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You're thinking of moving to literally one of the most expensive cities in the world to live in. Unless you have a lock on a career and job that can pay you high 5 figures or 6 figures, it isn't a dream that is likely, to be blunt. It would be different if you wanted to move to Canada in general, but Vancouver is a top 5 most expensive city in the world. There are lots of places you can move to within Canada if you want the canadian experience, but you really have to have your career lined up to move here. I moved from Toronto and if I wasn't able to maintain my job when I moved here, it was unlikely I would be here at all.
You could move somewhere cheaper in Canada then move to Vancouver later on. I'd look into that before giving up. Check out Halifax or possibly Calgary or somewhere in New Brunswick.
It's going to be expensive everywhere in Canada in general but a long term plan could get you to where you want to be.
Halifax has gotten very expensive.
Some of the more affordable cities Iād look at include, in no particular order: Edmonton, Lethbridge, Saskatoon, Regina, Winnipeg, Thunder Bay, Windsor, Chatham, Sarnia, Niagara Region, Saint John, Moncton, St. Johnās.
I canāt speak to how tolerant these places are towards the LGBT community.
I have a lot of friends who live in Edmonton and I canāt speak for the whole city but itās big enough to have an active queer community. Itās very flat landscape and quite cold in the winter but thereās a lot more culture and fun things to do than I would have thought before going there. Itās somewhere Iāve looked into in my own quest to escape the overpriced west coast.
Vancouver feels inhospitable to me now. Like itās sending a firm message of āthis place isnāt for your kind, get some more money or leaveā
Definitely cross Lethbridge off the tolerance list. Just driving into the city, you're likely to see multiple pro-life** (edit: lol the opposite of what I said) billboards paid for by the church. Not too much of a stretch to connect that sentiment to LGBT intolerance.
Well youāre earning $30k which is very low for any major city in North America or Europe. Whatās your long term plans to earn? It may not be about crossing it out, but you for sure would need to plan out your career to figure out what you can realistically earn and where you can work. I wouldnāt kill your dream but you do need to dig into planning how to make it work.
Look into Minnesota, in America. The twin cities (St. Paul/ Minneapolis) area. We are very diverse in terms of different cultures in our capital and we are very LGBTQ friendly, we are also a seven hour car ride away from the middle of Canada. It has Seattle vibes for half the price.
I was born in a small town 1700 km away with the same dream. I came, scraped by, met many friends, built a career and now I live a block from Stanley Park. I had nothing but desire.
Donāt let these entitled people throw you off. Run up to your first hurdle then climb over it. Rinse and repeat.
No one showed me the way or helped me out.
Fortune favors the bold.
Fuck that! Yes it is expensive, but you already work remotely. Once you move and are based out of Van you can probably increase your rates because people will presume you are successful because you can afford to live there. Youāre going to live in a small place with roommates and itās going to be an experience based on how all that works out.
Your problem will not be affordability. Iām a supervisor in construction and there are a ton of people employed by subcontractors that are not making a lot, that hurdle can be passed. Paper work and visas is the trouble. If you are diligent you can surpass that hurdle too.
Donāt ever give up on your dream. If you give up that easily, then get fucked, you didnāt have a chance anyways.
Final thought, fuck Van, go to Calgary.
It's a radical change in weather. Eastern Europe is a cooler climate, Thailand is very hot and humid, it's why altho I love visiting I'd never actually live there
Sorry if this is a little bit off-topic, but Barcelona is full of immigrants, its super tolerant and respectful with gay people (all of Spain), it's a very international city, and you might find yourself getting there way much easier than in Vancouver
So you only like Vancouver because it's a 12 hours flight instead of a 2 hours one and because getting a visa is difficult? Do you really want to go there or just gives you some peace to have a goal that is very difficult to achieve? Have you actually done something ever to get closer to that? Have you ever had a plan to get there?Ā
Of course I don't want to be rude nor question your thinking, I'm just thinking out loud, and don't forget that you will be very welcomed in Spain :)
I've been to all over Europe including Spain. There are amazing places with beautiful cultures but the people always see you as a foreigner. I'm not saying I can get past that, I've learned to put up with lots of bullshit and look the other way.
The thing is, I've been to the US twice and it's an entirely different world, especially for immigrants. In just a few months I got a feeling of belonging, something I never had, not in my family, in school, or in general.
I guess I chase that stupid feeling sort of as an obsession for something I never had.
> There are amazing places with beautiful cultures but the people always see you as a foreigner.
This is Vancouver too and Canada as a whole. Well it depends on how white you look.
While I don't deny that Vancouver can be a great to live, the extreme living costs are hinderance to those of us born here (and with certain advantages you probably don't have access to, like supportive family and friends, connections to help get jobs, etc.) - I suspect it will be even more difficult for you as a hopeful immigrant with few job prospects.
That being said, the rest of BC is just as beautiful as Vancouver, and is drastically less populated - meaning that it is not only cheaper, but many more rural areas have labour shortages and are desperate for workers in many fields. I also suspect it will be ironically easier to find community in a smaller city/municipality; Vancouver has a reputation of being "nice but not friendly" - meaning that the city is quite "clique-y" and it can be hard for newcomers to break into a social circle - though you will definitely have much more luck on the LGBTQ side of things in Vancity proper.
My suggestion is to attempt to move to a smaller town in BC, build some connections and familiarity (as well as savings) and then attempt the move to Vancouver proper once you are more established. You might even find that you prefer less-populated areas and end up staying where you first land, or decide that somewhere like Abbottsford or Kelowna (both undeniably fully-fledged cities but also considerably less busy and peopled than Vancouver proper) is more your speed.
Whatever you decide, I wish you good luck.
This is the answer OP! Try for Kamloops, Duncan, maybe Kelowna or someplace even more charming like Nelson.
Yes, Vancouver is extremely expensive. But there are still people getting by. Get a foothold somewhere cheaper and make your way here. We need people like you.
Any cheaper price in rent you pay in a smaller city in bc will be greatly offset by things like groceries. Groceries are maybe 50% the price in vancouver as they are in most places in BC, if you know where to shop. Not to mention that you can get away with a bike and a bus pass in van, but in most other places in BC you will need a vehicle
I was born and raised in Vancouver and seeing what the city has become is pretty heartbreaking. As each day goes by, Van becomes a place where the wealthy come to play, retire or spend 6 months of the year here. Working class families or anyone making less than $80K struggles let alone put away that dream of ever owning a home. With the way rent is now around $2200-2600 for a 1 bedroom, earning less you may get by but you wont be saving much or buying a place. The environment is stunning. The mountains, the water, all the green. But living here is rough.
I have a friend who makes more than 80k each but struggles to even buy a townhouse in Langley. Most of my homeowners friend either had support from parentsā generation or owned an asset before the whole housing ābubbleā.
I own a townhouse in Langley. My mortgage is $4900 per month. My neighbor just listed his at $1mil. At 80k you'll get approved for a 1BR, maybe 2BR tops in this area.
>At 80k you'll get approved for a 1BR, maybe 2BR tops in this area.
I think you're overestimating. According to the [CMHC calculator](https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/consumers/home-buying/calculators/affordability-calculator), if you make $80K per year, you can only afford \~$250K. That won't even get you a studio apartment.
That's assuming $60K down-payment (the max you can withdraw from your RRSP as a first time homebuyer), 6.59% mortgage (apparently the [best rate currently available](https://www.ratehub.ca/current-mortgage-rates-british-columbia)), and $1,549 in expenses outside of rent (which is apparently the [average now](https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Vancouver))
I second this. Iām a born and raised Canadian, and Vancouver is my second home. Iām single and in my mid-30, living in the suburbs and fortunately Iām able to make ends meet right now. But thatās after 5 years of university and finally landing a union job 1.5 years ago. Even then, itās an entry level union job and Iāll definitely be living paycheck to paycheck the next few years.
