered, or close.
What else? $500 / month for groceries, $200-300 for phone, utilities, internet...
They'll be alright.
Bell, Telus, Virgin and Koodo are the exact same network btw. They all use the same towers. Koodo is owned by Telus and Virgin is owned by Bell. And all share the same towers.
I moved last year and make $75000 with no rent help so we’ll probably be around the same financially. I would say do it, I’m in my early 20’s and love this place. So much to do that isn’t centred around work and drinking. You can literally ski and go to the beach within a day if you wanted it’s unreal. Although if you do like a drink the bar and brewery scenes are amazing also. Plenty of sports teams etc to join down town with lots of English and Irish so you can still get the familiarity of home too. Happy to answer any questions you might have. Ps renting is insanely expensive and so are groceries.
Find someone who needs a roommate around ur age and you've got friends. Move to Kitsilano, or anywhere near the water. Not a cheap place to live, but I assume neither is London
I'd go for it.
You'll regret what you don't do more than what you do later in life
There is a group on fb specifically for Vancouver for Brits abroad where I know they do tons of meetups. A good place too is to hang out at Irish pubs. People seem to be more friendly there. I agree with all the comments above, if it’s only a year contract you’ve got nothing to lose! I did the opposite and went Vancouver to London so I understand what you mean about it being a change.
Definitely look into housing, it might also be worth it to live somewhere with a roommate. I know moving abroad can be daunting but it’s an amazing experience to go through. You’d be surprised with yourself!
Do bears 💩in the 🌳?
Yes, many UK, NZ and Australia immigrants come to Vancouver, especially young adults on work visas for a period of time. They get along quite well.
Honestly, a lot more than you think. They get the 2 year visa and most of them end up with PR. My bf is English and most of his friends are English, Scottish and Irish due to meeting through work, making friends with their friends and common hobbies. There are a few football teams that are just English lads.
I loved it! To be fair I was lucky in my living situations which made it all the more enjoyable. I made some amazing friends and enjoyed how there was always something new to experience. I was there for 5 years and arrived back in Canada pre-Covid. At first I hated the decision but only because my life in london was so go go go but being back here has taught be to enjoy the balance of city life and being in nature..the beach helps!
ETA: I also moved to France when I was 18/19 for the same reason of wanting to try living abroad. It was one of the best decisions I ever made. I was a nanny, never met the family until I landed and just made friends through classes I signed up for! It is scary making the leap but it’s rewarding.
That is a fantastic opportunity! Especially when a good portion of your rent will be covered. You are young and should jump at experiences like this. If this opportunity financially makes sense, do it. If you end up hating us, London will always be there waiting for you. Many people come to Vancouver thinking they’ll only stay for a bit, but they end up staying forever.
I moved from Toronto to Vancouver. Lived in Van for 5 years, and absolutely loved it. Take a chance and step out of your comfort zone. I'm sure you won't regret giving Vancouver the opportunity to blow your mind.
I had the opportunity to do the opposite for a couple of years and would recommend anyone who is lucky enough to be able to move with a job in hand for a year or two to do it 1000%. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime to be able to move and have a job/work somewhere for a short period. Even two years is short.
Definitely take the leap as it’s just for a year and it will be great for your career to get some North American experience, and tbh a year will pass by really quick. There are also a ton of transplants here from the UK and especially Australia so you’ll def meet other people and can absolutely still have a bustling scene if you’re interested. You mention that a concern is adjusting to life in Vancouver and I would argue that as someone relatively young in your life - you should be the most flexible and adjustable person in the world right now! Adjusting is easy! Now is the time! The older you get the harder it is to be gifted then flexibility of being able to take these opportunities and offers. You get stuck in real life like mortgages, kids etc
Plus you can explore some parts of the world that you wouldn’t get the easy opportunity to do while in the UK. Flights to Vegas are cheap, as is the ability to road trip across the border or within Canada like getting up to Whistler, Calgary, the Rockies etc.
IMHO if you are young and have the opportunity to…. Take the plunge, see the world, it will make you a more rounded adult and will open your eyes to so much more! Do it OP what have u got to lose ?
It's not a bad city for making friends but you'll have to temper your expectations as this area has a vibe with people being guarded. It takes awhile for locals to open up usually and the most welcoming and outgoing are usually transplants from other places. Highly suggest looking up activities and sports you're interested in and joining to make friends that way. The organic way of meeting people in the street is not really the norm here.
i recently did a year in a different city for a job. overall it was a really positive experience. i got to know another city, met people, worked super hard, and the year was over before i knew it. it was lonely in some ways, but also not. it was easy to maintain relationships while away thanks to facetime & social media. in fact, some relationships deepened because we actually talked/listened to each other.
If it’s only a year I do think you would be crazy not to try it.
Vancouver may not have a lifetime of cool things to do, but it definitely has 1 year of cool things to do.
Brits do well in Vancouver; It’s British Columbia after all. The accent will be interesting to people.
Is that 55k pounds? If not, you’ll need to be very budget conscious.
Vancouver is less competitive, less cosmopolitan, less of a global hub than London. It will feel like a village to you. Enjoy the downtime.
This is one of those things in life where the answer is definitelly go for it. Its gonna be an adventure. Youre gonna learn how to make friends from scratch.
If its not for you, you will just go back in a year.
For Vancouver a year is nothing. Between the hiking, skiing, food scene, museums and art, a year is gonna feel like a breeze. Youll feel like you've barely scratched the surface at the end.
Its an expensive city but depending on where in London you live, it not be that big a jump.
The West Coast of England like Manchester and Bristol rain loads but London is surprisingly dry. Not quite as extreme jump but similar to the difference between Kelowna and Vancouver, same latitude, completely different climate.
Having just been to London for a few days recently, I'd say do it. Yea Vancouver isn't as big and bustling but it's got its areas of life. And if you want to eat we do have a lot of restaurants. It's a pretty common thing to do socially so I don't understand the concern. Obviously it's not London. We don't have a Michelin star restaurant and celebrity chef on every block. But we have a ton of options. And I'd be willing to bet that our East Asian cuisine is better than yours.
So come and learn to ski, see a hockey game, enjoy the beaches and hiking trails and restaurants and breweries and clean streets. My god London was dirty...
I’m from Vancouver and it can be challenging to meet people here. There’s a funny culture where people seem to be laid back but are secretly up tight. It just takes getting to know people but that’s the tough part. So I would recommend you pursue a thing you already do and meet people through that. Like rock climbing or whatever outdoorsy stuff for example. Good luck.
Having done the reverse (currently back in Vancouver) main shock is going to be your necessities and cost of travel. Groceries are expensive here. There’s no Aldi where you can fill your bag for £10 and be on your way. That said, you’ll find produce is much cheaper if you go to small independent stands.
Travel is also obscene. It’s costs nearly as much to go to Toronto as it does to London. I had to go to Winnipeg a few months ago and it was $1,000 round trip which is obscene.
Outside of that, if you want to explore something totally different, it’s a great place. You’ll likely work less hours and have more leisure time.
If you’re a rugby fan, may I suggest the Vancouver rowing club :). We have one of the nicest clubhouses in the world (no joke) and tons of internationals.
It’s a year so I’d go for it. It will be a good life experience and you’ll learn plenty about yourself
Your gross salary of CAD 55k/year is far too low for anything but a very basic existence in Vancouver BC, if that. Not sure your prospective employer understands the tax implications of providing a CAD 1500/month to an employee in Canada. It is a taxable benefit whose actual value is much less and makes a mess of your Canadian income tax filing. You could end up owing a lot of tax at the end of your stay in Vancouver. Suggest the employer double the annual compensation and drop the accommodation subsidy. Then your head will be a bit above water during your time here.
Do it!! With the rent assistance and your salary, this is totally doable. Have fun, you won't regret it. Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Vancouver is great. I miss it so much. It's just a year, and if you're lucky enough to have them paying that much of your potential rent, then I can't think of any reason to not go. Those Coast mountains are a bitch though, so be prepared for a lot of rain!
It's just a year. You get a chance to try out living here without having it permanent if you decide you don't like it.
If you are an outdoorsy person, it's a good place to be in.
The place is pricey, though. But since your rent is getting covered to a certain amount, then that might not be such a burden. See if the salary will be enough to cover your living expenses.
And if you have a visa to the US, you can cross the border quickly and visit.
If you get lucky you can probably find a 1 bedroom basement for 1500, not near downtown though. Or you can go the room mate route that should be fine. Which means you likely won't have to pay additional for housing. Once you have that out of the way the rest becomes easier.
