5 Things Every Businessman Must Know About Living in Vancouver

Vancouver isn’t just one of Canada’s most beautiful cities—it’s also one of its most economically powerful. Whether you're a local entrepreneur, international investor, or digital entrepreneur thinking of setting up shop here, understanding the ins and outs of living and working in Vancouver is essential.

From its booming industries to its high cost of living, Vancouver offers opportunity with a few important caveats. In this guide, we’ll break down five things every businessman must know before planting their flag in this West Coast powerhouse.

1. A Diverse, Fast-Growing Economy

Vancouver is a key player in the Canadian economy, representing a significant chunk of British Columbia’s total output. Over the years, it’s established itself as an economic hub across multiple industries.

Key sectors that drive the city’s growth include:

International trade and shipping
Film and television production
Real estate and construction
Software, technology, and startups
Energy and natural resources
Tourism and hospitality

The Port of Vancouver is Canada’s busiest, making the city a vital access point for trade between Canada and Asia. With many companies setting up offices here, especially in the service and financial sectors, it’s no surprise that Vancouver is often considered Canada’s Pacific business seat.

For digital entrepreneurs and tech-focused founders, the region offers fertile ground. Vancouver is home to a growing startup ecosystem, with platforms and incubators that support development in artificial intelligence, cleantech, SaaS, and gaming.

As a businessman, understanding which industries are thriving and how they connect to global markets is key. Whether you're in video production, estate investment, platform development, or energy services, Vancouver is a place where momentum leads to success.

2. A Hot Tech and Startup Scene

Vancouver has quietly become one of the most exciting tech hubs in Canada. It now ranks alongside Toronto and Montreal when it comes to workforce size and funding availability.

Here’s what makes it so attractive:

A rapidly growing pool of software engineers, developers, and data scientists
Competitive salaries and benefits that lure top talent
A multicultural, multilingual workforce that supports global expansion
Strong government support for startups
Direct access to U.S. markets (Seattle is just a short flight away)

Many Vancouver-born companies have made global headlines, and international tech giants continue to expand their local offices here. From mobile games to cloud infrastructure, the city is full of innovation and disruption.

There’s also a strong ecosystem of startup accelerators, pitch nights, and events—making Vancouver a great place to build a business from scratch. If you’re entering the Canadian market or scaling a business with a North American footprint, this city should be on your radar.

The combination of talent, accessibility, and energy makes it ideal for any industry that values agility and growth.

3. The High Cost of Living and Real Estate

Here’s the reality: Vancouver is expensive. And while the city’s beauty and opportunity are undeniable, they come with a price tag.

Whether you’re buying a house, leasing an office, or renting a one-bedroom downtown, costs are among the highest in Canada. Detached homes average over $2 million. Condos sit around the $750,000 mark, and rents for a one-bedroom apartment can easily exceed $2,500 a month.

These housing costs directly affect salaries, employee expectations, and business overheads. If you’re relocating staff or building a team, be prepared to offer compensation that reflects the city’s cost of living.

Even outside housing, groceries, transportation, and services are more expensive than in most Canadian cities. However, this is partially balanced by public health care, a strong education system, and a stable political climate.

For business owners, this means planning ahead—especially when it comes to:

Renting office space in the city core
Offering competitive pay to retain top talent
Building real estate into your long-term investment strategy

Despite the premium, many companies stay and expand in Vancouver because the benefits still outweigh the price. The energy of the city, combined with its opportunities, makes it a valuable market for professionals ready to commit.

4. Global Connectivity and Accessibility

Location matters—and Vancouver nails it.

The city is a transportation and logistics powerhouse, with deep connections across Canada, the U.S., and the Asia-Pacific region. That’s a big deal for businesses looking to scale or operate internationally.

Here’s what you need to know:

Air travel: Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is Canada’s second-busiest airport and a major gateway to Asia, with nonstop flights to Beijing, Tokyo, Manila, and beyond.
Seaport access: Vancouver’s port handles hundreds of billions of dollars in trade annually, connecting the province to major global supply chains.
Rail and road: Freight corridors link Vancouver directly to Toronto, Calgary, and key U.S. cities.
Time zone advantages: Working in Pacific Standard Time makes it easier to communicate with Asia in the morning and North America through the afternoon.

For digital entrepreneurs and international investors, this means Vancouver is a great launchpad for cross-border trade, meetings, and strategic growth. Whether you’re flying in partners or shipping products, the infrastructure is already in place.

This global reach, combined with excellent local services, gives Vancouver an edge for anyone looking to build a company with reach beyond Canada’s borders.

5. Culture, People, and Work-Life Balance

One of Vancouver’s biggest business advantages is its people. The city is deeply multicultural, with over 30% of its population foreign-born. This makes it easy to integrate, recruit internationally, and build diverse, dynamic teams.

The culture here is professional but relaxed. Work-life balance is respected, with plenty of room for outdoor activities, community involvement, and creative expression.

Locals are proud of their sports teams like the Canucks, and the arts and media scene is vibrant. Vancouver’s digital content creators, tech bloggers, and influencers regularly shape trends across Canada and the U.S.

When it comes to the business environment, here’s what you can expect:

A growing number of co-working spaces, professional meetups, and industry events
Access to high-quality business services, from accountants to developers
An emphasis on sustainability, community, and innovation
A stable, inclusive, and safe society with strong public infrastructure

If you’re moving from abroad, settling in is relatively straightforward. English is the primary language, the healthcare system is robust, and the people are friendly. Whether you're setting up a new office or building a life here with your family, Vancouver provides the stability and support systems to make your goals achievable.

The city’s media coverage, business articles, and success stories continue to attract professionals who value both lifestyle and career development. And with new developments popping up across the province, from Griffiths Avenue to Jessel Drive, Vancouver continues to evolve as a center of business activity.

Conclusion: Ready to Build Your Future in Vancouver?

Living and working in Vancouver gives you access to one of Canada’s most vibrant cities—rich in opportunity, innovation, and diversity. Yes, the cost of living is high, but so is the potential for growth. Whether you're diving into tech, real estate, trade, or digital platforms, the resources are here.

As someone who has helped many professionals make the move, I can tell you: success in Vancouver is absolutely possible—if you have the right guidance.

If you’re thinking about launching or relocating your business in Vancouver, get in touch.
I’m Adam Chahl, and I specialize in helping professionals and investors get established in this city. Whether it’s finding the right neighbourhood, evaluating the market, or connecting you to local service providers, I can help you make smart, strategic decisions.

Let’s talk about how to make Vancouver work for you.

Posted by Adam Chahl on July 2nd, 2025