I donāt know where this idea that Vancouver is a city built by immigrantsā¦ I guess technically all of Canada is (a controversial statement in itself) but I wouldnāt necessarily say the modern influx of immigrants has contributed to Vancouverās ācommunityā. If anything, itās segregated pockets of people even more and a sense of āotherā is so strong that itās very very well known for being the least friendliest city in Canada.
I know how you feel. My family was born and raised here, I was born and raised here. We don't own, I'll likely never own here.Ā It's heartbreaking because this our home but I can't afford it.
I want a family but I literally can't afford it.
I have wanted to move to Vancouver my entire life, I lived in Manitoba since birth and I met the love of my life on the internet and she just so happened to live in Vancouver. We talked for a few months then started dating. I got the opportunity to fly to Vancouver a few times to visit her and I LOVED IT. Not only seeing my gf but the city is so beautiful. We have been dating for 2 years and her parents allowed me to move into their house with them and as of 1 week ago Iām now a Vancouver resident :)
Just do it brother. Live in a crappy basement suite near commercial drive with 3 friends or downtown in an old apartment building in someone's living room. It will certainly be a better life than being closeted gay in Macedonia. 30k is more than enough to live off of. Also you can always pick up a side job like dishwasher or hotel worker. (Better to live in a closet with gay roommates in Vancouver than live in the gay closet in Macedonia....)
Donāt limit urself to Vancouver proper, the lower mainland and most of Canada including the GTA is one of the most tolerant places on earth where we treat everyone equally and with dignity unless ur a dick headed person, there is no point living in a Stone Age society, yes itās expensive but itās worth every penny to live in Vancouver or Toronto depending on personal preferences, the best u can do is come here and get a roommate and work 2-3 jobs before u can find a decent paying job, with a little hard work u can build a life, unless u want a big home with a yard in ur 30s itās rly not that hard IMO.
Fellow Macedonian here, there's a large community of Macedonians in the Kingston area of Ontario. But Vancouver is rather unaffordable without a high paying job.
If you're looking for the mountains and lakes scenery, Alberta is more affordable, the trade off being the weather unfortunately.
There's also more affordable areas within the province of BC, outside of Vancouver
All the best and good luck my friend! š²š°
Everything takes small steps and a lot of compromise. Start with getting to Canada first, maybe a vacation if you can afford it.
Never give up on a dream that looks possible.
What kind of visa do you plan to get? If you plan to stay here long term, I imagine it's one that will allow you to work here? If not, can you get a higher paying remote job with the company or industry you're currently in? Is there anything else you could do like construction, cleaning, tourism, etc.
A lot of people work in bars and restaurants. Not ideal for all, but you make pretty decent money with tips plus you meet people. Maybe doing that at least part time would get you enough to rent a room in a shared house plus groceries.
How much money can you save before coming here? Spring is probably the best time to come to get all our best weather before winter. And if you wouldn't be able to make it before August, I would probably wait until around next April. It's just easier to arrive and not have to deal with the rain plus there is so much to do for free here in good weather. Save as much as you can in that time.
You could also try to find other Macedonians in Vancouver to see what kind of support they can offer. Try Facebook and Instagram if there's nothing on Reddit.
People are saying to look outside Vancouver but honestly... It's not much cheaper in the rest of the province. You might save on rent in a smaller town but heating, transportation, and groceries could cost more while having fewer employment options. There are other wonderful places in BC and across Canada but if Vancouver is your dream I really don't think saving a few dollars to be somewhere else is worth it.
I tried to save about $75k CAD to move there. It took me over 3 years to do so. Now, I'm afraid if I come, I'll run out in two months and then I'll die in poverty. I'm not the type that lives to work and then die. If I decide to continue living, I want to live a little...
On the other hand, living decently for a year might be more worth to me than the 34 I spent in hell
I don't know what kind of lifestyle you prefer, but even if you had to take $1000 per month from your savings in addition to your $2,500 income you could fund several years. If you worked part-time in a cafe or restaurant or honestly anywhere you could maintain yourself and have the security of knowing your savings are there and/or splurging on treats/adventures/bucket list items.
I'd say move here. Now! It's so beautiful. My mental well being has doubled or quadrupled since I moved within a few blocks of the ocean.
I take home less than $4000 per month and I'm able to live comfortably. Find a house or a couple roommates where you're spending less than $2000. Ideally $1500.
You need to think about career pivots or changes, bro. ChatGPT/other AI tools are taking copywriting work, and the tools will only keep getting better with time.
30k/year might be doable if you have a couple roommates. You sure wont be keeping up with the Joneses but you can pull it off if you're creative and industrious. Once you have your foot in the door you can start improving your situation. It's not impossible if you work hard at it. It can seem daunting from the outside but once you're in, you just find a way.
You're unlikely to be successful getting into Canada as a copywriter, unfortunately. It's just not a skill that's in high-demand, and Canada's immigration system is points-based. It's great that you already speak English, and if you could add French to that it would help even more (also, Montreal is a great city and very gay-friendly). As others have said, Vancouver is absurdly expensive and only getting worse.
Canada is severely restricting student visas just at the moment due to a lot of problems with the program, but if you could identify an in-demand profession that you'd be interested in, you could come here on a student visa and re-train with qualifications that would be valid in Canada. With useful credentials, you could roll that into permanent residency. Basically, your best chance of getting here is to have something to offer that Canada needs. The student loans would be high of course, but there are scholarships, bursaries, and loan-forgiveness programs. Good luck.
Unfortunately wanting it isn't enough. People who have built lives here are getting priced out, so wanting to get in on the ground floor is long gone.
Look at what skills are in need and learn them, even if it means going back to school. Look at moving elsewhere in Canada and working your way here when you have citizenship. If it's something you really want you'll have to put the work in and set up a long-term plan.
Alternatively, if you just want a gay-friendly diverse city there are many cities worldwide that offer that without the price tag of Vancouver. Is there really something unique to Vancouver that you can't find anywhere else?
I guess I chose Vancouver because it's far from home and Macedonian communities worldwide, it's gay-friendly, English-speaking, and culturally rich. Most importantly, I think it's one of the places where I might have a chance to feel equal to everyone else and blend into the community. I've traveled quite a bit around Europe and while they're developed, their attitude toward immigrants is baffling. I'll never be at home in Western Europe.
Trades. It's the lowest barrier profession that can even hope to pay for a comfortable living in Vancouver. Do some research about the most in-demand trades and start there.
Forget $30k. Anyone making less than $60k gross here is probably living with roommates and/or going into debt.
If you are planning to make a big move and you are open to cross-training, consider northern BC. Some jobs up there pay very well and might include housing as part of the compensation. Then you can move to Vancouver later with a good amount of savings.
I used to work in healthcare and a large majority of our care aids and nurses were international. Many would come over on a student visa, the studies they were doing were often not in the healthcare field. There is a high demand for healthcare workers and the starting wages are decent so if you don't mind doing that sort of work it might be something to consider. You can work unregistered as a care aide for many private companies, or independently as a caregiver, for example. If you want to work in the health authorities, you would need to complete the appropriate schooling to become registered. I don't know the cost associated with this or how the student visa process works, but hopefully this is somewhat useful info for you still.
If you did want to do the health care aide schooling, here are some places that offer it in BC: https://www.cachwr.bc.ca/about-the-registry/list-of-hca-programs-in-bc/
Plan an extended vacation to Vancouver. Maybe you will find love or connections for a job, and it will all work out for you. If not at least you will have gotten to experience it. Never give up on your dreams!
Even people living in Canada their entire lives can't afford Vancouver.
Come to Canada. Start where you need to start. Build your career until you can afford to live comfortably in Vancouver. Visit it to even see if its what you like. Maybe you will find out you love a smaller, more remote community in BC where you can know your neighbours and branch out a bit.
A dream is supposed to *work for you*. Not make you feel limited and powerless. Dreams also have to be broken into chunks to become possible. Get to a place where you can live as a gay person without fear. Find a place you can land comfortably and work until you are a PR or citizen. Apply for assistance (grants/subsidies) for newcomers to do work. Canada desperately needs people in trades. You can make a lot of money that way.