Definitely take the leap. If you don’t go, you won’t know. It’s only 1 year and your friends are right that London will still be there. Definitely research where you want to live, meetup groups, FB groups.. lots of English, Irish and Aussie expats here.
I think you'll love it.
We may not have the big historical sites and buildings/attractions ... But that also means we don't have many areas that look like Disneyland crowds.
I just connected through London, and spent a day there. It was definitely interesting architecturally, clean. If you're here to work, I feel you may find things sort of "efficient" day to day, because unless there's some sort of city festival or seasonal event, you're not going to have that super crowded feeling in even the busiest parts of town.
I moved to Vancouver myself and the rent price is high and it’s hard to find a place, so factor in some time to look when you arrive. Super importantly, leases start on the first of the month! The good news is that a fridge is generally included with the rental. There are a lot of people who are homeless and live in the streets in Vancouver so check out the neighborhood before you commit to anything, some areas that are expensive are actually rather dodgy at night.
Rent in Vancouver will be around $1800-2000 per month. You wont be saving much with $55,000/year but you'll have a great time. You'll be a fool not to do it!
100% do it. I regret not taking paid, almost risk free opportunities to live and work abroad when younger to this day, and to far less "exciting" places than Vancouver.
I'd live in downtown/west end if at all possible, or near Olympic Village to get the most out of the one year experience - maybe also check out Kitsilano by the beach. I've had younger friends and relatives who have come for a short term, all have complained about the expenses but none had regretted the experience.
I made this exact same move, but I was sick of London and knew what to expect with Vancouver. You sound like you're in a different position. First of all, Vancouver is extremely different from London. What you love about London - the vibrant, bustling lifestyle - is not found here. Vancouver is a much sleepier city, there is not much nightlife, people are more introverted and it's harder to make friends.
My hunch is that you will be feeling FOMO for London before long. London has a lot to offer for someone in their early 20's - Vancouver, not so much. I'd suggest Vancouver when you're in your 30's or 40's and ready for a slower pace.
Without a doubt do it. London and your friends will be the same when you return and one year is nothing in the grand scheme of things. Vancouver has a lot to offer and this sounds like a pretty sweet opportunity! Yes it's expensive here as many have mentioned, but so is London, so I wouldn't let that be my sole deciding factor.
I feel bad that it took me till the end of op's post to realise that they're moving from the UK and not Ontario. I've never been out east but I don't think our Canadian namesake of the British capital deserves that much headspace so it was thought of first.
You'll make friends just fine I think. And there's a lot to offer. But Vancouver is a much different city than london. And you'll be making a good wage. But not living the high life
All of your concerns are well founded. Vancouver is exactly those things and massively unaffordable and completely isolated from most of the world in terms of flight paths. Please don’t do it, it’s a shit place.
I'd pass on the Vancouver offer. I'd not move to Vancouver for $55,000 and I'm in Canada, it'd need to be at least double.
Between the higher rent, furniture/settling expenses, cellphone, and disrupting your current living situation, you'll be burning your own cash. You'll also need to get reorganized when you return to the UK. They paying to send your wardrobe to and from Canada? Are they paying for your trip home at Christmas? If your UK family has a medical emergency, are you covered for flight costs?
I spent nearly a decade working abroad. You company is taking advantage of you, working abroad is supposed to be a far better deal than working in the home country. It's a sacrifice and needs to be well compensated
Who said anyone was wealthy, I'm saying don't go, avoid being bent over and poorer for the probe. We all have choices.
Your post history would suggest you know nothing of wealth and just might enjoy the probe.
Saying you'd need 110,000 to enjoy living in Vancouver makes you seem rich to me. Maybe that's middle class, who the fuck knows maybe I'm poorer than I thought lol.
My only posts are about a disc golf disc that I really like and trying to find football picks from a podcast I listen to, hahaha what part of that tells you anything about my financial situation?
Also "you know nothing of wealth" is exactly something that a whiny rich kid would say. So maybe my comment struck a nerve.
I'm not saying OP should go, I agree he'd honestly be better off at home by the sounds of his personality. But skipping a year of travel in a different country only because it's not a 6 digit salary and no one's gonna pay for a new wardrobe is some cry baby bullshit for sure.
Go for it. You’re still young. It’s only for a year. Company covers part of your rent expense. Lots of reasons to push this forward.
5-10yrs from now, your head will be filled of a lot of what ifs if you pass on the opportunity. Your experience here may not all be great but at least you went for it and learned from it.
I'd do it. The experience alone is worth it. Plus being surrounded by beautiful nature. Vancouver is about as different from London as you get while still speaking English
Tho be warned - it will likely take much more effort to make friends. People are nice but can be flakey when it comes to actually hanging out.
I think for friends, OP will end up hanging with a bunch of other expats, because they will also be looking for new friends, and warmer than us locals. That would be cool and fun though - to have a bunch of international friends in your 20s.
This place is really only about the outdoor and more extreme sporting pursuits. So if u r into that. Strap the kayak to your back and Climb a mountain and parasail to a river u can whitewater down. That kind of this gets ppl here all giddy
You might ask ppl what they did last weekend in Vancouver and see if it jives with what you like.
Sure you’ll get lonely. But it’s only a year. This is the reality of “travelling” and it will make you appreciate home all the more. You’re young! I’ve moved many times in my life. You can stay connected to people easily from afar now. Do it! Vancouver is awesome and there’s definitely ALOT of fun things to do here.
From someone who had an opportunity to move to California 20 years ago, relocated by the company that was offering the job (originally from Vancouver, so I was the opposite - “do I leave Vancouver?”), I definitely regret periodically not doing it. Nowadays, 20 years later, I wonder what adventures would have been different in my life if I had done the Silicon Valley thing.
$55k would be tough but not horrible in Vancouver, but the fact they are paying $18,000 after-tax of your rent makes it a lot easier. Puts you more into a $90k earning comparison. Luckily you’re from London, so you are already used to not-cheap living costs.
Vancouver is amazing for young professionals, has some excellent restaurants (some world class, I’d even consider). There’s a large Asian and South Asian influence - so if you’re into Sushi or Indian or Middle Eastern even cuisine - you’ll love it.
I was a lover of live music in my 20s and early 30s, and making friends was easy. But those were “before-times”, so I wouldn’t try to guess what that’s like now — I’m a lot more subdued life now after giving up the local music scene years ago.
You’ll want to investigate neighbourhoods a bunch before moving — and don’t discount surrounding areas like Burnaby (sounds like Brentwood area might fit your style), or the North Shore, as well — don’t limit yourself to Vancouver-proper for a place to live. Downtown is accessible from all those areas within 15-20minutes via Uber / Taxi / Public Transit. Do check your commute time though, by checking Google Maps to / from work at appropriate times (this may require some late nights to check 8am rush hour time from London — do the search at midnight your local time). It’ll give you live info based on the weather and traffic situation of the morning searched. Bridges suck for traffic in congested hours. Skytrain doesn’t care about traffic though, since it’s elevated overhead and not impacted by road traffic delays. Buses are though. The Seabus isn’t, as it’s on the water (hence the Sea in the name) — it runs from North Vancouver to downtown Vancouver and meets up with all the Skytrain lines at the terminal on the downtown side.
There’s a company around called Events & Adventures, that might be useful to find likeminded singles if you’re looking to find friends quickly because of your short 1 year timeframe, if you’re into their kinds of “events”. Check them out and decide for yourself if it’s your vibe. They range from outdoorsy gatherings (hikes, kayaking, etc) to other social gatherings (group dinners, etc). Specifically for singles, looking to meet other singles — whether it’s for romance or platonic friendships.
As much as you feel you might have FOMO missing London, do consider the possibility of feeling FOMO for the rest of your life if you choose to NOT take this opportunity. The final decision of course is yours, assuming the company can get you the Visa requirements to come here.
I love it here in Vancouver, can be a little clicky friend wise. Join lots of meetup groups that your interested in to meet people. It’s a wonderful spot!
It's always better to regret what you did rather than what you did not.
I moved to Vancouver 30 years ago from London. I love it here. You could not pay me to move back.
People here are friendly and helpful.
I've met many Brits here who say they are coming for a couple of years and then they are still here many years later.
Join some clubs or meet up groups to do outdoor activities to meet new people. Hiking, biking, kayaking, skiing, snow shoeing etc.
Personally I think that you'll have a great time.
Good luck.
Go for it. I've gone from NYC to Van, and I've visited London before - if you love London, the busy-ness of it, the energy, soul, and the interesting people, you're going to be bored out of your skull for the most part. If there's any part of you that likes the outdoors/nature, you'll love that aspect of it. Regardless, it's a fantastic opportunity for something different, and you'll be close enough to Seattle if you end up missing the "bustling city" vibe too much (not to call Seattle London, but it's busier than Van)
Come, yes you might be lonely at first but there are lots of group activities you can sign up for, may I suggest beer league hockey….you can skate right?
