Securing affordable accommodation in Vancouver is one of the most significant jobs that newcomers must complete before relocating.
Having secure and pleasant long-term housing provides you with a place to settle as you begin your job hunt, manage the education system, and find a home.
Accommodation expenditures often account for the largest portion of your monthly expenses.
This is why, in the beginning, it is critical to stick to your budget and restrict your expenditures while looking for work and a more permanent abode.
For those who prefer to live in British Columbia (B.C.), here’s all you need to know about locating short-term and long-term housing in Vancouver.
Types of Affordable Accommodation Options Available in Vancouver
When you first arrive in Vancouver, you’ll need a place to stay and settle. If you are unable to rely on the support of family or friends who already live in Vancouver, you will typically need to find acceptable short-term housing.
This is temporary housing that lasts from a few weeks to a few months and does not require you to sign a formal lease.
Short-term accommodations are typically less expensive than hotel rooms. In Vancouver, there are numerous types of short-term housing and accommodations available.
Here are some of the various types of lodging you might expect to find:
Serviced apartment: A serviced apartment, commonly known as an “apartment hotel,” is essentially your own residence.
These apartments are frequently rented for a short period of time (from one month) in apartment buildings or as part of a hotel.
The advantage of a serviced apartment is that it is significantly less expensive than staying in a comparable hotel suite.
There are several options available, ranging from one to three bedrooms, and you will have everything you need, including a fully equipped kitchen, linen and towels, and washing facilities.
Depending on the sort of building where your serviced apartment is located, you may have access to amenities like an indoor swimming pool and a gym.
Individual serviced apartment companies can be found online or through booking services such as Airbnb, Kayak, and Trivago.
Hostel: Many people believe that hostels are only for young people; however, this is no longer true.
Hostelling International (HI Canada) runs 51 hostels across Canada, including 16 in British Columbia, three of which are in Vancouver.
You can be of any age and benefit from staying in a hostel. Private or four-person rooms are frequently available, making them suitable for couples or families traveling together.
Hostels are not only much cheaper than hotels but they are generally located in urban areas and include a kitchen and living area. The best part is that you can meet new people from different places!
Shared accommodation: Long-term shared housing is another alternative. This is an excellent step toward achieving stability by sharing an apartment or house with people while looking for your own place.
You can expect to have your own bedroom and share other living spaces, such as the kitchen, living room, and bathroom, with other renters.
Reliable advertisements for shared accommodations can be found in classified internet ads or on websites such as Roomies.
Student Accommodation: University and college living is another excellent choice for settlers arriving in Canada during the spring and summer months.
Student apartments are typically empty between May and mid-August when university terms end.
Rooms are then reserved for summer students, travelers, and other guests through the university’s student residential or housing offices.
Accommodation is typically clean and modern, with two or three-bedroom suites that include a kitchen and bathroom.
Rooms are often rented on a weekly or monthly basis, and the majority of apartments offer 24-hour security.
Affordable Neighborhoods for Long-Term Housing in Vancouver
With beaches, mountains, and forest trails right on its doorstep, Vancouver is a favorite destination for newcomers to Canada.
In addition to being one of Canada’s most ethnically diverse communities, it is also one of the world’s most liveable cities.
Vancouver has higher rents than other cities in Canada. The current average rent in Vancouver for a one-bedroom apartment is roughly $1940 CAD.
Here are some of the most affordable neighborhoods for long-term housing in Vancouver:
1. Victoria–Fraserview
Victoria is situated south of the city area, on Vancouver’s south slope of the Fraser River.
The housing landscape consists primarily of duplexes, modest apartment complexes, and single-family homes.
The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,623 CAD. The Cassandra Hotel and the 2400 Motel are two prominent lodging alternatives in the region.
2. Kitsilano
Kitsilano is situated on Vancouver’s West Side, near the south side of English Bay. The neighborhood is right on the seaside and is full of restaurants, cafes, and independent shops.
The housing landscape consists of townhomes, single-family homes, apartments, and modern condominiums.
The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,775 CAD. Popular lodging options in the neighborhood include the Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown and the Best Western Premier Chateau Granville Hotel & Suites.
3. Sunset.
Known as Vancouver’s Indo-Canadian hub, it has a diversified ethnic population, a busy shopping district, and numerous eateries.
Single-family homes, duplexes, and modest apartment buildings make up the majority of the housing stock in the neighborhood.
The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is about $1,275 CAD. Popular places to stay in the vicinity include the Coast Vancouver Airport Hotel and the Windsor Guest House.
4. Lynnmour South.
The community has a variety of outdoor activities and is home to Capilano University. The residential environment includes new townhomes, condominiums, and single-family homes.
The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,638 CAD.
Popular lodging options in the neighborhood include the Holiday Inn & Suites North Vancouver and the Lonsdale Quay Hotel.
5. Fairview
Granville Island and the South Granville commercial district are located in this community. The neighborhood offers an eclectic ambiance with cafes, restaurants, and high-end businesses.
The housing landscape includes a mix of single-family homes, apartments, townhomes, and contemporary condominium structures.
A one-bedroom apartment typically costs around $1,750 CAD per month.
Popular lodging options in the region include the Park Inn & Suites by Radisson Vancouver and the Holiday Inn Vancouver-Centre.
Where to Look for Long-Term Accommodation in Vancouver
Now that you’ve decided on the neighborhood you’d like to live in when you first arrive in Vancouver, you’ll need to start looking for suitable long-term housing for yourself and possibly your family. Here’s where and how to look.