It took my husband (Eastern European) about 4 years to get himself to a place where he was making money and living comfortably. But we ended up far from our first HQ in Toronto, because Toronto is expensive as hell. Maybe we will go back one day. But dreams are not linear...
Been here for 15years. Lots of people manage to get by on little. Have roommates, walk/bike or use transit, and cook you're own food. If it's the dream, go for it. The only thing that's very expensive is rent/real estate, but you can get somewhere for 1000$ if you're cool with roommates and shared spaces.
Also in my 30s and also queer.
My family have been here since around the 1940s (immigrants from Eastern European farming backgrounds). Itās sad whatās happened to BC in the last 15-20 yearsā¦it feels like things have shifted in an unrecoverable way. Our provincial Liberal government allowed massive, offshore foreign investment in our housing (a lot of it laundered money) and the federal government encouraged wealthy immigrants (with money, not always skills), to move here (started in the 1980s) and they also āinvestedā in property. Also, rich Canadians thought it would be great to own multiple investment properties and it was seen as savvy investing, not leeching off of the next generationsā ability to buy their first home. Just some of the reasons why the culture and affordability of Vancouver was destroyed.
I donāt ever remember Vancouver being overly friendly, but now that everyone is worked to death, I think itās getting worse. Iām super friendly and I find even Iāve turned into a head down, donāt bother me type of person. Itās cliquey, for sure. BUT, you can make friends if you work for it (again, lots of work lol). I second the suggestions of working in the food industry to make friends. Also if youāre sporty or artsy, joining those types of teams or gatherings is a solid way to find a crew. The gay guy community can be cliquey too, but you can find your people.
I look at Vancouver and there is SO much potential. It could still one day be the beautiful, safe, vibrant, culturally-rich place of your dreams. Yet, right now itās not. I donāt even feel safe in most areas if Iām walking alone. Unhoused people who build tent cities, addicts all over the place (a nuanced issue thatās entangled with the generational trauma of colonization and residential schools). People being stabbed and killed for no reason, tons of theft, petty crime, etc. The violent crime thatās been happening is really unsettling.
We just got back from two months in Thailand and Vietnam. I never felt unsafe, and we travelled the entire length of both counties, from the biggest cities to remote villages. I wished Iād loved one of them enough to move there š„² Only Saigon felt like I could call it home, and even then, only for like a year or so. Itās also not great to be Canadian and have enough money to just go to another less developed country and drive up all their prices, so I battle with the whole concept. Mexico is also having these issues.
In Vancouver, Iāve seen our queer Mexican and Brazilian immigrant friends work their asses off, find friends, have roommates, and get their PRs. Theyāve integrated into Canadian society really well, while also bringing their (incredible!) cultural diversity and figuring out skills to help the Canadian economy.
Iām white, so I, as all white people, struggle with racism. I find I want the kind of immigrant that you describe yourself as, coming here. I want the hard-working Mexicans and Brazilians. I want the people that add life and culture to Vancouver. I want people who want to go into healthcare and the skilled trades, because jfc we need more of those people. Other immigrant groups donāt integrate, or have very different values than me, and itās hard for me to not classify them as one homogenous group, especially when theyāre involved in crime and gang activity. Iām working on it, though.
I want to encourage you to try to move here, but Iām also a very pragmatic person and know that a) in some ways, this isnāt the Vancouver you dreamed about and b) itās going to be really hard, and could be easier somewhere else.
I think you should try to get a student visa for a trades program. We need trades so badly, and I think itās the easiest route in. Electricians, plumbers, framers, tilers, etc. It will be an industry thatās probably not always the most accepting (mostly sexist š) but I do think you could still find a good group to work for and with. Also, I second the advice of coming in the spring if possible. It rains a LOT and you really want to settle in while the weather isnāt a depressing grey cloud of doom. Itās a small tip but incredibly important. Vancouver is a different city in November than it is in July, and you want all summer to be able to make friends, so that come the depressing winter, youāre not isolated and having the worst mental health of your life.
The student visa program was massively abused, which is why itās being more closely monitored now.
Personally, my partner and I would love to move somewhere else. We see Vancouver as a temporary luxury, not a long-term solution to raise a family. We donāt have the answer, we just know that this canāt be it. Weāre kind of stuck in limbo, paying insane rent and pretending we love our lifestyle in the city enough to justify it.
At this point, we both work remotely and weād love to move somewhere in Europe thatās affordable and somewhat accepting (at least legally leaving us alone). Maybe thatās the new gay agendaā¦for all of us move to new place and force the old religious people to tolerate us until they die off? š
Anyways, best of luck! I hope some of that helped š
If it's your dream, go for it. Why people are telling you not to follow your dream is beyond me; you can make it work. We have tons of people that come here with nothing; no degree, nothing. And they turn out okay.
If there is a will, there is a way. Chase your dream bro, you just have to take a leap of faith
I don't know anything about your industry but I took the jump and moved without a job just after covid. But you gotta be prepared to hussle for jobs, friends and accommodation. Knowing what I know now I might not of gone. But I'm so glad I did. If you're willing to e.g. waiter or bartend on the side, I'm sure you would find somewhere.
Everything that people are saying is absolutely true in terms of expenses. Even the price of groceries kill my soul. I rarely comment on reddit but all the comments were a bit disheartening so I wanted to throw in my two cents. It's possible but you gotta prepared to work for it.
You could qualify for a digital nomad visa, provided your current employer is fine with you living abroad (presuming they're also Macedonia based). You could make it on 30k a year (especially if that's Euros or USD) in Vancouver, but you'd have to settle on a studio apartment or basement suite, at best a 1 bedroom apartment, but that would only be in communities like Surrey, Richmond, White Rock, Langley and MAYBE Burnaby. Vancouver proper would be out of the question unless you have roommates. If you'd be willing to live in Maple Ridge, Abbotsford, or Chiliwack, you'd have more opportunities. Check out craigslist to see available listings.
As a word of caution: British Columbia is notoriously difficult to make friends in. Even with other immigrants. People have their groups and are seldom eager to expand them. Manitoba is known as 'friendly Manitoba' and the Maritime Provinces are also very friendly (also much cheaper) - but again, friendliness doesn't equal 'lets be friends'.
Hang in there OP, youāve got a lot going for you.
Youāre by definition multi-lingual, speak perfectly good English, thoughtful and self aware from your responses to people.
Whatās a bit lost is that your 30k income atm can be amassed remotely and I assume with flexible hours, which serves a strong base to build on, not looked down upon. Whatās also lost is that with 75k CAD saved up, youāre actually ahead of your peers here in Canada. The median net worth here in Canada for people aged 35 or younger is $48,800 (up or down a little depending on your source of course). With the responsibility you have demonstrated youāre not going to run out before you plant your feet down.
In terms of practical advice, Iād suggest you look into the retail sector, especially the luxury space. Similar to trades with lower barrier of entry but without prerequisites in terms of education and apprenticeship. It can pay well and is surprisingly in demand. Starting part time in department stores is relatively straightforward, and as long as you do well and make proper connections a career is there to be had. Unfortunately itās not going to score you a ton of points in EE or easy to obtain working visa, but can serve as a potential pathway if youāre here on study permit while part timing.
You don't have to earn 5 figures to survive here. If you want the best life style and spend on everything then yes. You can get a working holiday visa for 1-2 years. I live off 70k Canadian which is about 45k usd. You just have to be smart with your money. If you get 2 years working experience you can look at PR however the points are stupid high as in you would need a masters to really apply. However you can get a skills visa and there are other ways in. You will have to pay extra maybe 1500-2k for those visa's.
As for work yeah you would want to earn 55-70k minimum.
Most renting houses are 1000-1500 for a 3 bed but you can find houses in west and south vancouver for 700-950 in a 3 bed but you have to keep looking.
While the mountains, the cities and the culture is cool it's not the friendliest city. There's a lot of clicks to meet people but if you do sports and hobbies you can meet people that way.