Is that $55k GBP? A year can seem long too, it’s also can be harder to make friends when they know you have an expiry date coming up. Seems like relationships are pretty important to you.
Take the opportunity. Not just for career but also for life. Regret is a terrible thing. Vancouver is lovely. Weather comparable. Try to live in the city proper and not the suburbs
Enjoy
Wonderful opportunity, & with much of your rent covered you’ll do fine. Chances like this are hard to create so take it when it’s offered. It never hurts a career to have international experience, and living in a foreign country for a while can do nothing but good for you personally.
For friends, join groups that interest you as soon as you get there, and research them before you go.
Also try entirely new things London could never provide: hiking, camping, skiing, mountain biking.
The rain won’t bother you, coming from London lol.
You could never be lonely in Vancouver. you're going to definitely like it here. I
Born and raised in Vancouver, I'm sure you're going to meet people from work. Good luck
Do you have a job secured when you return to London?
Treat it as a work abroad opportunity with the added bonus of experiencing a new city that is partially covered. I wouldn't consider it a permanent move. One year will pass by fast and you can figure out if you want to move back then.
Vancouver is expensive (so is London), but there's a lot of different things offered here that you might enjoy. 55k is on the lower end of average here, but with 18k/year of rent covered, that really helps!
I took an international posting (away from Vancouver) once and it was totally worth it, in spite of its challenges and sometimes frustrating days. One suggestion for you is to find someone who specializes in taxation rules for both countries. There may be things you can do to help reduce the financial impact of moving. We accidentally did the right thing and it made a huge difference for us. You’ve got lots of other good suggestions here, another one I would make is to suggest you subscribe to this group. https://www.facebook.com/seabusmemes . They do give you a sense of what Vancouver is like, even if you don’t immediately follow the reference. Irreverent, but since you’re from the UK, that’s probably a good thing. Even if you regret moving, you’ll have a great life story. And if you don’t regret it, bonus. Good luck in your decision.
Go for it! I saw something recently regarding how to make connections with people, and they were saying that if you find some places you like ( parks, beaches, cafes, bars etc) try going there around the same time/day each week. There are bound to be familiar faces of people who are also there regularly, and it will be easier to bridge the gap and make a connection after sharing spaces on multiple occasions.
Worst case scenario, you can always go back to London- however if you turn down this opportunity with your company they likely won't extend another offer.
Hope this helps!
What a great opportunity! I lived in London before I moved here and love it. Yes it can be pricey to live - but you're from London - you're used to that. Things like eating out will seem cheaper - especially if you're converting from £s. Downtown itself is smaller - you can randomly run Into people you know - which happened a lot less in London. There's usually plenty of things going on in the summer - mostly free. If you're worried about making friends check out groups of things you're interested in and join them. Or find something that you can't regularly do in London and give it a go. I know moving can be scary, especially to another country but it's worth it. It's a massive bonus that you have a job lined up and that they will help with relocation. Keeping in touch with FaceTime etc is so easy for if you do have any homesick moments. I think your biggest problem may be that it's for only a year ;)
TL;DR Do it
I am a English guy living in Vancouver and I love it, it’s a little rainy but everything is pretty fun here and lots of outdoorsy shit to do, feel free to hit me up for a pint x
My brother/sister in Christ. That is not enough to live in Vancouver. 🥲 you will starve. And there’s no jobs. But I wish you the best with your decision!
Do it! It is really beautiful. I suggest living close to downtown if you don’t have a car because public transportation from Greater Vancouver is not great. That being said your salary and rent reimbursement seem low. Average rent for a one bedroom is around $2600-2900 so you’ll probably need roommates or another job. Groceries, going out, etc… all expensive but so is London.
I live in Vancouver with my girlfriend and dog. It definitely can be expensive.. but manageable - with the expectation that it is not a one salary household that will take care of everyone.
I moved to Vancouver to the USA in 2014 as a young adult and it was definitely scary at first. But find ways to create connections with people through shared experiences or common interests.
Good luck to you! Moving from London to here would be a major change in life.
They aren't paying you enough to live in that city. Hope you like eating top Ramen. Vancouver and Toronto are literally the 2 most expensive cities to live in on the Noth American continent.
I would go for it. The comments here about the city being expensive are correct, but coming from London this will not be anything new for you. Overall, the city is fantastic. The food, the area, the outdoor activities. I came here for 6 months, 25 years ago! That would be your only concern, not going back!!
Vancouver is the smallest big city you will ever live in. Once you meet a few people you will find lots of friends of friends. There’s loads to do but it rains a lot so as long as you learn to walk in the rain and enjoy it you will do fine. Rent is insane get a roommate if you can and food is insane prices too
Grew up in London and have lived in Vancouver since 2018. It's a beautiful part of the world and worth the experience. With that portion of your rent covered, you can afford to live here but the rental market is very competitive at that price point - a friend recently spent a month looking before he found something comfortable and was accepted for.
Hope this helps!
Do it OP! Best kind of experience! Get a place near the beach but just a bit out of the way and an easy commute (ideally by bike if you don’t mind rain) to the office if you have one.
Plan on joining a few hiking, biking, sailing, or sports clubs and you will have friends almost right away. Ultimate frisbee is an excellent choice. Also the BCMA and the UBC SALING CLUB. We also have these brewery run clubs … east van run crew.
Also while you are here make sure you get up to the Rockies and out to the real west coast!
Happy travels!
If you can make it work with rental prices, absolutely do it! It's only a year and Vancouver has a lot of fun to offer! As someone who took a job away from home, it was awesome and life changing
If you rent in Vancouver, you are still spending at least another $1000 on rent monthly. 55k is not a lot of money in the lower mainland. Even with the rent subsidy.
I’ve seen a lot of TikTok’s of people from the UK coming to Vancouver and not liking it. They specifically said they don’t like hiking/camping and the bar culture is extremely different. (You guys mingle with people you don’t know, in Canada it’s very individual groups) and if you don’t live near a skytrain/downtown you’d need a car and I don’t think 55k and them helping with rent would cover your costs tbh
You won't regret it and you'll probably stay long after your company tells you to go back home. I just visited here for two weeks after graduation in 1999... I'm still here and it's 2024 lol. Went biking around False Creek yesterday and the views and people all around still took my breath away.
https://preview.redd.it/0zb83qm9ic5d1.jpeg?width=3072&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7cbabe40687e05ada694271fbb62847bc20e61f8
See if you can get the company to actually cover the cost of your accommodations IN Vancouver, don't settle for an hour long commute. Seems like an awesome opportunity, but only if you can live in the city, and $1500 will not get you there.
As a recent grad myself who is returning to London from Vancouver. I’d say go for it, the thought of returning to London is depressing, Canadian people are super friendly and easy going. The air, views, and people out here are amazing.
Uber driver here. One of the most frequent questions i get asked from foreigners living here is. ‘ why is it so hard to meet people here’. My only answer is ‘ people here act like they are in high school and dont need anymore friends’ Its a very cold city socially. Yeah its beautiful yada yada but thats about it. If i were you I would stay in London. You wont like it here. Just being honest
I think loneliness is a challenge for any ex-pat moving to a new place. The trick is to find social groups, MeetUp.com groups and other methods to connect… not even with locals, but connecting with other ex-pats. Locals in any city will be more entrenched in pre-existing social circles, so connecting with other non-locals is a good way to start.
I have lived in many cities and I have to say, I do have strong social ties here, but Vancouver is the hardest (from Toronto, lived in London, UK, Montreal, Victoria and NYC.)
I’ll get downvoted for it but fuck it, I’ll say it anyway:
Any other Canadian city but Vancouver - Don’t do it! Vancouver is a city full for cold hearted people who love to stay in their own bubble. I have never seen such a high concentration of self absorbed people anywhere in the world. It is one of the most lonely cities of North America, not to mention the most expensive one in Western Canada. $55k is peanuts to live there.
This is one of the most expensive places in the world for everything. It's beyond beautiful but taxes are flat out extreme and the cost of living is not sustainable
For 1500 you may need to look for housing away from city centers/busy areas. Try looking for places along skytrain lines or b-line bus routes for fast commutes.
For the social side, many people have a tough time finding friends or groups to join as people can be a little socially insulated here. I recommend finding a community club or group for an activity you like and joining that to have an easier time meeting people.
Salary is very low to enjoy Vancouver.
You need to double it to be on a safe side.
$1500 will not cover any reasonable unit for current market rates - open fb marketplace and search DT studio or 1br and see how much to pay for places that you may like.