1. Online
There are numerous internet resources available to assist you in finding affordable accommodation in Vancouver. Here are a few of the most popular ones for your search:
Airbnb: Airbnb offers a variety of long-term lodging choices. You can search in the specific neighborhood where you want to reside, change the length of your stay and the number of guests, including children, and even choose pet-friendly accommodations.
You’ll also have access to images, a list of amenities, and reviews of the property and host to help you decide.
PadMapper: PadMapper is an internet search engine that aims to make apartment searching easier.
You can use the search tools to choose the rent range you’re ready to spend, the number of bedrooms, and whether you want short-term or long-term lodging. It also includes a map tool, which allows you to extend or narrow your search.
Kijiji: Kijiji is an online advertising service that allows Canadians to post classified ads and buy, sell, or trade almost anything, including automobiles, jobs, and accommodations.
Anyone who provides long-term accommodation can place a private ad. The website provides information about utilities as well as how long an ad has been placed.
In addition to being the most popular online classified site in Canada, it is an excellent resource for exploring the rental market and discovering what is currently available.
Unfortunately, scams occur when consumers rent from a classified web ad. To protect yourself, do not make any payments until you or someone else inspects the property.
Alternatively, they may attempt to arrange a transaction that is not face-to-face. Kijiji has put together some useful tips for avoiding rental scams and protecting yourself during COVID-19.
Craigslist: Craigslist is a site similar to Kijiji that posts classified advertising for houses in numerous cities around Canada.
You can utilize their website to look for temporary housing in Vancouver, or you can create your own wanted ad outlining your ideal search criteria.
If you’re looking for lodging online through Craigslist, like Kijiji, protect yourself from potential scammers by viewing a house before agreeing to rent it and utilizing a secure cashless payment option.
2. Word of mouth.
If you already have family, friends, or coworkers in Vancouver, they are an excellent option for obtaining long-term housing.
Before you arrive in Canada, let them know you’re looking for a place to stay and ask them to keep you in mind if they hear of anything.
Make use of the network you currently have at your new house to assist you in your search!
3. Community services.
Many cities and towns have groups that help newcomers to Canada. One of the ways they can assist settlers is by providing acceptable housing.
Look for a service close and take advantage of candid, free advice. A list of newcomer services in British Columbia is also provided.
4. Realtors
If you know you’ll be looking for an apartment or house to rent soon, contact a realtor today. The upside is that a realtor will be aware of an upcoming rental before it enters the market, and they will earn a commission from the homeowner.
In addition to assisting you in finding a home, a realtor may be aware of long-term housing possibilities, such as a short-term lease or sublease.
5. Walking around.
If you have your heart set on living in a specific Vancouver community, taking a walk around the area is another option to find long-term housing.
Notices for shared accommodation or an apartment for rent may be posted in the local coffee shop or on a sign outside an apartment building.
Tips for Finding Budget Accommodation in Vancouver
Finding a place to live in Vancouver is one thing; finding long-term housing that is within your budget is another. Here are some recommendations to help you:
1. Negotiate.
Perhaps you’ve located the ideal long-term lodging in the correct area, but it’s out of your price range. If it’s rented by the month, ask if you can negotiate a lower fee for a longer stay or pay in full upfront if you plan to stay for one month or more.
With the impact of COVID-19 on the rental market and falling rent costs in major Canadian cities, now is an excellent moment to negotiate.
While the answer may be no, there’s nothing wrong with asking boldly and respectfully.2. Search in the late autumn or winter.
Moving to Canada is popular throughout the spring and summer months. It’s when university is over and families want to settle down before their children return to school in September.
As a result, there is more competition, and your choices may be limited to more expensive accommodations. If possible, look in the late fall, winter, or early spring when demand is low.
3. Consider other expenses
While housing is often one of the most expensive items on a budget, when looking for the best affordable accommodations in Vancouver, keep other expenses in mind, such as public transportation.
For example, a cheaper property in the suburbs isn’t as inexpensive if you have to pay extra for transportation to get to work.
Extra monthly expenses to consider include utilities like electricity and gas, which are typically not included in your rent, as well as extra charges like home internet or parking.
Finding suitable short- and long-term lodging is a critical initial step in relocating to another nation.
Prepare for success by researching the market ahead of time. That way, you’ll be more prepared to start your new life in Vancouver!
FAQS
How do I get accommodations in Canada?
Begin your housing search as soon as possible, preferably a few months before your arrival. Early planning gives you more options and decreases the likelihood of restricted supply. It allows you to acquire housing in attractive areas and at better rates.
How do you find a place to stay in Vancouver?
Other websites, including Kijiji, Padmapper, and RentItFurnished, also feature listings. Many individuals post in Facebook groups, so keep a watch on our Moving to Vancouver community. A lot of rentals are done through word of mouth. Arrange viewings close together.
Conclusion
Moving to Vancouver in 2024 might be an interesting experience because the city has many attractions, including art galleries and markets, gastronomic culture, and a vibrant nightlife scene.
The cost of living is lower in Vancouver in terms of housing, real estate, and transportation.
as well as entertainment and sales taxes. In addition, the city offers superior healthcare services in a cleaner atmosphere.
Hercules Moving Company provides personalized services at competitive rates, ensuring a seamless cross-country transfer.