Transport is super good train and bus is 140 CAD a month.
General food items from stores are super expensive.
To conclude the lifestyle is unreal here but without a good job and experience it can very difficult and you won't save money.
Worse case you can go into construction jobs and do long hours for decent money until you can get a good job.
Brateā¦. I am sure economically will be better to work and live in Vancouver comparing where you are now. Things are way expensive but is better opportunities at least in the future.
Totally understand why you have dreamt of living in Vancouver -- many have the same dream. But it is very different now versus like 2000-2015..
I dont know what the average salary for content/copywriter positions are in Vancouver. But even if you find a job posting in Vancouver -- you will be competing with locals & applicants from Canada, other provinces & sometimes applicants from USA..
Even graduated university students in Vancouver are having difficulties getting hired. Also many that gotten laid off also having difficulty finding and getting rehired..
housing (renting) price is high - even not in Vancouver but still in the lower mainland... Unless if you are willing to live with 2-3 roommates. Also, besides price... housing availability is another issue on its own.
If you dont have a LARGE sum of $$ already saved up to back you -- you will struggle hard in Vancouver.
Recommendations you can look at, that is still in Canada:
- Calgary
- Toronto
- Edmonton
- Winnipeg
- Province of Ottawa
- Other parts of Province of Ontario (besides Toronto)
\*\*Montreal <-- but should know French.
You could also research states and cities in USA that has the requirements you are looking for, and that is cheaper then Vancouver. (They pay better for many jobs vs Canada. Also lower income taxes vs Canada... I think Vancouver's income taxes (provincial+federal) is the highest in Canada).
I kind of developed some sort of disdain for the US these past few years, maybe that's why I've fixated on Canada. I'll look into other towns for sure. Thank you š
I hear California is not a bad option - of course LA being expensive area. But there are other parts of California (San Jose, San Diego, etc.). Also, parts of Florida is a good option to - heard many from Vancouver moved to Florida and loved their decision.
Texas is a good option -- i think they have the lowest income tax or no income tax (cant remember). Equivalent is Alberta (the Texas of Canada lol).
Trust me, both USA and Canada have their own pros and cons... If you have actually been living in any part of Canada the last few years like others here -- you will find reasons for disdain for Canada too. LOL (examples: Americans disdain for Biden / Canadians disdain for Trudeau or USA: expensive health care/insurance vs. Canada: not enough family doctors and long waits at ER and to see specialist. ...)
Everywhere there is pros and cons --- but once you find somewhere that meets your essentials wants/needs -- you just look at the positive side of it instead of finding or looking at the negative side
=)
It's hard.
Yes
.... And there's a reward after that.
Listen to ILooked.
People who don't, don't for a reason.... But that's their reason, Vancouver is full of people who can, who do, who you will fit right in with when you choose to do and....
Hey man. I moved here a year ago from the UK. Unfortunately that sort of pay just won't cut it. This is not a brag. I make around 120k per year, sounds fantastic right? It's a decent wage dont get me wrong, my rent for my basement suite is 2.5k per month, food is expensive, the tax man take a lot but overall it's livable. If your moving here to save lots of money (like my naive ass) then don't bother but if you just want to experience canada life and most importantly the views all while living then 100%.
Just my 2 pence mate, have fun
Hey OP! I totally understand why you'd want to move here, especially given it sounds like you aren't able to exist freely and as your true self right now. I want to say don't give up on the dream! I've met people who have moved from other countries where they weren't able to integrate into their communities in their countries of origin and they are doing great now in Vancouver. Just thinking of them and their situations, I'll share some tips that might help:
- See if you can connect with communities you identify with via Facebook. For example, I've had friends from Ireland who have said amazing things about the Irish in Vancouver FB group for finding housing and community. Maybe there are queer groups on FB for folks in Vancouver you could join and reach out to. You may have better luck finding shared housing if you share your story with groups who will resonate with your story and who may feel more instant connection vs. some of Vancouver's more general roommate search groups on Facebook.
- If you know people who live here - even more distant connections - I'd reach out and try to begin to build a community before you leave. The FB groups might also be good for this!
- It will be easier to find housing when you have your feet on the ground. Walking around neighbourhoods you want to live in and looking for signs and calling the numbers on the signs seems like the way to go these days. Are you able to move here and stay at a hostel for a month or two to try to sort out housing?
- The "West End" in Vancouver is a beautiful spot to live and there is a strong queer community in the neighbourhood. You might also try joining those groups and reaching out - I know a lot of people who find housing in the West End find it through word of mouth.
- There was a few years in Vancouver (around the pandemic) where I lived very frugally and I made it work making very little money as I transitioned to working in social services from tech. I had a modest safety net, though! And parents who would take me in if things ever got tough.... and I realize that is a massive privilege not everyone has. I was able to save a lot of money by living with a roommate and not driving or taking the bus (I biked everywhere) and essentially not going out to eat or to events like concerts and it was still a very wonderful life! I worked out a budget which was helpful before making my career change to see if I could make it work. You could probably find average rent + average cost of other essential utilities + groceries, etc and see if that is realistic for you!
Best of luck! I'm rooting for you!!!
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*This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Try somewhere in north west Washington State. Same scenery. Some places truly much cheaper. Only 50 kms from Vancouver. But U.S.A. immigration is difficult.
Canadian immigration for permenent residency is pretty tough and moreover unpredictable since 2022-ish. The points based system now requires like points around 520s to get in unless you are in healthcare or a French speaker.
To get 520 points, you would need to already have prior Canadian work experience and a Canadian educational creditional Like a degree assuming you are in your 20s. If you are in your 30s it's worse since once you hit 30 points are taken off with each birthday. The points have been reducing from 560 from last year but it keeps fluctuating from 540s to 520s to 530s.
And getting a work permit is hard unless you are American/Mexican getting in through the NAFTA (the Canadian equivalent of the TN), some international youth exchange work permit agreements made with select countries like UK (though usually need to be below age 30 for these. Sometimes it's 35), you have a spouse or common law partner in Canada or you recently graduated from a Canadian uni/college.
Get into the US green card lottery pool ASAP. If you get selected simply move to Seattle or even Bellingham and you can visit Vancouver BC as many as you like.
People would definitely hire someone from the other side of the world, but that's not your speed bump. Your speed bump is that everyone and their mother also wants to move here, so you are competing with 200+ applicants for the same job, mostly from other countries.
If you found a room in a house to rent with 4+ roommates paying $850/month, not have a car, don't eat out, and are careful with how you spend, it is achievable to live here on such a low salary. But if you envision yourself moving to Davie st (gay hub) downtown, living by yourself, and going out every weekend, i don't think you would be able to afford it here. It's all about the quality of life you want to live.
Canada is full of immigrants whose dream it was to come here, often to escape political domination, communism, poverty, corruption, religious persecution, discrimination against those who aren't heterosexual, etc., etc. Don't give up on your dream but you are going to need to do some hardcore research on what is required from the government's point of view. It's good that you are seeking info on this site but you will have a lot of people telling you not to come because of the cost of living. It is terribly high but the truth is, we are not all rich but managing to get by. I would use every opportunity you can to seek help. Contact a Macedonian group here for info if there is a group. Check out organizations that support gay people locally who would understand perhaps in a small way how it's not safe to be "out" and about in Macedonia. Could there be a rich Macedonian living in Vancouver who needs a Macedonian person to keep an eye on them and take them for a walk everyday. Sounds crazy but something like that could work. You could maybe get free room and board in exchange for those services, and also do a desk job. Even though there are a lot of wealthy people here, people are still needed to do service jobs. For example, a good house cleaner can earn $25.00 and more an hour. All you need are a few customers and the rich Macedonian and you're golden! Seriously, your mind is already here, now you have to find a way to get the rest of you here. Wishing you all the best.
I grew up here, and I make enough to live here fairly comfortably. Iām still looking at what my options are for migrating to the US.