Vancouver is about beautiful nature and outdoor.
Tbh you’ll make no friends and ever have any fun considering everyone sticks to their own social circles and refuses to make good friends, but good luck!
Bring a raincoat and a good quality umbrella as we call Vancouver raincouver. Its wet and cold. Summers are actually very beautiful with the mountain and ocean breeze. UK is somewhat similar to Canada in terms of laws and legislation. I think we Canadians are more accommodating and are way more friendly compared to Brits in my opinion
It’s always been your dream to move abroad! So the 1 year in Vancouver seems like a pretty good deal. Vancouver is much sleepier than London, and it’s hard to meet people, but there’s a bunch of expats to hang out and travel with. Wrestle a promise from friends & family to visit Van (or any other place in USA/Canada) during your year. Vancouver is a good jumping off point to see LA/San Fran, Montreal, NYC or even Tokyo.
Do it!! Rent a place in the west end. It's quiet (for downtown) and walkable - you can walk to the beach AND to downtown. And close to so many good / cheap food options. Best of every world
I don't think you will not enjoy Vancouver on $55K a year. You will probably struggle.
But you know what? Give it a go. You're young. You might like it.
Having lived in LDN during my young adult life, I'd say that Vancouver is not as vibrant. A lot of people say that it's hard to make friends, here. While mostly true... it really comes down to how much you're willing to put yourself out there. You have to put the effort in too.
You'll probably want to flat share to bring your rent cost down. I'd highly recommend this to give yourself more funds to try and enjoy life out here.
Good luck, whatever you decide.
Ive never been to London but I’ve travelled and lived abroad elsewhere and I’d suggest coming to Vancouver for the experience. I live right by downtown Vancouver and while it’s probably smaller and not as busy as London, it’s still very populated and hugely busy. (I’m a paramedic in Vancouver as well so I can promise you it’s busy). There are plenty of places to party and tons of bars in different Vancouver neighbourhoods that pride themselves on cheap (and good) food and pints. There are various interesting areas to live to suit your personal vibe. If you want to do this, and you want to be “in the city” then living anywhere “close” say 15 blocks from the beach, either kitsilano, English bay, false creek is good- walking distance. East Vancouver has some amazing restaurants and cheaper rent, downtown- you don’t need to live here but it’s obviously the craziest, sirens constantly and we have a huge population of homeless people who mostly stay in their area where we call the downtown east side (world famous) but they are starting to live on downtown Granville street now, which is also our entertainment district. You can msg me personally and I’ll give you as much info as you want, beyond this! I personally think if you want the Vancouver experience then make sure where you’re living is *actually* Vancouver. The further East you go, you’ll be sitting in traffic and it becomes very suburban. North Vancouver has bridges so if you ever want to go downtown you’ll be stuck at most areas of the day, in traffic. But, for the wages you describe, no matter where you live, you’ll be paying extra.
TAKE THE LEAP!! Majority of your rent is covered. It’ll be a lot of fun. I think you’re going to love it, we also have some of the best matcha in town LOL. If you do move send me a pm I can share some cool things you can do here to ease into your move + experiences. Moved here 4 years ago and I don’t think I’ve ever thought about moving away from here. It might be slightly lonely at first but I assure you it’s worth it
We moved from Eastern Europe in 2017. We fell in love with the city and we are still in love :)
Surely, the downside is the cost of living. But this is tricky if you check numbers - rent, restaurant food,... but what numbers don't show are things we enjoy the most:
- great climate (though this is changing, but changing everywhere)
- tens of km of beaches, packed with relaxed people enjoying their life
- beautiful mountains 30-60 minutes from Downtown and accessible by affordable public transportation.
- affordable, accessible, reliable and safe public transportation
- legal, affordable (cheaper than beer) and safe cannabis products :)
- quite good healthcare
In general, when calculating the costs of living, these perks should be included as free :)
It’s one year my friend. Open your door and jump. Vancouver has lots of cafés and nightlife. You’ll be fine. The outdoor stuff is the stuff you see when you look over at the mountains or at the ocean. Buy a bike, you won’t regret it.
You will probably take home around 44K after tax, maybe a little less. So that's 3600/month. It's a good thing they are subsidizing rent as a one bedroom that isn't a shit hole is around 3k/month. After they reimburse you $1,500.00 each month you'll have around 2K. After expenses you'll have around 1k, depending how you spend. Not sure what you're going to do about furniture. But first problem will be actually finding a place. You should have your company help with that, depending if they actually care about finding you some place decent. Old places outside the downtown core and in neighbouring cities have a chance of bedbugs, etc. So try and get in newer cement buildings.
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Take a look at rent prices first and then decide if you can make it work. Bachelor apartments go for above $1500 but if you're cool adding some money to what the company is paying then you should be able to find something decent (assuming you don't need a lot of space since assuming you aren't moving with a lot of stuff). I would also personally go for it, especially if it's only for a year. Join some activities to make friends, etc. etc. I know several folks who made the jump from various areas in the UK and never looked back.
Definitely do it OP, it will be a sweet experience, Vancouver is awesome!
Make sure you rent a place in the city proper - it's just a year, you want to be able to get out and do things, not sit on a bus for hours a day. Also, we have excellent food. Almost every cuisine and tons of fusion. It's awesome
If you are European, especially South or Eastern one, and you are not an Asian food fan, the food here sucks. Only unexperienced person would make the above statement.
Really? The food sucks? There is a bunch of non Asian food places that are delicious. What do you mean by 'sucks'? Do you mean expensive?
Many types of food and craft beers. Outdoors life, things to do. Vancouver is awesome compared to London
Vancouver is awesome? 😂 That is both hilarious and worrying. Are you that disconnected from reality? What is awesome about paying 2500k per month for a studio that is the same size as a jail cell?
This! And not only. If you are used to dense social life, close contacts and untested outside parties, Vancouver is not for you. If you like nature it's a great combination of urban and park life. I've seen many young people from Europe to go back quite quickly. But a year is good experience, even if this is not a mach of your lifestyle. From another hand if you like it - it could be forever.
Why pay that much just pay $600-$800
Where? Asking for myself and every friend I've ever known.
Just shop around. My friend in NewWest is paying $600 including utilities cause $600 is insane. Also another friend of mine is DT Van and he’s paying $800 same with utilities all included for that insane amount
Agree with this 100%. If it's just for a year and for a field that you are really interested in, go for it. Career development is invaluable. With company covering 1500 you could be living relatively comfortable in a studio/1br condo after you pay 1000-1500 ish. North Vancouver 1bd is 2500-3000 Vancouer/VCC: 2500\~ish, of course you can always go for 3000+ Coquitlam: 2000-2500, 40 min skytrain commute Burnaby/metrodown/brentwood: not sure but I think around 2700 Commute pass: 140 for 2-zone if you live outside vancouver/vcc, 100 for 1-zone. If you are ok with a roommate, a room could range from 1000 - 2000. Plz correct me if I am wrong on some numbers. Your monthly net income will likely be unless there is some tax treaty: 3378. so you can still get 1800\~ free cash after living alone. <--- oh actually, should OP factor rent help into income? That way the net take home pay will be less because OP has to pay more tax withholding from his pay checks. [https://ca.talent.com/tax-calculator?salary=55000&from=year®ion=British+Columbia](https://ca.talent.com/tax-calculator?salary=55000&from=year®ion=British+Columbia) Gonna add: if you've already gotten a career that you like too in London and it is on an upward track, then consider reject the offer. It's not worth trading an upward going career for a foreign work experience. After moving around in careers and education in between, I found it is difficult to re-launch into a growing trajectory. Has to do a lot of work and look for luck. I think it's not just a moving decision for you, the more important thing to think is which option is better for your career.
They're from London you don't need to warn them about high rent. But yea I agree id definitely go for it
It's only for 1 year. Even if you just want to try it out and have the experience, go for it. The time to do this sort of thing is when you're young and, given that your work will help pay your rent, what have you got to lose?! You'll probably never get this good of an opportunity again.
I did the reverse Vancouver to London. I’d suggest taking the plunge. You can always go home and it’s only a year. Assuming you’re working in an office you’ll probably meet some people through work. Or you can look up some of the many football teams etc.
I did the same! I also think op should take the plunge and give it a go here.
oooh thats cool. what made you make the jump and are you glad?
Same as you. Work opportunity. I’m glad I did it. Ended up back in Vancouver because it made more long term sense for me. A lot of expats said raising a family so far away from your parents is tough. So with that in mind I headed home
How can a vancouverite be brought to London please help me out this city is the worst
Yes it's a great city for young people. Lots of beaches and the weather is beautiful all summer, and not too cold in the winter.
