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Moving to Vancouver
Hi My Wife and I are moving to Vancouver around April May time. I have a job offer which is good news. We want to live either downtown or Kits initially just to get a feel for the city. I will be earning around $100000 a year. Is this a good wage. My wife will be looking for work when we get there, she's a social worker here in the Uk and will be looking for something similar. We are bringing our dog with us a cockapoo (mad as a spoon). So i guess I want to know, about finding an apartment, site seem limited and craiglist seems to be the one people use. Job site for the wife? Whats it like having a dog in tow. and any other general info would be ace.
Ta Pete |
Re: Moving to Vancouver
Originally Posted by peteforde
(Post 11834932)
Hi My Wife and I are moving to Vancouver around April May time. I have a job offer which is good news. We want to live either downtown or Kits initially just to get a feel for the city. I will be earning around $100000 a year. Is this a good wage. My wife will be looking for work when we get there, she's a social worker here in the Uk and will be looking for something similar. We are bringing our dog with us a cockapoo (mad as a spoon). So i guess I want to know, about finding an apartment, site seem limited and craiglist seems to be the one people use. Job site for the wife? Whats it like having a dog in tow. and any other general info would be ace.
Ta Pete If your wife can definitely work (not all visas/jobs allow a spouse to work, so it will depend on your visa and job), then a quick forum search will bring up a few threads on social work in Canada. I believe that she'll generally need a masters to be able to work as a social worker, although that's only a vague recollection from other threads so do have a read of them and hopefully you'll get some good info. Edit: scrap this, I've just done a quick search myself and it seems a master isn't required, although tougher to get a job without one. $100,000 is IMO a good wage for Vancouver if it's just you and your wife. Re: rentals, have a look in the Wiki as there is a list of websites in there that you can work your way through. HTH, good luck. |
Re: Moving to Vancouver
If you are searching on Craig's List you can specify pet-friendly rentals only. It makes searching easier but it will reduce the available properties considerably.
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Re: Moving to Vancouver
Originally Posted by JonboyE
(Post 11835143)
If you are searching on Craig's List you can specify pet-friendly rentals only. It makes searching easier but it will reduce the available properties considerably.
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Re: Moving to Vancouver
It is always worth asking. We added a cat a few months into our lease so it's worth asking the Q even if pets aren't mentioned, although they usually are in the ads. You will def have to pay a pet damage deposit, but I think it is up to a quarter of your monthly lease (I think).
S |
Re: Moving to Vancouver
Originally Posted by christmasoompa
(Post 11835070)
Hi, and welcome to BE.
If your wife can definitely work (not all visas/jobs allow a spouse to work, so it will depend on your visa and job), then a quick forum search will bring up a few threads on social work in Canada. I believe that she'll generally need a masters to be able to work as a social worker, although that's only a vague recollection from other threads so do have a read of them and hopefully you'll get some good info. Edit: scrap this, I've just done a quick search myself and it seems a master isn't required, although tougher to get a job without one. $100,000 is IMO a good wage for Vancouver if it's just you and your wife. Re: rentals, have a look in the Wiki as there is a list of websites in there that you can work your way through. HTH, good luck. That's what HID roughly makes and while its good as a second income, I wouldn't want to live in Vancouver solely on that as you'd have a very spartan existence. |
Re: Moving to Vancouver
HID???
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Re: Moving to Vancouver
Originally Posted by Snowy560
(Post 11835270)
It is always worth asking. We added a cat a few months into our lease so it's worth asking the Q even if pets aren't mentioned, although they usually are in the ads. You will def have to pay a pet damage deposit, but I think it is up to a quarter of your monthly lease (I think).
S I posted the following a week or so ago based on mine and my wife's recent observations of renting in Vancouver. http://britishexpats.com/forum/canad.../#post11829102 Don't rule out False Creek area there is some really nice stuff going on there at the moment. |
Re: Moving to Vancouver
Originally Posted by peteforde
(Post 11835377)
HID???
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Re: Moving to Vancouver
Originally Posted by Engineer_abroad
(Post 11835383)
up to a half months rent for a pet deposit.