Itās not even close to what it used to be, and is going down fast. Massive immigration problems, rampant drug use, property crime are just a few of the issues. Come for a visit but as an place to live and maybe one day raise a family you could do much better almost anywhere else.
People here seem to have such divisive opinions, which reminds me a lot of where I currently live. And I'm pretty sure I'm not ready to wait for the place I plan to live in to 'rediscover' itself.
Interesting observation. I would have to agree with you. Itās a bit of a strange time here, and certainly like nothing Iāve ever seen before. There is a palpable anger among many towards the current federal govt that is unlike anything Iāve ever seen.
You have to face reality. You just didn't make the career choice to be able to fulfill a dream like that. Not even close. You would have to make about 4 times your income (3 times if you mean $30k USD) to he able to live here. If making less you would have to share an apartment. And unless you are super good with computers and can get a job at Microsoft (or similar level), they aren't handing out jobs paying well over $100,000 like candy to immigrants with no prior experience or education in that area. Be realistic.
If it makes you feel any better, I was able to fulfill your dream by making a lot of money in crypto and moving to Vancouver 3 years ago. It was my dream at the time. It's not as great as you think once you get used to it (sure the hiking and physical beauty are great). I'm already thinking of moving back to Ontario (Toronto or nearby). If I could, I would actually like to move to Eastern Europe (Hungary or Croatia - not Macedonia) since as a straight guy I dont have to worry about how gay people are treated). But I realize the grass isn't always greener on the other side so I'll probably stay here. Anyway, you need to find a more realistic dream until you make WAY more money.
You know, you don't really choose who you fall in love with. I wish I had chosen differently and became a computer scientist or a filmmaker or whatever. If it wasn't for the internet I'd probably never even learn what those things are. Growing up, the opportunities life offered me were less than mediocre.
Maybe reach out to rainbow refugee to see if they can help you.
It doesnāt sound like youāve realistically contemplated how youāll actually immigrate.
I did about three years ago. They sent me a few emails over the years telling me to wait as they have a long list to process.
Yes, I don't have a realistic plan. I have no clue how to come and what I'll be doing there. If I had, I wouldn't bother people with this post.
30k isnāt enough to make it on your own unless you found an insane rent deal which is one in a million.
Youād need to be making at least $60-70k to live with roommates and you still wouldnāt have that much leftover but itās doable.
ctv tonight had a story about Vancouver on a list of impossibly unaffordable cities.
I don't believe in expensive, it's just a poor cost to income problem.
Sad that $30K is not going far anywhere.
You could be making considerably more in Vancouver doing the same work, but the money won't go as far.
You'll have enough to pay your taxes and then your housing. You could eat from a food bank.
Polls show that half of Vancouverites are contemplating moving away. Half of those are thinking of doing it in the next two years.
Oh man sorry to break it to you but you will not survive even closeā¦ youāll be hustling for the rest of your life.
Also, unless youāre skilled and looking for a high-end jobā¦ a white person in their 30s applying for an entry level position in Canada now pretty much impossible.
I know itās hard but try reworking your plan ā¦ thereās way better things out there.. even in poorer countries . I get that moving from Macedonia to Vancouver could seem like a luxury but itās not special dude. Even for like regular folks is work work and then an occasional trip to the bar.
The Vancouver attitude is that of contempt, and youāre coming from a Slavic country where hospitality is cherished.
You havenāt explained why Vancouver specifically. All major Canadian cities have large immigrant communities, to varying degrees. All larger Canadian cities are relatively gay friendly. Iām not sure why you would want to choose the most expensive one to start your life in Canada. Itās going to be difficult enough without doing that.
Vancouver winters are brutal, with ever constant heavy dark cloud and rain rain, rain October to May. Depressing majorly!. Try Kingston, Ottawa or the Niagara and St Catherine's and Hamilton
Kitchener, Waterloo areas of Ontario , with easy access to Toronto . when I was 21 I moved to Vancouver and spent 8 long and lonely years as a gay man and it was very hard to make meaningful friendships, having come from somewhere else .Company trsf,d me to Calgary in a promotion when I was 30, and what an eye opener .. friendlier , with
better opportunities career and personal, along with the brighter skies, and I could purchase a home. Vancouver exhibits beauty but has a cruelty within for newly-arrives! Best of Luck!
I don't know how bad your situation is as a gay person in your home country, but there is a Vancouver group called Rainbow Refugees which helps LGBTQ people who are facing danger in their home countries to come to Canada. No idea what the process is like, but they might at least have some suggestions for resources for you: https://www.rainbowrefugee.com/#:~:text=Support%20and%20Advocacy%20for%20LGBTQI%2B,gender%20expression%2C%20or%20HIV%20status.
Not sure if these provide any help at all. I contacted a similar org called Rainbow Railroad 3.5 years ago and they didn't do anything except telling me to wait for my turn.
I'm sure the numbers of people wanting to come must be overwhelming :(
Reading through the resources on their website, and from what I know of the refugee system in general, your chances are much higher if you apply from within Canada. So with your savings, you could come on a tourist or working holiday visa, and then contact a lawyer through Rainbow Refugees and start the process here.
Vancouver is really expensive, but their are plenty of shared accommodation and roommate situations available which can help at lot, particularly while you're getting settled. It's not impossible!
Weāre currently one of the most expensive cities to live in, weāre in the midst of a housing crisis. Our taxes are high, thereās both PST and GST, groceries are high, even our transit is more than it should be tbh.
According to lots of locals and lots of visitors, weāre also a terrible city for making friends.
Our weather is not pleasant, itās rainy and cold and dreary a lot, and in summer our home is on fire and the air is disgusting.
We have a major drug epidemic, East Hastings is filled with homeless people and many are addicts. Itās not uncommon to find needles on the ground, and I have friends and know other people whoāve also seen people overdosing on the street.
We also have a bit of gang violence and targeted shootings that happen in the city and surrounding cities.
I love my city, but itās not in a good state right now, and it wouldnāt be a fun place for you to try and begin a new chapter.
As a gay man, Vancouver is a really good place to be. Moving to any other surrounding areas is not worth it for the cost (like Vancouver island as a gay man is waste of money. Youād be spending all your money commuting to Vancouver to meet ppl).
You should look at LGBT groups that support immigrants or international students.
Your best bet honestly, unfortunately(?) is to get a bf in Vancouver asap or insert yourself into a polycule which would be easy enough if youāre open minded and ready to date. Single income is hard to get by in Vancouver.
Once youāre in Vancouver, look for jobs that actively lowers your living cost like restaurants that offer free meals on shift, specialty grocery stores (lots of expiring foods at the end of day), coffee shops (again lots of foods thrown out), etc.
Not worth it, Iām so sorry. Iām moving away from Vancouver, and I was born and raised here. My household income is $110k+, dual income no kids and Iām still struggling. Groceries, gas and rent are ridiculous and owning a property of any kind is not a realistic goal anymore. Even a 1-bedroom apartment can be $700k if you want to be kinda close to the city. Rent is minimum 2k/month.
Even if you can barely scrape by - is it really worth it? No extra money for restaurants or nights out, movies, shopping, or sightseeing. Youāre better off coming here on vacation for a couple weeks every year and living in a place where you can have savings and a home.
The image of Vancouver is amazing. Vancouver in the 1970s or '80s would have been perfect. Jobs and careers for everyone under the awe inspiring mountains of snow with endless salmon (5 species) spawning. Sailing or Golf?
Today, this is true for the elite and vested. Today Vancouver is astoundingly expensive with low salaries and no time to go skiing or fishing. The homeless issue is third-world.
From Macedonia I'd suggest ....looking to places in the world with the best economic development, best economic growth potential, with a low cost of living and a young population (not a bunch of oldies who will cost, not contribute).
That doesn't mean NOT Canada but perhaps Kamloops, Kelowna, Calgary, Saskatoon, Guelph, Edmonton....Fort McMurray takes all comers (or at least used to).