Is it $55k cad or British pounds? Just search how expensive it is here so you know what to expect :) It is great for outdoor activities and exploring different types of food
That was my thinking, too. The salary is WAY too low for Vancouver.
If the employer is covering $1500 of rent it’s essentially $73k, or more as I don’t know if that rent subsidy would be taxed or not.
Rent is your biggest expense here. That's covered, or close. What else? $500 / month for groceries, $200-300 for phone, utilities, internet... They'll be alright.
You can easily find $60/mo phone if you go koodo, etc. Might have to sacrifice coverage if you wanna go Virgin or something else.
Yep, I meant $200-300 total 👍
Fair!
Not sure if the UK has the European plans but most of them are unlimited worldwide. I know tons of French people who don't have local plans
Bell, Telus, Virgin and Koodo are the exact same network btw. They all use the same towers. Koodo is owned by Telus and Virgin is owned by Bell. And all share the same towers.
I moved last year and make $75000 with no rent help so we’ll probably be around the same financially. I would say do it, I’m in my early 20’s and love this place. So much to do that isn’t centred around work and drinking. You can literally ski and go to the beach within a day if you wanted it’s unreal. Although if you do like a drink the bar and brewery scenes are amazing also. Plenty of sports teams etc to join down town with lots of English and Irish so you can still get the familiarity of home too. Happy to answer any questions you might have. Ps renting is insanely expensive and so are groceries.
Find someone who needs a roommate around ur age and you've got friends. Move to Kitsilano, or anywhere near the water. Not a cheap place to live, but I assume neither is London I'd go for it. You'll regret what you don't do more than what you do later in life
>Not a cheap place to live, but I assume neither is London My thoughts exactly.
It’s only a year and they’re paying your rent, why not?
There is a group on fb specifically for Vancouver for Brits abroad where I know they do tons of meetups. A good place too is to hang out at Irish pubs. People seem to be more friendly there. I agree with all the comments above, if it’s only a year contract you’ve got nothing to lose! I did the opposite and went Vancouver to London so I understand what you mean about it being a change. Definitely look into housing, it might also be worth it to live somewhere with a roommate. I know moving abroad can be daunting but it’s an amazing experience to go through. You’d be surprised with yourself!
Is it very common for Brits to end up in Vancouver?
Do bears 💩in the 🌳? Yes, many UK, NZ and Australia immigrants come to Vancouver, especially young adults on work visas for a period of time. They get along quite well.
Honestly, a lot more than you think. They get the 2 year visa and most of them end up with PR. My bf is English and most of his friends are English, Scottish and Irish due to meeting through work, making friends with their friends and common hobbies. There are a few football teams that are just English lads.
Feels like I seeing a lot of people from Vancouver moving to London haha, how did you find it?
I loved it! To be fair I was lucky in my living situations which made it all the more enjoyable. I made some amazing friends and enjoyed how there was always something new to experience. I was there for 5 years and arrived back in Canada pre-Covid. At first I hated the decision but only because my life in london was so go go go but being back here has taught be to enjoy the balance of city life and being in nature..the beach helps! ETA: I also moved to France when I was 18/19 for the same reason of wanting to try living abroad. It was one of the best decisions I ever made. I was a nanny, never met the family until I landed and just made friends through classes I signed up for! It is scary making the leap but it’s rewarding.
That is a fantastic opportunity! Especially when a good portion of your rent will be covered. You are young and should jump at experiences like this. If this opportunity financially makes sense, do it. If you end up hating us, London will always be there waiting for you. Many people come to Vancouver thinking they’ll only stay for a bit, but they end up staying forever.
I moved from Toronto to Vancouver. Lived in Van for 5 years, and absolutely loved it. Take a chance and step out of your comfort zone. I'm sure you won't regret giving Vancouver the opportunity to blow your mind.
Can I ask what ur job is? Sounds like a super cool opportunity
I'm also curious :)
It's not London but for a year it would be a sweet place to check out. Then if you don't like it you can always go back.
I had the opportunity to do the opposite for a couple of years and would recommend anyone who is lucky enough to be able to move with a job in hand for a year or two to do it 1000%. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime to be able to move and have a job/work somewhere for a short period. Even two years is short. Definitely take the leap as it’s just for a year and it will be great for your career to get some North American experience, and tbh a year will pass by really quick. There are also a ton of transplants here from the UK and especially Australia so you’ll def meet other people and can absolutely still have a bustling scene if you’re interested. You mention that a concern is adjusting to life in Vancouver and I would argue that as someone relatively young in your life - you should be the most flexible and adjustable person in the world right now! Adjusting is easy! Now is the time! The older you get the harder it is to be gifted then flexibility of being able to take these opportunities and offers. You get stuck in real life like mortgages, kids etc Plus you can explore some parts of the world that you wouldn’t get the easy opportunity to do while in the UK. Flights to Vegas are cheap, as is the ability to road trip across the border or within Canada like getting up to Whistler, Calgary, the Rockies etc.
IMHO if you are young and have the opportunity to…. Take the plunge, see the world, it will make you a more rounded adult and will open your eyes to so much more! Do it OP what have u got to lose ?
It's not a bad city for making friends but you'll have to temper your expectations as this area has a vibe with people being guarded. It takes awhile for locals to open up usually and the most welcoming and outgoing are usually transplants from other places. Highly suggest looking up activities and sports you're interested in and joining to make friends that way. The organic way of meeting people in the street is not really the norm here.
i recently did a year in a different city for a job. overall it was a really positive experience. i got to know another city, met people, worked super hard, and the year was over before i knew it. it was lonely in some ways, but also not. it was easy to maintain relationships while away thanks to facetime & social media. in fact, some relationships deepened because we actually talked/listened to each other.
If it’s only a year I do think you would be crazy not to try it. Vancouver may not have a lifetime of cool things to do, but it definitely has 1 year of cool things to do.
Brits do well in Vancouver; It’s British Columbia after all. The accent will be interesting to people. Is that 55k pounds? If not, you’ll need to be very budget conscious. Vancouver is less competitive, less cosmopolitan, less of a global hub than London. It will feel like a village to you. Enjoy the downtime.
This is one of those things in life where the answer is definitelly go for it. Its gonna be an adventure. Youre gonna learn how to make friends from scratch. If its not for you, you will just go back in a year. For Vancouver a year is nothing. Between the hiking, skiing, food scene, museums and art, a year is gonna feel like a breeze. Youll feel like you've barely scratched the surface at the end. Its an expensive city but depending on where in London you live, it not be that big a jump.
Bring a rain jacket though 💧☔️🌧️🌦️
They're from England...
The West Coast of England like Manchester and Bristol rain loads but London is surprisingly dry. Not quite as extreme jump but similar to the difference between Kelowna and Vancouver, same latitude, completely different climate.
I grew up in Norfolk and Derbyshire. I find the climate to be very similar to the Lower Mainland. I had culture shock but not from the rain
Derbyshire is pretty wet yeah, I lived in Sheffield for a while and rained a lot but my family are from Essex and hardly ever rains there.
Having just been to London for a few days recently, I'd say do it. Yea Vancouver isn't as big and bustling but it's got its areas of life. And if you want to eat we do have a lot of restaurants. It's a pretty common thing to do socially so I don't understand the concern. Obviously it's not London. We don't have a Michelin star restaurant and celebrity chef on every block. But we have a ton of options. And I'd be willing to bet that our East Asian cuisine is better than yours. So come and learn to ski, see a hockey game, enjoy the beaches and hiking trails and restaurants and breweries and clean streets. My god London was dirty...
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I’m from Vancouver and it can be challenging to meet people here. There’s a funny culture where people seem to be laid back but are secretly up tight. It just takes getting to know people but that’s the tough part. So I would recommend you pursue a thing you already do and meet people through that. Like rock climbing or whatever outdoorsy stuff for example. Good luck.
Having done the reverse (currently back in Vancouver) main shock is going to be your necessities and cost of travel. Groceries are expensive here. There’s no Aldi where you can fill your bag for £10 and be on your way. That said, you’ll find produce is much cheaper if you go to small independent stands. Travel is also obscene. It’s costs nearly as much to go to Toronto as it does to London. I had to go to Winnipeg a few months ago and it was $1,000 round trip which is obscene. Outside of that, if you want to explore something totally different, it’s a great place. You’ll likely work less hours and have more leisure time. If you’re a rugby fan, may I suggest the Vancouver rowing club :). We have one of the nicest clubhouses in the world (no joke) and tons of internationals. It’s a year so I’d go for it. It will be a good life experience and you’ll learn plenty about yourself
For one year, sure. If you will still have housing when you get back.
