Vancouver is one of those cities that looks like it’s straight out of a postcard. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains, it blends big-city living with natural beauty in a way that few other places in Canada do. But if you’re a newly married couple thinking of making the move, there’s a lot to consider beyond the scenery.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key things every couple should know — from cost of living and housing to jobs, transit, lifestyle, and community. Let’s dive in.
The Cost of Living: Is It Worth It?
Let’s start with the biggest conversation starter: cost. Vancouver is consistently ranked as one of the most expensive cities in Canada — and in the world. For couples just starting out, this can be a tough pill to swallow.
Here’s a breakdown of typical monthly expenses:
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Rent: One-bedroom apartments can cost between $2,300 and $2,600 per month.
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Utilities: Basic services (electricity, water, garbage, heating) are around $220–230 monthly.
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Groceries: Expect to spend $900 to $1,000 a month on food for two.
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Transportation: A monthly transit pass starts at about $107 for one zone.
Buying a home? Be ready for sticker shock. Even small condos average around $800,000, while detached homes in the city are often well over $1 million. If buying is on your radar, start saving early and consider areas outside the downtown core, like Burnaby, New Westminster, or North Vancouver.
Many couples find that combining finances helps make life here more manageable. Whether you rent or buy, sharing costs is almost a necessity.
Job Opportunities and Work Life
Despite the high cost of living, Vancouver’s job market is strong and full of opportunities — especially for skilled professionals. Key industries include:
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Technology: Vancouver is home to a growing tech scene with startups and major players like Amazon and Microsoft.
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Film & TV Production: Often called “Hollywood North,” the city has a booming entertainment industry.
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Healthcare: Hospitals and clinics provide job openings in nursing, administration, and support services.
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Tourism and Hospitality: Hotels, restaurants, and attractions are constantly looking for staff.
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Trade and Port Services: The Port of Vancouver is a major hub for logistics and shipping.
If you have experience or education in any of these sectors, finding a good job might be easier than expected. That said, competition is fierce, so it’s wise to line up interviews or send out applications before making the move.
Renting vs Buying a Home
Housing is a hot topic for all Vancouverites — not just newlyweds.
Renting: For many young couples, this is the most accessible option. Most apartments are modern, well-kept, and in buildings with amenities like gyms or common areas. Just be prepared for a fast-paced rental market. Listings go quickly, and vacancy rates are low.
Buying: The dream of owning a home in Vancouver is still alive, but it takes planning and saving. A healthy down payment, good credit, and pre-approval from a lender are all essential. Some couples find better options by buying in nearby areas and commuting into the city.
Whether you rent or buy, choosing the right neighbourhood is key. Downtown living offers walkability and amenities, while areas like Kitsilano or Mount Pleasant have a more laid-back, community feel.
Getting Around: The SkyTrain and Beyond
One of the best things about living in Vancouver is how easy it is to get around — especially without a car.
The SkyTrain is a fast, reliable rapid transit system with three main lines that cover much of Metro Vancouver. Trains run from early morning until late at night, and stations are located near many residential and commercial areas.
Other transit options include:
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Buses: Extensive coverage and real-time schedules.
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SeaBus: A scenic ferry from downtown to North Vancouver.
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Bike lanes and walking paths: Vancouver is very pedestrian and bike friendly.
If you’re commuting from the suburbs, the SkyTrain makes it easy to live outside the city without losing touch with it.
The Lifestyle: Parks, Food, and Fun
Here’s where Vancouver really shines. The city is full of activities and events that make life exciting, especially for couples building a new life together.
Parks and Nature
From iconic Stanley Park to local beaches like Jericho and Kits, Vancouver offers endless ways to enjoy the outdoors. Go hiking on the North Shore, rent bikes and ride the seawall, or picnic in Queen Elizabeth Park. There’s no shortage of green space.
Food Scene
Vancouver’s food scene is world-famous. You’ll find everything from sushi and dim sum to ramen, tacos, and vegan cafés. It’s the perfect place for foodies. Granville Island’s Public Market is a fun weekend stop, and local restaurants showcase global cuisines that reflect the city’s multicultural makeup.
Cultural Events
There’s always something going on — outdoor concerts, fireworks, film festivals, and seasonal events. Vancouver has a vibrant arts community, so you can check out live music, comedy, art galleries, or even opera.
Community and Connection
Vancouver is known for its diversity. Nearly half the population is made up of immigrants or second-generation Canadians, and that creates a rich, welcoming community.
Couples moving to the city will find plenty of community centres, meet-up groups, and activities designed to help newcomers feel at home. Whether it’s yoga in the park, volunteering, or joining a cooking class, there’s no shortage of ways to meet people.
If you're worried about feeling isolated in a big city, know this: Vancouver has a reputation for being polite, calm, and inclusive. It might take a little time to make close friends, but the opportunities to connect are there.
Healthcare and Services
As BC residents, you and your spouse will be covered by the provincial healthcare system. Most services are public and free at point of use, including hospital visits and general doctor checkups.
Major hospitals like Vancouver General and St. Paul’s offer high-quality care. There are also walk-in clinics, dental offices, mental health support programs, and community health centres across the city.
For added peace of mind, many couples invest in extended health benefits through work or a private insurer to help cover dental, prescriptions, and eye care.
Education and Long-Term Planning
If starting a family is in your future, Vancouver has excellent public and private schools, as well as daycares and early childhood education programs.
Post-secondary institutions like UBC, SFU, and BCIT are also located here, offering world-class programs. Whether one of you is planning to go back to school or you’re thinking about kids down the line, Vancouver offers strong education infrastructure.
The Environment and Weather
Vancouver is known for its clean environment and green mindset. Recycling and composting are the norm, and many buildings are built with sustainability in mind.
Weather-wise, here’s the deal: winters are mild, but rainy. Expect long stretches of grey skies from November to March. On the bright side, snow is rare in the city and spring comes early. Summers, on the other hand, are incredible — sunny, warm, and full of life.
If you're outdoorsy, you'll love that you're never far from a beach, forest, or mountain. For couples who enjoy hiking, skiing, kayaking, or biking, this city is a dream.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
Pros:
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Beautiful natural environment
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Strong job market
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Top-tier healthcare and education
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World-class food and entertainment
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Reliable public transit
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Welcoming, multicultural community
Cons:
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High housing and living costs
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Competitive rental market
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Long, wet winters
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Traffic during rush hour
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Challenging for single-income households
So, Is Vancouver Right for You?
If you and your partner value nature, culture, diversity, and city life, Vancouver can offer you an amazing start to married life. It's a place where you can grow your careers, build a home, and enjoy a rich lifestyle together.
But you’ll want to be smart about budgeting and make sure you have a solid plan. Whether that means renting for a few years or looking outside the city center, there are many ways to make Vancouver work for your situation.
At the end of the day, Vancouver offers a high quality of life — and for many newlyweds, that’s worth the extra cost.
Would you like help finding your first home in Vancouver? I’m here to help you take the next step confidently.
Posted by Adam Chahl on
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