Moving Between Provinces in Canada | Relocation Guide – Part 2
What makes a Canadian city the right place to live? It isn't necessarily the city with the highest livability ranking, the lowest home prices, or the most people moving in. It's the place that best supports your family's employment, finances, lifestyle, and long-term plans.
A few years ago, I moved to Vancouver partly because of business opportunities. During my research, I also discovered that Vancouver was frequently ranked among the world's most livable cities. That certainly made the decision more appealing.
But after living in PEI, Vancouver, and Calgary, I've learned that a city can be wonderful for one family and unsuitable for another.
Before relocating, I recommend evaluating 12 factors across four important areas.
A. Opportunity & Financial Security
1. Employment and career opportunities
Start with your family's ability to earn a stable income.
Research the local demand for your occupation, typical wages, and career opportunities for both partners. If you work in a regulated profession, confirm whether additional licensing or credential recognition is required in the new province.
Canada's Job Bank provides regional wage information and employment outlooks.
2. Housing affordability
Compare what your budget can actually secure in each city—not just average home prices.
Consider rental availability, suitable neighbourhoods, home sizes, property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs. A less expensive home may not be a better choice if it is far from work or requires substantial renovations.
3. Household expenses and provincial taxes
A higher salary doesn't always mean more disposable income.
Compare your estimated after-tax household income against housing, childcare, transportation, utilities, insurance, groceries, and other expenses.
For example, Alberta has no provincial sales tax. Most taxable purchases are subject to 5% GST, compared with a combined 12% GST/PST on many purchases in British Columbia and 13% HST in Ontario.
However, sales tax is only one part of the financial picture. Income taxes and overall living expenses also matter.
The more useful comparison is how much your family can realistically save each month.
B. Family & Life Stage
4. Your family's current and future needs
A city that suits a young professional may not be ideal for a family raising teenagers or supporting elderly parents.
Think beyond your immediate situation. Will the city still meet your needs five or ten years from now?
Career development, children's education, retirement plans, and proximity to family can all influence that answer.
5. Schools, education, and childcare
For families with children, research more than school rankings.
Check school boundaries, registration requirements, available programs, childcare options, and commuting arrangements.
If your children are already established in school, consider how another move could affect their education and social connections.
6. Healthcare and accessibility
Access to healthcare can vary by location.
Research hospitals, clinics, family-doctor availability, specialist services, and accessibility needs—particularly if your household includes young children, elderly relatives, or family members requiring ongoing care.
7. Family connections and community
Having relatives, friends, or an established cultural community nearby can make relocation easier.
For Vietnamese families, access to familiar food, language, cultural activities, and community connections may be an important consideration.
A support network can be especially valuable when raising children or settling into an unfamiliar city.
C. Everyday Life & Lifestyle
8. Transportation and commuting
A home may be more affordable, but what does the daily commute look like?
Compare driving times, public transportation, parking, school transportation, and whether your household would need another vehicle.
Time spent commuting is a real cost, even when it doesn't appear directly in your monthly budget.
9. Climate and environment
Weather affects much more than personal preference.
Vancouver's milder, wetter winters are very different from Calgary's colder winters and generally sunnier conditions.
Consider how the climate may influence your daily routine, outdoor activities, transportation, home maintenance, and insurance needs.
10. Neighbourhood suitability and safety
Choosing the right city is only the first step. Choosing the right neighbourhood matters just as much.
Look at access to schools, grocery stores, parks, healthcare, transit, and other amenities. Review local conditions and visit at different times of day when possible.
Two families living in the same city can have very different experiences depending on where they live.
D. Relocation Readiness & Risk
11. Moving expenses and financial backup
Relocation involves more than transportation costs.
Budget for movers, temporary accommodation, deposits, travel, overlapping housing expenses, and unexpected delays.
If employment isn't secured before moving, consider how long your household could manage without its expected income.
12. Immigration, licensing, and other requirements
Some families have additional considerations that must be resolved before relocating.
For example, applicants under a Provincial Nominee Program should review their immigration circumstances and the requirements associated with their nomination. Regulated professionals may also need provincial authorization before working.
These aren't simply preferences to weigh against cheaper housing. They may affect whether a particular move is feasible.
How to Compare Two or Three Canadian Cities
Rather than relying on general rankings, I suggest creating a simple comparison table.
Start by identifying your family's three most important priorities. For some households, those may be employment, affordability, and schools. For others, healthcare and family support may matter more.
Then compare the cities using reliable local information, not just national rankings or social media opinions.
If possible, spend several days visiting your shortlisted cities.
Drive through the neighbourhoods you're considering. Experience rush-hour traffic. Visit grocery stores, explore housing options, and speak with people who already live there.
Visiting a city as a tourist and experiencing it as a resident are two very different things.
Clara's Perspective
My own relocation journey—from PEI to Vancouver and eventually Calgary—has taught me that priorities change as our lives change.
Business opportunities influenced my decision to move to Vancouver. Later, as my family's circumstances and long-term plans evolved, I reassessed where we wanted to build our future.
I don't believe there is one Canadian city that is best for everyone, including Calgary.
As a REALTOR® and Licensed Property Manager in Calgary, I encourage families to evaluate both the opportunities and the trade-offs before making such an important decision.
The right city isn't necessarily the one everyone recommends. It's the one that gives your family the best opportunity to build the life you want.
Next in the Series
Part 3: Should You Rent First or Buy a Home When Moving to a New City?
We'll explore when renting provides valuable flexibility, when buying may make sense, and the financial and practical considerations behind each choice.
Helpful Research Resources
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada – Choosing a City
Government of Canada Job Bank – Wages and Employment Outlooks
Disclaimer: This article combines general information, publicly available resources, and my personal and professional experience. Housing conditions, costs, and program requirements can change. Readers should verify current information and obtain appropriate professional advice for their circumstances.
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