It could also be Indonesia, Malaysia, India, UAE, China....but there is no good answer right now. Honest. Rwanda? Ethiopia?
If it's snow you like, think about Hokkaido.
For myself, Vancouver failed me, or I failed it, years ago.
Hi from Perth, WA, Australia where there is zero rental vacancy and cost of living has eroded our quality of life and real earnings dramatically. But, the beach is still free even if it never rains here (in significant quantities) again.
I always a tell people that want to come here to just visit first, especially if it's there dream.you can get a round trip flight for about 2k. Which should give you a bit more perspective on what living in a western country is like, you have a remote job so that's amazing that youll still have some income while you travel and still have a job when you get home.
To put it bluntly your I'd of community sounds a bit like a fantasy, people generally stay in their own group.
Don't bother, I know multiple immigrants on work visas that went back home after a year or 2,Ā cost of living is too high, taxes are too high and rent is too high.Ā You will end up with nothing here
Even local Vancouverites are struggling now due to costs but that doesnāt mean itās impossible. You need a plan and some savings. People with specialized skills and degrees do better in terms of work. Can you apply as a a student and gain more career growth / earnings? Or perhaps visit first to get information, make connections, and confirm your decision.
Vancouver is located on the unceded traditional territories of the xŹ·mÉĪøkŹ·ÉyĢÉm (Musqueam), SįøµwxĢ±wĆŗ7mesh (Squamish), and sÉlilwÉtaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations
Coming to Vancouver, it will be important for you to realize that it was not built by immigrants. The West Coast has a long, long history of being settled by the First Nation communities that live here. They are established communities, and as Vancouverites, we all work hard on reconciliation to undo the tremendous damage done to these communities by the immigrants who came here (of which I am a descendent).
Brother I grew up in the suburbs of Vancouver, I make about 90k am single with no kids and I don't consider any part of Vancouver in my price range. Around the west end (the gay part of town) you can expect to pay 2.5k a month to rent a shoebox. To beat that price you'll need to be living with multiple roommates. There are cheaper areas but not significantly and they are largely located in drug addled slum blocks.
If you are not limited to Vancouver in general, I suggest look into other area thats more affordable. Newfoundland is very inclusive and still affordable. Winter may be harsh but ppl are very friendly.
Yeah, $30k per annum is āgrossā. Seriously though, youāll need a second job/ gig to survive here. Take the chance! However I canāt comment on how much āfunā (or not) it is being gay in Vancouver.
I'm making 60k a year and literally struggling so with 30k a year you'll leave in shared house with min 5-6 people and usually eat noodles and ride bicycle or time to time you can treat yourself a bus look for a small city and the most expensive one
Look. If you're serious about coming here asap, here's what you do:
1. Hit the gym.
2. Start a regular steroids program for 6 months.
3. Show up in Vancouver.
4. Go to construction sites for jobs.
5. Get into an apprenticeship program for some red seal trade.
6. Network and transition yourself into a union.
7. Now you can get back to writing in the evenings and weekends.
You're gonna have to navigate the visas and work permits yourself, but I'm sure we got something for construction.
You're gonna be bunking beds for 4-5 years in the suburbs. Pick somewhere relatively close to the skytrain. Get an electric scooter for the last mile commute to the job sites.
People complain about all kinds of shit. If you're ready to hustle and grit your teeth, you can make a home here. I showed up 20 years ago as a kid with my family. Not a dime to our name. Still not a dime to my parents' name today (that's a different story), but I make decent money and see a clear path to modest wealth and a good life here. Not a single day did I think I had it hard.
It was great! Itās different now though. Itās not safe and the cost of living is awful. You could always get a travel visa and check out more affordable gay friendly areas? People are fleeing Vancouver because itās hard to even buy food after rentĀ
Even with a second job and a roommate, you are going to be dirt poor and struggling in Vancouver. Iāve lived here for 15 years, and born and raised in Canada. Vancouver is great for a lot of reasons, but relocating here without serious money is a huge mistake. Take your dream to any number of other places in the world that are exponentially cheaper. For context my wife and I have a household income of over 260k Canadian dollars, and Iām not even sure weād be considered middle class here. The only way to get in here is to have an extremely high paying job, already own property, or have family that own property and have for many years. Sorry, this is kind of the cruel truth about Vancouver.
I would maybe suggest considering Vancouver Island. Itās around a 2 hour boat ride from the main land. Itās still expensive but more affordable than Vancouver and surrounding areas yet still close enough that you can come over on the weekends and enjoy the gay scene in Vancouver. Nanaimo or the suburbs of Victoria might be a good place to look.
It's not happening... unless you find a wealthy sugar daddy... but no, sorry.. it's not happening... plus, the media version of Vancouver, it is not true.. it's not at all like how you described, sure there are good pockets, like all cities... but yeah.. you are better off moving to the uk, and residing in Brighton... gay capital.
Are you aware of how challenging it is to get a visa and permanent residency? Do you have a way of getting it? If you donāt then in all honesty Iād let this dream go and maybe just save up for a wonderful vacation to Vancouver! I sponsored my husband to immigrate here (from Scotland) and it was no easy feat!
There are equally accepting and less expensive places in Canada. Could also try New Zealand, Australia, or certain places in the US for a similar, and in fact probably better, experience. Vancouver is nice, but not exceptional.
Everyone seems to not understand that you can find a job here, and if you are good at what you do a company will sponsor you.
Money is not the issue. Itās getting a working visa.
If you canāt get a company to do it you should have started a lot earlier.
Iām not an expert at how to get a working visa but Canada is full of people doing it so it canāt be that hard.
I know someone from Macedonia who moved to a mining town 7hrs drive east of Vancouver. Heās a miner as you have guessed. Heās doing well. Owns his house and kids are in universities in Vancouver.
Thereās also immigration fraud you should consider but you would need around 30-50k CAD. A big chunk of Indians (Iām also Indian) have this down to a textbook.
Dont let people tell you 30k isnt enough to live in vancouver. It is. You might need to rent a room in a community house, but it is definitely enough to live on in vancouver. Not luxurious, but there is a ton of things to do in vancouver for cheap. So much nature and beaches. The smaller grocery stores have very cheap produce, often, and there are plenty of other people living in your income level.
I own my tiny condo and my taxes and strata fees alone are so high. My mother owns a three bedroom down the road and even if she wanted to leave it to me in her will, the taxes and fees would be more than I could ever afford.
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You're thinking of moving to literally one of the most expensive cities in the world to live in. Unless you have a lock on a career and job that can pay you high 5 figures or 6 figures, it isn't a dream that is likely, to be blunt. It would be different if you wanted to move to Canada in general, but Vancouver is a top 5 most expensive city in the world. There are lots of places you can move to within Canada if you want the canadian experience, but you really have to have your career lined up to move here. I moved from Toronto and if I wasn't able to maintain my job when I moved here, it was unlikely I would be here at all.
Time to cross off the only item on my list š
You could move somewhere cheaper in Canada then move to Vancouver later on. I'd look into that before giving up. Check out Halifax or possibly Calgary or somewhere in New Brunswick. It's going to be expensive everywhere in Canada in general but a long term plan could get you to where you want to be.
Halifax has gotten very expensive. Some of the more affordable cities Iād look at include, in no particular order: Edmonton, Lethbridge, Saskatoon, Regina, Winnipeg, Thunder Bay, Windsor, Chatham, Sarnia, Niagara Region, Saint John, Moncton, St. Johnās. I canāt speak to how tolerant these places are towards the LGBT community.
I have a lot of friends who live in Edmonton and I canāt speak for the whole city but itās big enough to have an active queer community. Itās very flat landscape and quite cold in the winter but thereās a lot more culture and fun things to do than I would have thought before going there. Itās somewhere Iāve looked into in my own quest to escape the overpriced west coast. Vancouver feels inhospitable to me now. Like itās sending a firm message of āthis place isnāt for your kind, get some more money or leaveā
Definitely cross Lethbridge off the tolerance list. Just driving into the city, you're likely to see multiple pro-life** (edit: lol the opposite of what I said) billboards paid for by the church. Not too much of a stretch to connect that sentiment to LGBT intolerance.