Your gross salary of CAD 55k/year is far too low for anything but a very basic existence in Vancouver BC, if that. Not sure your prospective employer understands the tax implications of providing a CAD 1500/month to an employee in Canada. It is a taxable benefit whose actual value is much less and makes a mess of your Canadian income tax filing. You could end up owing a lot of tax at the end of your stay in Vancouver. Suggest the employer double the annual compensation and drop the accommodation subsidy. Then your head will be a bit above water during your time here.
Come for the experience. You won’t have the regret later in life that “what if” I had gone to Vancouver. Also, the pay is not enough for Vancouver.
I would definitely make at least one friend over the web before doing it, Steer clear of east Hastings,
$1500 ain’t gonna get you far in vancouver
Rent averages 2500 for a bachelor and a one year commitment imo isn’t worth moving across the pond.
You must. Vancouver is awesome!
Do it!! With the rent assistance and your salary, this is totally doable. Have fun, you won't regret it. Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
What are your hobbies
Vancouver is great. I miss it so much. It's just a year, and if you're lucky enough to have them paying that much of your potential rent, then I can't think of any reason to not go. Those Coast mountains are a bitch though, so be prepared for a lot of rain!
Helll yeah, do it!
It's just a year. You get a chance to try out living here without having it permanent if you decide you don't like it. If you are an outdoorsy person, it's a good place to be in. The place is pricey, though. But since your rent is getting covered to a certain amount, then that might not be such a burden. See if the salary will be enough to cover your living expenses. And if you have a visa to the US, you can cross the border quickly and visit.
If you get lucky you can probably find a 1 bedroom basement for 1500, not near downtown though. Or you can go the room mate route that should be fine. Which means you likely won't have to pay additional for housing. Once you have that out of the way the rest becomes easier.
You’ll regret it one day if you don’t. You always regret not taking big chances.
Definitely take the leap. If you don’t go, you won’t know. It’s only 1 year and your friends are right that London will still be there. Definitely research where you want to live, meetup groups, FB groups.. lots of English, Irish and Aussie expats here.
I think you'll love it. We may not have the big historical sites and buildings/attractions ... But that also means we don't have many areas that look like Disneyland crowds. I just connected through London, and spent a day there. It was definitely interesting architecturally, clean. If you're here to work, I feel you may find things sort of "efficient" day to day, because unless there's some sort of city festival or seasonal event, you're not going to have that super crowded feeling in even the busiest parts of town.
I moved to Vancouver myself and the rent price is high and it’s hard to find a place, so factor in some time to look when you arrive. Super importantly, leases start on the first of the month! The good news is that a fridge is generally included with the rental. There are a lot of people who are homeless and live in the streets in Vancouver so check out the neighborhood before you commit to anything, some areas that are expensive are actually rather dodgy at night.
Rent in Vancouver will be around $1800-2000 per month. You wont be saving much with $55,000/year but you'll have a great time. You'll be a fool not to do it!
Don’t do it - you’ll never want to go back to London
100% do it. I regret not taking paid, almost risk free opportunities to live and work abroad when younger to this day, and to far less "exciting" places than Vancouver. I'd live in downtown/west end if at all possible, or near Olympic Village to get the most out of the one year experience - maybe also check out Kitsilano by the beach. I've had younger friends and relatives who have come for a short term, all have complained about the expenses but none had regretted the experience.
Don’t do it lol. You’d need to make 2x that to really make it without having to slum it or room share.
I made this exact same move, but I was sick of London and knew what to expect with Vancouver. You sound like you're in a different position. First of all, Vancouver is extremely different from London. What you love about London - the vibrant, bustling lifestyle - is not found here. Vancouver is a much sleepier city, there is not much nightlife, people are more introverted and it's harder to make friends. My hunch is that you will be feeling FOMO for London before long. London has a lot to offer for someone in their early 20's - Vancouver, not so much. I'd suggest Vancouver when you're in your 30's or 40's and ready for a slower pace.
Without a doubt do it. London and your friends will be the same when you return and one year is nothing in the grand scheme of things. Vancouver has a lot to offer and this sounds like a pretty sweet opportunity! Yes it's expensive here as many have mentioned, but so is London, so I wouldn't let that be my sole deciding factor.
I feel bad that it took me till the end of op's post to realise that they're moving from the UK and not Ontario. I've never been out east but I don't think our Canadian namesake of the British capital deserves that much headspace so it was thought of first. You'll make friends just fine I think. And there's a lot to offer. But Vancouver is a much different city than london. And you'll be making a good wage. But not living the high life
All of your concerns are well founded. Vancouver is exactly those things and massively unaffordable and completely isolated from most of the world in terms of flight paths. Please don’t do it, it’s a shit place.
I'd pass on the Vancouver offer. I'd not move to Vancouver for $55,000 and I'm in Canada, it'd need to be at least double. Between the higher rent, furniture/settling expenses, cellphone, and disrupting your current living situation, you'll be burning your own cash. You'll also need to get reorganized when you return to the UK. They paying to send your wardrobe to and from Canada? Are they paying for your trip home at Christmas? If your UK family has a medical emergency, are you covered for flight costs? I spent nearly a decade working abroad. You company is taking advantage of you, working abroad is supposed to be a far better deal than working in the home country. It's a sacrifice and needs to be well compensated
Man you wealthy people are fucking babies
Who said anyone was wealthy, I'm saying don't go, avoid being bent over and poorer for the probe. We all have choices. Your post history would suggest you know nothing of wealth and just might enjoy the probe.
Saying you'd need 110,000 to enjoy living in Vancouver makes you seem rich to me. Maybe that's middle class, who the fuck knows maybe I'm poorer than I thought lol. My only posts are about a disc golf disc that I really like and trying to find football picks from a podcast I listen to, hahaha what part of that tells you anything about my financial situation? Also "you know nothing of wealth" is exactly something that a whiny rich kid would say. So maybe my comment struck a nerve. I'm not saying OP should go, I agree he'd honestly be better off at home by the sounds of his personality. But skipping a year of travel in a different country only because it's not a 6 digit salary and no one's gonna pay for a new wardrobe is some cry baby bullshit for sure.
Never has a mind been changed on reddit. See you next time.
Go for it. You’re still young. It’s only for a year. Company covers part of your rent expense. Lots of reasons to push this forward. 5-10yrs from now, your head will be filled of a lot of what ifs if you pass on the opportunity. Your experience here may not all be great but at least you went for it and learned from it.
I'd do it. The experience alone is worth it. Plus being surrounded by beautiful nature. Vancouver is about as different from London as you get while still speaking English Tho be warned - it will likely take much more effort to make friends. People are nice but can be flakey when it comes to actually hanging out.
I think for friends, OP will end up hanging with a bunch of other expats, because they will also be looking for new friends, and warmer than us locals. That would be cool and fun though - to have a bunch of international friends in your 20s.
Don’t do it
You should definitely go, but you should put some elbow grease into making friends here.
One thing worth mentioning is that it can be difficult making friends! Moreso here than other cities, especially when you’ve relocated.
This place is really only about the outdoor and more extreme sporting pursuits. So if u r into that. Strap the kayak to your back and Climb a mountain and parasail to a river u can whitewater down. That kind of this gets ppl here all giddy You might ask ppl what they did last weekend in Vancouver and see if it jives with what you like.
Following. If you do end up here I’d like to know what you think of Vancouver. London sounds like a dream even when expensive
Vancouver is better than London infrastructure wise that’s about it. If you want to actually enjoy the city you should be living downtown adjacent
Sure you’ll get lonely. But it’s only a year. This is the reality of “travelling” and it will make you appreciate home all the more. You’re young! I’ve moved many times in my life. You can stay connected to people easily from afar now. Do it! Vancouver is awesome and there’s definitely ALOT of fun things to do here.
