Everything you need to know about living, working or studying in Vancouver

Housing in Vancouver is expensive. It costs at least CA$850-$1,000 per month for shared accommodation in a good area.

Youth hostels

There is no shortage of youth hostels. Use Booking and Hostelworld to compare hostels and see ratings and reviews by people who have stayed there.

Shared accommodation

There’s no better way to immerse yourself in the “local” culture than staying in shared accommodation. Whether you choose to share accommodation with other backpackers or Vancouverites, it will be an enriching experience.

However, it is better to wait until you are there before committing to any long-term shared accommodation (the same goes for signing leases on apartments if you want to live alone). You will know straight away in person if you get along with the other roommates, if the accommodation suits your needs or if you like the neighbourhood.

Apartments

Here are some websites that will be useful to you when finding an apartment, furnishing it or finding roommates:

• Craigslist
• UVRentsline
• Kijiji

Subletting

Subletting or subleasing can be an ideal option: it is completely legal in Canada. To be protected and in good standing, all you need to do is sign a lease with the tenant and confirm the owner is aware and agrees to the sublet. This is a practical solution because it will save you from buying furniture, paying for a telephone line and internet plan (generally the tenant continues to pay for this), and it is relatively easy to secure for a few weeks or months.

Finding the right apartment is the same process as in any other country. Check the condition of the plumbing and electricity, as well as the insulation. If everything looks good to you, sign the contract!

Basement apartments

Basement apartments are relatively common in Canada. They are generally less expensive because they are a little noisier, darker and, often, humid.

To find out your rights and duties as a tenant, consult the province of British Columbia government website or the Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre.

Rent prices

This will depend on the area you want to live in and the type of accommodation or room you are looking for.

Vancouver is an attractive city and, therefore, real estate prices are very expensive!

For shared accommodation, expect to pay a minimum of CA$800 for a decent room in the city centre and Kitsilano. To pay CA$600-700 or less, you will have to head towards neighbourhoods further east or further south. Look out for deals and, with a little luck, you might find that rare gem.

For an apartment in the city, you will have to pay at least CA$2,000-$2,500 per month for a one bedroom. Prices rise quickly in the city centre and you have to be careful, as some listings do not include furniture. Think about your choices carefully because the cost of furnishing and resale when you leave can be stressful, so you may prefer furnished accommodation.

Prices will always be cheaper if you choose the solution of living in a basement. Some people on a limited budget who want to live in the city centre can also rent a den in an apartment. What is a den? It’s simply a small room without windows! Rent is so high in certain neighbourhoods that tenants will rent out dens or even their living room or solarium for the price of a normal bedroom in another neighbourhood.

It is up to you to make your choice. Remember that the further you go from the city centre, the cheaper the prices and the bigger the rooms or apartments.

Sometimes people post an ad offering a room or apartment for rent on Craigslist or Kijiji, but do not respond to the emails you send from these sites. If you find an ad with a personal phone number or email address, you will probably have a better chance of getting a response.

For more information, read our guide to Finding accommodation in Canada.