Pet Damage Deposits A landlord may also request a pet damage deposit at the start of a tenancy or during a tenancy if a tenant gets a pet with the landlord’s permission. The deposit must be no more than half of one month’s rent, regardless of the number of pets allowed. Deposits and Fees - Province of British Columbia S |
Re: Moving to Vancouver
Originally Posted by Oink
(Post 11835358)
Really? Not after the tax man has got their greedy claws into it. :rofl:
That's what HID roughly makes and while its good as a second income, I wouldn't want to live in Vancouver solely on that as you'd have a very spartan existence. |
Re: Moving to Vancouver
Originally Posted by bc2015
(Post 11835474)
Depending on where you rent (as this will be the biggest expense), 100k is very liveable on if there's no kids. With kids, it's still manageable but with some sacrifices I think.
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Re: Moving to Vancouver
Originally Posted by Oink
(Post 11835493)
If you want to live out in the sticks and have a hellish commute or live in a grubby little place you'd be okay without kids. But even a reasonable place in the city now must be $2500 and upwards for rent and considerabbly more depending on the size of the mortgage. So half you or more of your wages would be on accommodation, if you factor in a car and insurance, plus food, clothing, phone and internet you probably wouldn't have much or any left of your net $100k. So what's the point of moving to a place where you can't do much more than stare at your walls or a computer/phone screen for eight months of the year?
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Re: Moving to Vancouver
Originally Posted by Oink
(Post 11835493)
If you want to live out in the sticks and have a hellish commute or live in a grubby little place you'd be okay without kids. But even a reasonable place in the city now must be $2500 and upwards for rent and considerabbly more depending on the size of the mortgage. So half you or more of your wages would be on accommodation, if you factor in a car and insurance, plus food, clothing, phone and internet you probably wouldn't have much or any left of your net $100k. So what's the point of moving to a place where you can't do much more than stare at your walls or a computer/phone screen for eight months of the year?
Even assuming $2500 for rent, which I think is above average (with no kids you'd be ok with a 2 bed place, probably), $3300 should be plenty for other living expenses for two people and have some room for savings too. Obviously it depends on how you spend your money, but we could easily survive on that and still have a good time. |
Re: Moving to Vancouver
Originally Posted by bc2015
(Post 11835530)
$100k is more than $5k a month net, it's ~$5800 in 2016 according to the tax calculator. Even more if both people are not working and the worker can claim the non-workers tax credits.
Even assuming $2500 for rent, which I think is above average (with no kids you'd be ok with a 2 bed place, probably), $3300 should be plenty for other living expenses for two people and have some room for savings too. Obviously it depends on how you spend your money, but we could easily survive on that and still have a good time. |
Re: Moving to Vancouver
Originally Posted by Engineer_abroad
(Post 11835514)
You can still pick up good quality 1 bes condo units for between 1800-2000 in the Downtown, Kits, false Creek area, which if you don't have kids is more than doable. Of your downtown you don't need to own a car (use evo/zip car). You can get get groceries tor two for around 140 month at IGA or Burrard (as long as you are willing to be flexible). The rest is down to lifestyle.
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Re: Moving to Vancouver
Originally Posted by Oink
(Post 11835552)
Have you factored in healthcare, pensions and EI plus any work related/union/association dues? Plus renting a two bedroom apartment in anywhere decent will be closer to $3000+. I mean you can live, especially without the expense of a vehicle and a walk for a commute, but with two living on the same income, IMO it wouldn't be a lot of fun. Still other people's idea of a fun and fulfilled life maybe different than mine. ;)
Any job that is paying you 100k will more than likely cover MSP + pay for extended healthcare (I would be amazed if it didn't). I didn't include RRSP but maybe that can come under savings? You are correct though that it all depends on what your idea of fun is, but I still think $100k a year is very liveable on, especially for two people. |
Re: Moving to Vancouver
Originally Posted by bc2015
(Post 11835556)
Yes it's $5800 net of EI/CPP, which means that after a few months, the net pay will go up a few hundred as you hit the EI/CPP limits.