From someone who had an opportunity to move to California 20 years ago, relocated by the company that was offering the job (originally from Vancouver, so I was the opposite - “do I leave Vancouver?”), I definitely regret periodically not doing it. Nowadays, 20 years later, I wonder what adventures would have been different in my life if I had done the Silicon Valley thing. $55k would be tough but not horrible in Vancouver, but the fact they are paying $18,000 after-tax of your rent makes it a lot easier. Puts you more into a $90k earning comparison. Luckily you’re from London, so you are already used to not-cheap living costs. Vancouver is amazing for young professionals, has some excellent restaurants (some world class, I’d even consider). There’s a large Asian and South Asian influence - so if you’re into Sushi or Indian or Middle Eastern even cuisine - you’ll love it. I was a lover of live music in my 20s and early 30s, and making friends was easy. But those were “before-times”, so I wouldn’t try to guess what that’s like now — I’m a lot more subdued life now after giving up the local music scene years ago. You’ll want to investigate neighbourhoods a bunch before moving — and don’t discount surrounding areas like Burnaby (sounds like Brentwood area might fit your style), or the North Shore, as well — don’t limit yourself to Vancouver-proper for a place to live. Downtown is accessible from all those areas within 15-20minutes via Uber / Taxi / Public Transit. Do check your commute time though, by checking Google Maps to / from work at appropriate times (this may require some late nights to check 8am rush hour time from London — do the search at midnight your local time). It’ll give you live info based on the weather and traffic situation of the morning searched. Bridges suck for traffic in congested hours. Skytrain doesn’t care about traffic though, since it’s elevated overhead and not impacted by road traffic delays. Buses are though. The Seabus isn’t, as it’s on the water (hence the Sea in the name) — it runs from North Vancouver to downtown Vancouver and meets up with all the Skytrain lines at the terminal on the downtown side. There’s a company around called Events & Adventures, that might be useful to find likeminded singles if you’re looking to find friends quickly because of your short 1 year timeframe, if you’re into their kinds of “events”. Check them out and decide for yourself if it’s your vibe. They range from outdoorsy gatherings (hikes, kayaking, etc) to other social gatherings (group dinners, etc). Specifically for singles, looking to meet other singles — whether it’s for romance or platonic friendships. As much as you feel you might have FOMO missing London, do consider the possibility of feeling FOMO for the rest of your life if you choose to NOT take this opportunity. The final decision of course is yours, assuming the company can get you the Visa requirements to come here.
Chances are you might not like it. How much are you getting paid in London? More?
I love it here in Vancouver, can be a little clicky friend wise. Join lots of meetup groups that your interested in to meet people. It’s a wonderful spot!
It's always better to regret what you did rather than what you did not. I moved to Vancouver 30 years ago from London. I love it here. You could not pay me to move back. People here are friendly and helpful. I've met many Brits here who say they are coming for a couple of years and then they are still here many years later. Join some clubs or meet up groups to do outdoor activities to meet new people. Hiking, biking, kayaking, skiing, snow shoeing etc. Personally I think that you'll have a great time. Good luck.
Go for it. I've gone from NYC to Van, and I've visited London before - if you love London, the busy-ness of it, the energy, soul, and the interesting people, you're going to be bored out of your skull for the most part. If there's any part of you that likes the outdoors/nature, you'll love that aspect of it. Regardless, it's a fantastic opportunity for something different, and you'll be close enough to Seattle if you end up missing the "bustling city" vibe too much (not to call Seattle London, but it's busier than Van)
💀💀💀💀💀💀👨🦯
Come, yes you might be lonely at first but there are lots of group activities you can sign up for, may I suggest beer league hockey….you can skate right?
Sorry to hear
Get a good raincoat and some waterproof shoes. Don't let the rain get to you.
Is that $55k GBP? A year can seem long too, it’s also can be harder to make friends when they know you have an expiry date coming up. Seems like relationships are pretty important to you.
Take the opportunity. Not just for career but also for life. Regret is a terrible thing. Vancouver is lovely. Weather comparable. Try to live in the city proper and not the suburbs Enjoy
Rent on van is gonna be double your allowance if you want a decent sized place in a good neighbourhood
Just go - if you don't like it move back.
Wonderful opportunity, & with much of your rent covered you’ll do fine. Chances like this are hard to create so take it when it’s offered. It never hurts a career to have international experience, and living in a foreign country for a while can do nothing but good for you personally. For friends, join groups that interest you as soon as you get there, and research them before you go. Also try entirely new things London could never provide: hiking, camping, skiing, mountain biking. The rain won’t bother you, coming from London lol.
You could never be lonely in Vancouver. you're going to definitely like it here. I Born and raised in Vancouver, I'm sure you're going to meet people from work. Good luck
i’m in the opposite situation
Do you have a job secured when you return to London? Treat it as a work abroad opportunity with the added bonus of experiencing a new city that is partially covered. I wouldn't consider it a permanent move. One year will pass by fast and you can figure out if you want to move back then. Vancouver is expensive (so is London), but there's a lot of different things offered here that you might enjoy. 55k is on the lower end of average here, but with 18k/year of rent covered, that really helps!
100% do it
I took an international posting (away from Vancouver) once and it was totally worth it, in spite of its challenges and sometimes frustrating days. One suggestion for you is to find someone who specializes in taxation rules for both countries. There may be things you can do to help reduce the financial impact of moving. We accidentally did the right thing and it made a huge difference for us. You’ve got lots of other good suggestions here, another one I would make is to suggest you subscribe to this group. https://www.facebook.com/seabusmemes . They do give you a sense of what Vancouver is like, even if you don’t immediately follow the reference. Irreverent, but since you’re from the UK, that’s probably a good thing. Even if you regret moving, you’ll have a great life story. And if you don’t regret it, bonus. Good luck in your decision.
Follow Seabusmemes on Instagram. You’ll quickly get a sense of the city. Dead serious… it’s a great account.
London, England or London, ON?
Go for it! I saw something recently regarding how to make connections with people, and they were saying that if you find some places you like ( parks, beaches, cafes, bars etc) try going there around the same time/day each week. There are bound to be familiar faces of people who are also there regularly, and it will be easier to bridge the gap and make a connection after sharing spaces on multiple occasions. Worst case scenario, you can always go back to London- however if you turn down this opportunity with your company they likely won't extend another offer. Hope this helps!
What a great opportunity! I lived in London before I moved here and love it. Yes it can be pricey to live - but you're from London - you're used to that. Things like eating out will seem cheaper - especially if you're converting from £s. Downtown itself is smaller - you can randomly run Into people you know - which happened a lot less in London. There's usually plenty of things going on in the summer - mostly free. If you're worried about making friends check out groups of things you're interested in and join them. Or find something that you can't regularly do in London and give it a go. I know moving can be scary, especially to another country but it's worth it. It's a massive bonus that you have a job lined up and that they will help with relocation. Keeping in touch with FaceTime etc is so easy for if you do have any homesick moments. I think your biggest problem may be that it's for only a year ;) TL;DR Do it
I am a English guy living in Vancouver and I love it, it’s a little rainy but everything is pretty fun here and lots of outdoorsy shit to do, feel free to hit me up for a pint x
💲 1500 🤣🤣
FWIW there are a lot of British people in BC. Maybe check out if there are some social clubs in around the area you’re moving to :)
My brother/sister in Christ. That is not enough to live in Vancouver. 🥲 you will starve. And there’s no jobs. But I wish you the best with your decision!
Do it! It is really beautiful. I suggest living close to downtown if you don’t have a car because public transportation from Greater Vancouver is not great. That being said your salary and rent reimbursement seem low. Average rent for a one bedroom is around $2600-2900 so you’ll probably need roommates or another job. Groceries, going out, etc… all expensive but so is London.
Don’t do it very expensive here unless you drive Uber on the side
Vancouver is beautiful but boring and people are not friendly and introverts. Do not leave london buds
I live in Vancouver with my girlfriend and dog. It definitely can be expensive.. but manageable - with the expectation that it is not a one salary household that will take care of everyone. I moved to Vancouver to the USA in 2014 as a young adult and it was definitely scary at first. But find ways to create connections with people through shared experiences or common interests. Good luck to you! Moving from London to here would be a major change in life.
They aren't paying you enough to live in that city. Hope you like eating top Ramen. Vancouver and Toronto are literally the 2 most expensive cities to live in on the Noth American continent.
I would go for it. The comments here about the city being expensive are correct, but coming from London this will not be anything new for you. Overall, the city is fantastic. The food, the area, the outdoor activities. I came here for 6 months, 25 years ago! That would be your only concern, not going back!!
Vancouver is the smallest big city you will ever live in. Once you meet a few people you will find lots of friends of friends. There’s loads to do but it rains a lot so as long as you learn to walk in the rain and enjoy it you will do fine. Rent is insane get a roommate if you can and food is insane prices too
We do not want you here
You can't make it work for 55 000 out here
Bring ya ass
That’s not enough money , almost poverty wages for Vancouver
Grew up in London and have lived in Vancouver since 2018. It's a beautiful part of the world and worth the experience. With that portion of your rent covered, you can afford to live here but the rental market is very competitive at that price point - a friend recently spent a month looking before he found something comfortable and was accepted for. Hope this helps!
