Located in the Pacific Northwest, Vancouver is a city that mixes historic, small-town charm with the cultural diversity of a big city. It’s located just north of Portland, Oregon on the other side of the Columbia River. Let’s break down the costs of moving to Vancouver.
What is the cost of living in Vancouver, Washington?
Cost of living refers to things like housing, food, entertainment, transportation, and health care. Basically, anything you spend money on that helps sustain your lifestyle is your cost of living. In Vancouver, the average cost of living is 114, based on a U.S. average of 100. This means that living in Vancouver is a little more expensive than living in other states. Many factors can affect the cost of living, such as household size, your job salary, and the location of your home.
Rent is the largest factor affecting Vancouver’s high cost of living. People who live in Vancouver spend about 30% of their income on housing, although rental prices are steadily decreasing. Also, not everything in Vancouver is more expensive than the rest of the country. Health care and utilities both are lower than the national average, with utilities being a full 12% cheaper than the rest of the country. The average income for a person working in Vancouver is $62,000, a number that is slightly higher than the rest of the country.
How expensive is an apartment in Vancouver?
Here are the average prices for different-sized apartments in Vancouver:
- Studio-apartment: $1,225
- One-bedroom apartment: $1,313
- Two-bedroom apartment: $1,498
- Three-bedroom apartment: $1,999
- Four-bedroom apartment: $2,595
Remember, these are just the average rent prices for all of Vancouver. Certain neighborhoods like First Shaughnessy, Kitsilano, and Fisher’s Creek are more expensive, so expect even higher rent in these areas.
What is the cheapest rent in Vancouver?
Vancouver is a large city with 68 official neighborhoods. Here are some of the most affordable neighborhoods in Vancouver and what they are like:
- Shumway: Just 10 blocks away from the downtown area, this walkable neighborhood has a variety of shops and services. It is also next to Uptown Village, a neighborhood with tons of options for dining, entertainment, and shopping. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $930 a month.
- Cascade Highlands: This residential neighborhood, in East Vancouver, has lots of apartment complexes and multifamily apartments for rent. The neighborhood is a great place for families with excellent schools, entertainment, and Homestead Park, a 6.3-acre park with playgrounds and hiking trails. The average rent for an apartment is $1,495.
- Bella Vista: Just south of Cascade Highlands, nature surrounds this mostly residential area and makes you feel like you aren’t living in a big city. Homes have large yards interspersed with trees, and nearby is Bella Vista Park, an area with picnic tables, walking paths, and playgrounds. The average rent is about $1,462 a month.
- Fisher’s Landing: This is a mixed-use community with plenty of homes, townhomes, condos, apartments, and businesses. It is the perfect place for young professionals as it is within walking distance of large companies, such as Hewlett Packard, Nautilus, and Sharp. Plus, it has excellent views of Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens. The average rent is about $1,467 a month.
- Oakbrook: This is another neighborhood with a variety of rental options, from single-family houses to apartment complexes. This neighborhood is also close to great schools, public transportation, and parks. The average rent is about $1,350 a month.
How do I find cheap apartments in Vancouver?
Vancouver can be an expensive place to live. However, there are a few tips that can help you get the cheapest apartment possible wherever you decide to live:
- Set your budget: It’s important to set a budget of the maximum you will spend before you begin searching for an apartment. Knowing how much you can spend on rent, amenities, transportation, and utilities can help you narrow down your options.
- Look at areas outside the downtown area: You may want to live in the most in-demand areas, but neighborhoods like Fisher’s Creek and Riverview can have rents that are much higher than surrounding areas. Search neighborhoods like Bella Vista and Shumway for better rent prices.
- Sign a longer lease: Some landlords will offer a lower monthly rental fee or other discounts if you can sign a long lease, usually over six months.
- Reconsider your needs: If you are used to living on your own with a large amount of space, you might automatically start looking for a single-bedroom apartment. However, if you really desire the cheapest apartment rates, it’s important to consider other options like roommates or a small studio apartment.
What are some other costs of living in Vancouver?
Utilities in Vancouver are a little below the national average. Basic utilities including heating, cooling, garbage, water, and electricity cost about $169 a month for a 915-square-foot apartment. Internet and cable are another cost you should consider. Residents of Vancouver spend about $60-$70 on internet a month.
In terms of transportation, Vancouver has 135 bus lines known as the C-Tran. A monthly pass for local buses costs $62, and a pass for regional buses costs $100 a month. If you are bringing your car to Vancouver, be sure to register it within 30 days of moving to the city. There is a $35 application fee, along with a $45 licensing fee to get your car registered.
Vancouver does not have an income tax. However, because of this the property tax and the sales tax are a little higher than in other states, 1.28% and 8.4% respectively.
What are the best free activities to do in Vancouver?
There is no limit to the amount of fun outdoor activities in Vancouver. You can drive to the nearby Silver Star Mountain, a 4,500-foot summit with breathtaking views and gorgeous wildflowers. Or, you can explore the urban wilderness by walking on the Water Renaissance Trail. This 5-mile paved pedestrian path connects some of Vancouver’s waterfront neighborhoods and offers incredible views of the Columbia River.
These are just a few of the many sights that make Vancouver an exciting city. If you’re smart about where you choose to live, Vancouver can be a great city for everyone from young professionals to large families.
Ready to start your search? Browse thousands of Vancouver apartments for rent on Zumper and find your new home.
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