Any job that is paying you 100k will more than likely cover MSP + pay for extended healthcare (I would be amazed if it didn't). I didn't include RRSP but maybe that can come under savings? You are correct though that it all depends on what your idea of fun is, but I still think $100k a year is very liveable on, especially for two people. |
Re: Moving to Vancouver
Originally Posted by Oink
(Post 11835358)
Really? Not after the tax man has got their greedy claws into it. :rofl:
That's what HID roughly makes and while its good as a second income, I wouldn't want to live in Vancouver solely on that as you'd have a very spartan existence. On the flip side we would be well off on that.... All relative to what your used to. For some 100k is too little, for others they can rent and raise 2 kids on it and be happy. It's just all relative to what your used to in life. We don't pay healthcare or pensions since the first one the government say's we can't afford, and the second one well those who pay 65% of their income to rent don't get to save for pensions...lol...But we can't exactly downsize rent wise, so I'd venture 100k before taxes should have a far larger selection of rental ranges to choose from, and if one can live a modest lifestyle could manage, even if a kid was thrown in. If one can raise a kid on 40k, one can on 100k....lol |
Re: Moving to Vancouver
Originally Posted by bc2015
(Post 11835556)
You are correct though that it all depends on what your idea of fun is, but I still think $100k a year is very liveable on, especially for two people.
Mortgage free and without my recreational activities I could manage on it. If I had to pay rent or a mortgage and pursue my hobbies, not doable. |
Re: Moving to Vancouver
Originally Posted by Aviator
(Post 11835616)
One could live on it and have limited recreational pursuits.
Mortgage free and without my recreational activities I could manage on it. If I had to pay rent or a mortgage and pursue my hobbies, not doable. |
Re: Moving to Vancouver
Originally Posted by peteforde
(Post 11834932)
Hi My Wife and I are moving to Vancouver around April May time. I have a job offer which is good news. We want to live either downtown or Kits initially just to get a feel for the city. I will be earning around $100000 a year. Is this a good wage. My wife will be looking for work when we get there, she's a social worker here in the Uk and will be looking for something similar. We are bringing our dog with us a cockapoo (mad as a spoon). So i guess I want to know, about finding an apartment, site seem limited and craiglist seems to be the one people use. Job site for the wife? Whats it like having a dog in tow. and any other general info would be ace.
Ta Pete if you are stacking shelves in Walmart then 100k a year is great. if you are a dentist then 100k a year may not seem as good. average Canadian wage is 49k a year household income 76k so compared to that 100k for one person a very good wage and looks even better with a second income added. good is also relative to your income and expenses in the UK compared to your income and expenses in Canada to live a similar standard of living. I think most immigrate with a hope of achieving a higher standard of living than in their home country. before anyone has a go i understand that income is just one part of a higher standard of living. |
Re: Moving to Vancouver
Originally Posted by Engineer_abroad
(Post 11835514)
You can still pick up good quality 1 bes condo units for between 1800-2000 in the Downtown, Kits, false Creek area, which if you don't have kids is more than doable. Of your downtown you don't need to own a car (use evo/zip car). You can get get groceries tor two for around 140 month at IGA or Burrard (as long as you are willing to be flexible). The rest is down to lifestyle.
You might want to double check that.. http://britishexpats.com/forum/maple...857019/page38/ Average household food expenditure, by province (British Columbia) How Much Should My Grocery Budget Be? - Canadian Budget Binder ...In most of Canada, a single adult with normal dietary requirements can eat well for about $50.00/week. (This amount is for food only, not household items or personal items.) If you are buying for one person and can afford to spend that much on food, that amount would be a good place to start. If you’re buying for more than one person, try starting with a monthly grocery budget that is roughly 10% of your month’s take-home pay... |
Re: Moving to Vancouver
Originally Posted by Aviator
(Post 11835616)
One could live on it and have limited recreational pursuits.
Mortgage free and without my recreational activities I could manage on it. If I had to pay rent or a mortgage and pursue my hobbies, not doable. |
Re: Moving to Vancouver
Originally Posted by johntheScot
(Post 11835720)
to determine if a wage is good people would need to know what you are being paid to do.
if you are stacking shelves in Walmart then 100k a year is great. if you are a dentist then 100k a year may not seem as good. average Canadian wage is 49k a year household income 76k so compared to that 100k for one person a very good wage and looks even better with a second income added. good is also relative to your income and expenses in the UK compared to your income and expenses in Canada to live a similar standard of living. I think most immigrate with a hope of achieving a higher standard of living than in their home country. before anyone has a go i understand that income is just one part of a higher standard of living. |
Re: Moving to Vancouver
But unlike London there is no premium in income attached to living in Vancouver in fact household income in Vancouver is below the Canadian average at 73k.