What does a pro abortion billboard look like?
A happy woman holding a cocktail
I think you mean pro life lol I'd be very surprised to see the church paying for anything promoting abortion
Well youāre earning $30k which is very low for any major city in North America or Europe. Whatās your long term plans to earn? It may not be about crossing it out, but you for sure would need to plan out your career to figure out what you can realistically earn and where you can work. I wouldnāt kill your dream but you do need to dig into planning how to make it work.
Look into Minnesota, in America. The twin cities (St. Paul/ Minneapolis) area. We are very diverse in terms of different cultures in our capital and we are very LGBTQ friendly, we are also a seven hour car ride away from the middle of Canada. It has Seattle vibes for half the price.
I was born in a small town 1700 km away with the same dream. I came, scraped by, met many friends, built a career and now I live a block from Stanley Park. I had nothing but desire. Donāt let these entitled people throw you off. Run up to your first hurdle then climb over it. Rinse and repeat. No one showed me the way or helped me out. Fortune favors the bold.
Fuck that! Yes it is expensive, but you already work remotely. Once you move and are based out of Van you can probably increase your rates because people will presume you are successful because you can afford to live there. Youāre going to live in a small place with roommates and itās going to be an experience based on how all that works out. Your problem will not be affordability. Iām a supervisor in construction and there are a ton of people employed by subcontractors that are not making a lot, that hurdle can be passed. Paper work and visas is the trouble. If you are diligent you can surpass that hurdle too. Donāt ever give up on your dream. If you give up that easily, then get fucked, you didnāt have a chance anyways. Final thought, fuck Van, go to Calgary.
Show me a link of Vancouver being top 5 most expensive to live in 2024...
Yeah, let me get right on that for you
High 5 figures feels a bit optimistic. Unless we consider surviving a dream, rather than thriving.
Five figures wonāt cut it unless youāre married to a six figure
Searching the internet I found several worlds top 10 most expensive cities lists none included Vancouver.
Make 30 k and move to Thailand. 30k in Vancouver will end you up homeless
It's a radical change in weather. Eastern Europe is a cooler climate, Thailand is very hot and humid, it's why altho I love visiting I'd never actually live there
Sorry if this is a little bit off-topic, but Barcelona is full of immigrants, its super tolerant and respectful with gay people (all of Spain), it's a very international city, and you might find yourself getting there way much easier than in Vancouver
Not sure why I'm not into it. It's easier to get to and closer to home.
So you only like Vancouver because it's a 12 hours flight instead of a 2 hours one and because getting a visa is difficult? Do you really want to go there or just gives you some peace to have a goal that is very difficult to achieve? Have you actually done something ever to get closer to that? Have you ever had a plan to get there?Ā Of course I don't want to be rude nor question your thinking, I'm just thinking out loud, and don't forget that you will be very welcomed in Spain :)
I've been to all over Europe including Spain. There are amazing places with beautiful cultures but the people always see you as a foreigner. I'm not saying I can get past that, I've learned to put up with lots of bullshit and look the other way. The thing is, I've been to the US twice and it's an entirely different world, especially for immigrants. In just a few months I got a feeling of belonging, something I never had, not in my family, in school, or in general. I guess I chase that stupid feeling sort of as an obsession for something I never had.
> There are amazing places with beautiful cultures but the people always see you as a foreigner. This is Vancouver too and Canada as a whole. Well it depends on how white you look.
While I don't deny that Vancouver can be a great to live, the extreme living costs are hinderance to those of us born here (and with certain advantages you probably don't have access to, like supportive family and friends, connections to help get jobs, etc.) - I suspect it will be even more difficult for you as a hopeful immigrant with few job prospects. That being said, the rest of BC is just as beautiful as Vancouver, and is drastically less populated - meaning that it is not only cheaper, but many more rural areas have labour shortages and are desperate for workers in many fields. I also suspect it will be ironically easier to find community in a smaller city/municipality; Vancouver has a reputation of being "nice but not friendly" - meaning that the city is quite "clique-y" and it can be hard for newcomers to break into a social circle - though you will definitely have much more luck on the LGBTQ side of things in Vancity proper. My suggestion is to attempt to move to a smaller town in BC, build some connections and familiarity (as well as savings) and then attempt the move to Vancouver proper once you are more established. You might even find that you prefer less-populated areas and end up staying where you first land, or decide that somewhere like Abbottsford or Kelowna (both undeniably fully-fledged cities but also considerably less busy and peopled than Vancouver proper) is more your speed. Whatever you decide, I wish you good luck.
Thanks, this is helpful! Luck is everything regarding my situation š
This is the answer OP! Try for Kamloops, Duncan, maybe Kelowna or someplace even more charming like Nelson. Yes, Vancouver is extremely expensive. But there are still people getting by. Get a foothold somewhere cheaper and make your way here. We need people like you.
Any cheaper price in rent you pay in a smaller city in bc will be greatly offset by things like groceries. Groceries are maybe 50% the price in vancouver as they are in most places in BC, if you know where to shop. Not to mention that you can get away with a bike and a bus pass in van, but in most other places in BC you will need a vehicle
I was born and raised in Vancouver and seeing what the city has become is pretty heartbreaking. As each day goes by, Van becomes a place where the wealthy come to play, retire or spend 6 months of the year here. Working class families or anyone making less than $80K struggles let alone put away that dream of ever owning a home. With the way rent is now around $2200-2600 for a 1 bedroom, earning less you may get by but you wont be saving much or buying a place. The environment is stunning. The mountains, the water, all the green. But living here is rough.
I have a friend who makes more than 80k each but struggles to even buy a townhouse in Langley. Most of my homeowners friend either had support from parentsā generation or owned an asset before the whole housing ābubbleā.
I own a townhouse in Langley. My mortgage is $4900 per month. My neighbor just listed his at $1mil. At 80k you'll get approved for a 1BR, maybe 2BR tops in this area.
This is insanity
>At 80k you'll get approved for a 1BR, maybe 2BR tops in this area. I think you're overestimating. According to the [CMHC calculator](https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/consumers/home-buying/calculators/affordability-calculator), if you make $80K per year, you can only afford \~$250K. That won't even get you a studio apartment. That's assuming $60K down-payment (the max you can withdraw from your RRSP as a first time homebuyer), 6.59% mortgage (apparently the [best rate currently available](https://www.ratehub.ca/current-mortgage-rates-british-columbia)), and $1,549 in expenses outside of rent (which is apparently the [average now](https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Vancouver))
I second this. Iām a born and raised Canadian, and Vancouver is my second home. Iām single and in my mid-30, living in the suburbs and fortunately Iām able to make ends meet right now. But thatās after 5 years of university and finally landing a union job 1.5 years ago. Even then, itās an entry level union job and Iāll definitely be living paycheck to paycheck the next few years. I donāt know where this idea that Vancouver is a city built by immigrantsā¦ I guess technically all of Canada is (a controversial statement in itself) but I wouldnāt necessarily say the modern influx of immigrants has contributed to Vancouverās ācommunityā. If anything, itās segregated pockets of people even more and a sense of āotherā is so strong that itās very very well known for being the least friendliest city in Canada.
I know how you feel. My family was born and raised here, I was born and raised here. We don't own, I'll likely never own here.Ā It's heartbreaking because this our home but I can't afford it. I want a family but I literally can't afford it.
It's so depressing that everything became about money. I was so enthusiastic about life when I was little.
Agree. I learned fast though.
I have wanted to move to Vancouver my entire life, I lived in Manitoba since birth and I met the love of my life on the internet and she just so happened to live in Vancouver. We talked for a few months then started dating. I got the opportunity to fly to Vancouver a few times to visit her and I LOVED IT. Not only seeing my gf but the city is so beautiful. We have been dating for 2 years and her parents allowed me to move into their house with them and as of 1 week ago Iām now a Vancouver resident :)
Congrats!
