I'm moving to vancouver from the UK, is 47,000 CAD per year a decent wage?

Question

i'd like to live in a desirable area with a 1bdr appartment (what is average rent cost for a decent place?), i'm 30, so would like to get out and about easily, my work is near homer street (v6b) the salary also includes 4% bonus.

any help people can offer in my move it would be appreciated.

Answer 1

If you share an apartment with someone else, who is also working, you will make ends meet on that salary.

Answer 2

Coming from the UK, you might find it a livable salary, but it won't go far in Vancouver. The average apartment here is nicer and roomier than the typical 1 bedroom flat in London, and if you are a Londoner, you are already used to having high petrol prices and likely using public transit, so that's a bonus for you. If you want to live close to work, the west end is your best bet, but rent is fairly high there. I would expect to pay $1000 - 1300 for a decent 1 bedroom in the west end. If you can get a roommate, figure on $1600-1900 for a 2 bedroom (800-950 each).

Answer 3

It's not bad. If you're single and renting an apartment and if you can do without a new car, you'll be pretty comfortable. With your work being downtown, you should be able to rent an apartment in a location where you can bus to work. For daytrips or going out of town there is a sort of co-operative car ownership available, can't remember its name. Try Kitsilano, the West End, Kerrisdale, Yaletown, Fairview, False Creek, all quite desireable. They should suit for someone your age. Homer St isn't far from the Skytrain which is our equivalent of the Tube, so if you wanted to rent further out it would be easy to get to work but you might find a dearth of nightlife. The districts I mentioned are in or close to downtown and would give you lots to do in the evenings close to home and work.

Answer 4

You should definitely take Karen L's advice, what she had to say is exactly what I would have said. On that amount you will  be able to live comfortably as long as you can budget properly. Just keep in mind that gas prices are really high so you might want to make due with public transportation. However even if that isn't your style you'll be just fine.

Answer 5

We live in Metrotown  in south Burnaby  pay $630 for one bedroom and make less that on pension  living ok  Good bus & sky train sevice  Bus passes are tax deductable  Gas allmost  $ 6.00 a gallon

Answer 6

Yes it's pretty good.  Since the USD is almost par with the CAD, and 47k USD is very decent..

However,  Canada is expensive because they have high taxes.. Vancouver is not cheap!

Answer 7

I wouldn't say its particularily good but not that bad either.  You'll be broke all the time in Vancouver if you want any type of nightlife.  Vancouver is very expensive but is a really great city.  a 1bdr will run you abou $1000 - $1500/month.

Answer 8

It's not great. If you are single, living in Vancouver (the most expensive city in Canada) and make less than 50K per year, you can expect only a modest lifestyle. No house, no new car. Mere subsistence.

I make 50K a year in rural Ontario and my partner makes 25K. With our part time business included we pull in 100K a year and can barely afford a 200K home and new car. Good luck to you.

Answer 9

Living in Vancouver is very expensive... be prepared...