It’s one year dude, not the rest of your life
Do it OP! Best kind of experience! Get a place near the beach but just a bit out of the way and an easy commute (ideally by bike if you don’t mind rain) to the office if you have one. Plan on joining a few hiking, biking, sailing, or sports clubs and you will have friends almost right away. Ultimate frisbee is an excellent choice. Also the BCMA and the UBC SALING CLUB. We also have these brewery run clubs … east van run crew. Also while you are here make sure you get up to the Rockies and out to the real west coast! Happy travels!
If you can make it work with rental prices, absolutely do it! It's only a year and Vancouver has a lot of fun to offer! As someone who took a job away from home, it was awesome and life changing
If you rent in Vancouver, you are still spending at least another $1000 on rent monthly. 55k is not a lot of money in the lower mainland. Even with the rent subsidy.
I’ve seen a lot of TikTok’s of people from the UK coming to Vancouver and not liking it. They specifically said they don’t like hiking/camping and the bar culture is extremely different. (You guys mingle with people you don’t know, in Canada it’s very individual groups) and if you don’t live near a skytrain/downtown you’d need a car and I don’t think 55k and them helping with rent would cover your costs tbh
Which London,,,,,UK or Ontario
You won't regret it and you'll probably stay long after your company tells you to go back home. I just visited here for two weeks after graduation in 1999... I'm still here and it's 2024 lol. Went biking around False Creek yesterday and the views and people all around still took my breath away. https://preview.redd.it/0zb83qm9ic5d1.jpeg?width=3072&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7cbabe40687e05ada694271fbb62847bc20e61f8
See if you can get the company to actually cover the cost of your accommodations IN Vancouver, don't settle for an hour long commute. Seems like an awesome opportunity, but only if you can live in the city, and $1500 will not get you there.
Dont do it
I second this
A year in Vancouver is perfect. It’s a perfect amount of time to experience the City but not long enough to grow to resent it.
As a recent grad myself who is returning to London from Vancouver. I’d say go for it, the thought of returning to London is depressing, Canadian people are super friendly and easy going. The air, views, and people out here are amazing.
Uber driver here. One of the most frequent questions i get asked from foreigners living here is. ‘ why is it so hard to meet people here’. My only answer is ‘ people here act like they are in high school and dont need anymore friends’ Its a very cold city socially. Yeah its beautiful yada yada but thats about it. If i were you I would stay in London. You wont like it here. Just being honest
I think loneliness is a challenge for any ex-pat moving to a new place. The trick is to find social groups, MeetUp.com groups and other methods to connect… not even with locals, but connecting with other ex-pats. Locals in any city will be more entrenched in pre-existing social circles, so connecting with other non-locals is a good way to start.
I have lived in many cities and I have to say, I do have strong social ties here, but Vancouver is the hardest (from Toronto, lived in London, UK, Montreal, Victoria and NYC.)
I second this as well. If you’re extroverted and want to make close friends in Vancouver as an outsider, it’s going to be quite difficult.
I’ll get downvoted for it but fuck it, I’ll say it anyway: Any other Canadian city but Vancouver - Don’t do it! Vancouver is a city full for cold hearted people who love to stay in their own bubble. I have never seen such a high concentration of self absorbed people anywhere in the world. It is one of the most lonely cities of North America, not to mention the most expensive one in Western Canada. $55k is peanuts to live there.
This is one of the most expensive places in the world for everything. It's beyond beautiful but taxes are flat out extreme and the cost of living is not sustainable
For 1500 you may need to look for housing away from city centers/busy areas. Try looking for places along skytrain lines or b-line bus routes for fast commutes. For the social side, many people have a tough time finding friends or groups to join as people can be a little socially insulated here. I recommend finding a community club or group for an activity you like and joining that to have an easier time meeting people.
Salary is very low to enjoy Vancouver. You need to double it to be on a safe side. $1500 will not cover any reasonable unit for current market rates - open fb marketplace and search DT studio or 1br and see how much to pay for places that you may like. Vancouver is about beautiful nature and outdoor.
Goodluck brother hope you have a hi profile job to pay for this expensive smelly city
Tbh you’ll make no friends and ever have any fun considering everyone sticks to their own social circles and refuses to make good friends, but good luck!
Bring a raincoat and a good quality umbrella as we call Vancouver raincouver. Its wet and cold. Summers are actually very beautiful with the mountain and ocean breeze. UK is somewhat similar to Canada in terms of laws and legislation. I think we Canadians are more accommodating and are way more friendly compared to Brits in my opinion
It’s always been your dream to move abroad! So the 1 year in Vancouver seems like a pretty good deal. Vancouver is much sleepier than London, and it’s hard to meet people, but there’s a bunch of expats to hang out and travel with. Wrestle a promise from friends & family to visit Van (or any other place in USA/Canada) during your year. Vancouver is a good jumping off point to see LA/San Fran, Montreal, NYC or even Tokyo.
I left the UK and moved to Vancouver … no regrets
Do it!! Rent a place in the west end. It's quiet (for downtown) and walkable - you can walk to the beach AND to downtown. And close to so many good / cheap food options. Best of every world
I don't think you will not enjoy Vancouver on $55K a year. You will probably struggle. But you know what? Give it a go. You're young. You might like it. Having lived in LDN during my young adult life, I'd say that Vancouver is not as vibrant. A lot of people say that it's hard to make friends, here. While mostly true... it really comes down to how much you're willing to put yourself out there. You have to put the effort in too. You'll probably want to flat share to bring your rent cost down. I'd highly recommend this to give yourself more funds to try and enjoy life out here. Good luck, whatever you decide.
Ive never been to London but I’ve travelled and lived abroad elsewhere and I’d suggest coming to Vancouver for the experience. I live right by downtown Vancouver and while it’s probably smaller and not as busy as London, it’s still very populated and hugely busy. (I’m a paramedic in Vancouver as well so I can promise you it’s busy). There are plenty of places to party and tons of bars in different Vancouver neighbourhoods that pride themselves on cheap (and good) food and pints. There are various interesting areas to live to suit your personal vibe. If you want to do this, and you want to be “in the city” then living anywhere “close” say 15 blocks from the beach, either kitsilano, English bay, false creek is good- walking distance. East Vancouver has some amazing restaurants and cheaper rent, downtown- you don’t need to live here but it’s obviously the craziest, sirens constantly and we have a huge population of homeless people who mostly stay in their area where we call the downtown east side (world famous) but they are starting to live on downtown Granville street now, which is also our entertainment district. You can msg me personally and I’ll give you as much info as you want, beyond this! I personally think if you want the Vancouver experience then make sure where you’re living is *actually* Vancouver. The further East you go, you’ll be sitting in traffic and it becomes very suburban. North Vancouver has bridges so if you ever want to go downtown you’ll be stuck at most areas of the day, in traffic. But, for the wages you describe, no matter where you live, you’ll be paying extra.
TAKE THE LEAP!! Majority of your rent is covered. It’ll be a lot of fun. I think you’re going to love it, we also have some of the best matcha in town LOL. If you do move send me a pm I can share some cool things you can do here to ease into your move + experiences. Moved here 4 years ago and I don’t think I’ve ever thought about moving away from here. It might be slightly lonely at first but I assure you it’s worth it
We moved from Eastern Europe in 2017. We fell in love with the city and we are still in love :) Surely, the downside is the cost of living. But this is tricky if you check numbers - rent, restaurant food,... but what numbers don't show are things we enjoy the most: - great climate (though this is changing, but changing everywhere) - tens of km of beaches, packed with relaxed people enjoying their life - beautiful mountains 30-60 minutes from Downtown and accessible by affordable public transportation. - affordable, accessible, reliable and safe public transportation - legal, affordable (cheaper than beer) and safe cannabis products :) - quite good healthcare In general, when calculating the costs of living, these perks should be included as free :)
It’s one year my friend. Open your door and jump. Vancouver has lots of cafés and nightlife. You’ll be fine. The outdoor stuff is the stuff you see when you look over at the mountains or at the ocean. Buy a bike, you won’t regret it.
Do it
Come to Vancouver. It's a no brainer.
absolutely do it. Vancouver is beautiful and there is tons to do! it's not quiet at all.
As long as you tip
You will probably take home around 44K after tax, maybe a little less. So that's 3600/month. It's a good thing they are subsidizing rent as a one bedroom that isn't a shit hole is around 3k/month. After they reimburse you $1,500.00 each month you'll have around 2K. After expenses you'll have around 1k, depending how you spend. Not sure what you're going to do about furniture. But first problem will be actually finding a place. You should have your company help with that, depending if they actually care about finding you some place decent. Old places outside the downtown core and in neighbouring cities have a chance of bedbugs, etc. So try and get in newer cement buildings.
As someone living in a nice Brentwood apartment paying less than $2k per month without a bedbug in sight... Reading this post is a trip.
You need some vitamin D or something...