I would expect a higher salary for the same job in London than doncaster however in Vancouver there appears to be no increase in pay to offset the higher cost of housing. BC sunshine tax or maybe rain tax in Vancouver |
Re: Moving to Vancouver
Average hourly wages of employees by selected characteristics and occupation, unadjusted data, by province (monthly) (British Columbia)
Interesting information from Stats Canada on average hourly rate including management positions, BC |
Re: Moving to Vancouver
Originally Posted by Siouxie
(Post 11835879)
Average hourly wages of employees by selected characteristics and occupation, unadjusted data, by province (monthly) (British Columbia)
Interesting information from Stats Canada on average hourly rate including management positions, BC |
Re: Moving to Vancouver
Originally Posted by Siouxie
(Post 11835773)
I think it highly unlikely that you would spend $140 a month on groceries for 2 unless you were willing to do without a lot of food groups. I spend at least double that even with living relatively frugally.
You might want to double check that.. http://britishexpats.com/forum/maple...857019/page38/ Average household food expenditure, by province (British Columbia) How Much Should My Grocery Budget Be? - Canadian Budget Binder ...In most of Canada, a single adult with normal dietary requirements can eat well for about $50.00/week. (This amount is for food only, not household items or personal items.) If you are buying for one person and can afford to spend that much on food, that amount would be a good place to start. If you’re buying for more than one person, try starting with a monthly grocery budget that is roughly 10% of your month’s take-home pay... |
Re: Moving to Vancouver
Originally Posted by Engineer_abroad
(Post 11836253)
Sorry just realized the typo, Should be 140 per week. Still very similar to what we were paying in UK
:) |
Re: Moving to Vancouver
Oink is right. $100k single earner will get by, but it's a long way from affording the kind of lifestyle that's worth emigrating for.
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Re: Moving to Vancouver
Thanks a lot, some conflicting views, but very interesting.
peteforde |
Re: Moving to Vancouver
Originally Posted by peteforde
(Post 11837050)
Thanks a lot, some conflicting views, but very interesting.
peteforde If you look at the data a fairly small amount of individuals actually earn over 100k per year. There is about the same number of individuals earning under 5,000/yr as there are earning over 100,000 or about 1.9 million individuals. Individuals by total income level, by province and territory (Canada) Incomes by economic class and family type. Average income after tax by economic family types (2007 to 2011) |
Re: Moving to Vancouver
Originally Posted by Jsmth321
(Post 11837714)
It's all relative to what your used to. There tends to be more higher then average income folks on this website that are used to a high standard of living and couldn't imagine living on 100k or less, let alone raising a family on it, but it's doable and millions of Canadian's do it and live happy lives.
SNIP :goodpost: |
Re: Moving to Vancouver
I absolutely agree too (with JS and Conmar).
It's perfectly possible to be happy here on less. S |
Re: Moving to Vancouver
Originally Posted by Snowy560
(Post 11837884)
I absolutely agree too (with JS and Conmar).
It's perfectly possible to be happy here on less. S Car payments? Insurance? Do you eat out very often? Go to the theatre or concerts? Do you do yoga or belong to gym? Have any hobbies like sailing or skiing? How much do you spend on clothing? Take foreign holidays? Taking any professional development? |
Re: Moving to Vancouver
Do you go fishing?
;) |
Re: Moving to Vancouver
Originally Posted by Stinkypup
(Post 11837908)
Do you go fishing?
;) |
Re: Moving to Vancouver
Originally Posted by Oink
(Post 11837917)
Its subsistence hobbying. :p
It pays the bills! |
Re: Moving to Vancouver
Originally Posted by Oink
(Post 11837895)
How much do you pay for your accommodation?
Car payments? Insurance? Do you eat out very often? Go to the theatre or concerts? Do you do yoga or belong to gym? Have any hobbies like sailing or skiing? How much do you spend on clothing? Take foreign holidays? Taking any professional development? Yes x 2 No/Takeaways Yes No No Yes Not much Yes Lots S |
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