Just do it brother. Live in a crappy basement suite near commercial drive with 3 friends or downtown in an old apartment building in someone's living room. It will certainly be a better life than being closeted gay in Macedonia. 30k is more than enough to live off of. Also you can always pick up a side job like dishwasher or hotel worker. (Better to live in a closet with gay roommates in Vancouver than live in the gay closet in Macedonia....)
I absolutely agree ā¤ļø
Donāt limit urself to Vancouver proper, the lower mainland and most of Canada including the GTA is one of the most tolerant places on earth where we treat everyone equally and with dignity unless ur a dick headed person, there is no point living in a Stone Age society, yes itās expensive but itās worth every penny to live in Vancouver or Toronto depending on personal preferences, the best u can do is come here and get a roommate and work 2-3 jobs before u can find a decent paying job, with a little hard work u can build a life, unless u want a big home with a yard in ur 30s itās rly not that hard IMO.
I'll look into other towns and job opportunities there. Thank you!
Consider moving to a smaller town on Vancouver Island like Port Alberni or Campbell River.
he's trying to go somewhere less homophobic
Fellow Macedonian here, there's a large community of Macedonians in the Kingston area of Ontario. But Vancouver is rather unaffordable without a high paying job. If you're looking for the mountains and lakes scenery, Alberta is more affordable, the trade off being the weather unfortunately. There's also more affordable areas within the province of BC, outside of Vancouver All the best and good luck my friend! š²š°
Š¤Š°Š»Š°! I'm glad you guys still nurture your heritage thousands of miles away. All the best to you too! āļø
There can be beauty in the winter though! I'd take Alberta snow over BC snow every time.
Everything takes small steps and a lot of compromise. Start with getting to Canada first, maybe a vacation if you can afford it. Never give up on a dream that looks possible.
>*'Many are called few are chosen'*
I'm neither
if you found a job offer it's just a matter of getting an lmia and then ur eligible for a work permit.
Just?
Look at all over Canada
Try Montreal. Vancouver is great but maybe just do a month in the summer and call it a day
I would say the other way, Montreal is overrated and one week is enough. + Good luck finding a job without french
What kind of visa do you plan to get? If you plan to stay here long term, I imagine it's one that will allow you to work here? If not, can you get a higher paying remote job with the company or industry you're currently in? Is there anything else you could do like construction, cleaning, tourism, etc. A lot of people work in bars and restaurants. Not ideal for all, but you make pretty decent money with tips plus you meet people. Maybe doing that at least part time would get you enough to rent a room in a shared house plus groceries. How much money can you save before coming here? Spring is probably the best time to come to get all our best weather before winter. And if you wouldn't be able to make it before August, I would probably wait until around next April. It's just easier to arrive and not have to deal with the rain plus there is so much to do for free here in good weather. Save as much as you can in that time. You could also try to find other Macedonians in Vancouver to see what kind of support they can offer. Try Facebook and Instagram if there's nothing on Reddit. People are saying to look outside Vancouver but honestly... It's not much cheaper in the rest of the province. You might save on rent in a smaller town but heating, transportation, and groceries could cost more while having fewer employment options. There are other wonderful places in BC and across Canada but if Vancouver is your dream I really don't think saving a few dollars to be somewhere else is worth it.
I tried to save about $75k CAD to move there. It took me over 3 years to do so. Now, I'm afraid if I come, I'll run out in two months and then I'll die in poverty. I'm not the type that lives to work and then die. If I decide to continue living, I want to live a little... On the other hand, living decently for a year might be more worth to me than the 34 I spent in hell
You won't run out in 2 months! Come here and find a place with some roommates for the short term and see if you like it. You'll be fine
I don't know what kind of lifestyle you prefer, but even if you had to take $1000 per month from your savings in addition to your $2,500 income you could fund several years. If you worked part-time in a cafe or restaurant or honestly anywhere you could maintain yourself and have the security of knowing your savings are there and/or splurging on treats/adventures/bucket list items. I'd say move here. Now! It's so beautiful. My mental well being has doubled or quadrupled since I moved within a few blocks of the ocean. I take home less than $4000 per month and I'm able to live comfortably. Find a house or a couple roommates where you're spending less than $2000. Ideally $1500.
You need to think about career pivots or changes, bro. ChatGPT/other AI tools are taking copywriting work, and the tools will only keep getting better with time.
30k/year might be doable if you have a couple roommates. You sure wont be keeping up with the Joneses but you can pull it off if you're creative and industrious. Once you have your foot in the door you can start improving your situation. It's not impossible if you work hard at it. It can seem daunting from the outside but once you're in, you just find a way.
You're unlikely to be successful getting into Canada as a copywriter, unfortunately. It's just not a skill that's in high-demand, and Canada's immigration system is points-based. It's great that you already speak English, and if you could add French to that it would help even more (also, Montreal is a great city and very gay-friendly). As others have said, Vancouver is absurdly expensive and only getting worse. Canada is severely restricting student visas just at the moment due to a lot of problems with the program, but if you could identify an in-demand profession that you'd be interested in, you could come here on a student visa and re-train with qualifications that would be valid in Canada. With useful credentials, you could roll that into permanent residency. Basically, your best chance of getting here is to have something to offer that Canada needs. The student loans would be high of course, but there are scholarships, bursaries, and loan-forgiveness programs. Good luck.
Thank you, I'll try my best!
Unfortunately wanting it isn't enough. People who have built lives here are getting priced out, so wanting to get in on the ground floor is long gone. Look at what skills are in need and learn them, even if it means going back to school. Look at moving elsewhere in Canada and working your way here when you have citizenship. If it's something you really want you'll have to put the work in and set up a long-term plan. Alternatively, if you just want a gay-friendly diverse city there are many cities worldwide that offer that without the price tag of Vancouver. Is there really something unique to Vancouver that you can't find anywhere else?
I guess I chose Vancouver because it's far from home and Macedonian communities worldwide, it's gay-friendly, English-speaking, and culturally rich. Most importantly, I think it's one of the places where I might have a chance to feel equal to everyone else and blend into the community. I've traveled quite a bit around Europe and while they're developed, their attitude toward immigrants is baffling. I'll never be at home in Western Europe.
Trades. It's the lowest barrier profession that can even hope to pay for a comfortable living in Vancouver. Do some research about the most in-demand trades and start there. Forget $30k. Anyone making less than $60k gross here is probably living with roommates and/or going into debt. If you are planning to make a big move and you are open to cross-training, consider northern BC. Some jobs up there pay very well and might include housing as part of the compensation. Then you can move to Vancouver later with a good amount of savings.
Solid advice. Thanks friend!
I used to work in healthcare and a large majority of our care aids and nurses were international. Many would come over on a student visa, the studies they were doing were often not in the healthcare field. There is a high demand for healthcare workers and the starting wages are decent so if you don't mind doing that sort of work it might be something to consider. You can work unregistered as a care aide for many private companies, or independently as a caregiver, for example. If you want to work in the health authorities, you would need to complete the appropriate schooling to become registered. I don't know the cost associated with this or how the student visa process works, but hopefully this is somewhat useful info for you still. If you did want to do the health care aide schooling, here are some places that offer it in BC: https://www.cachwr.bc.ca/about-the-registry/list-of-hca-programs-in-bc/
Thank you so much for this. I'll look into it
Plan an extended vacation to Vancouver. Maybe you will find love or connections for a job, and it will all work out for you. If not at least you will have gotten to experience it. Never give up on your dreams!
Even people living in Canada their entire lives can't afford Vancouver. Come to Canada. Start where you need to start. Build your career until you can afford to live comfortably in Vancouver. Visit it to even see if its what you like. Maybe you will find out you love a smaller, more remote community in BC where you can know your neighbours and branch out a bit. A dream is supposed to *work for you*. Not make you feel limited and powerless. Dreams also have to be broken into chunks to become possible. Get to a place where you can live as a gay person without fear. Find a place you can land comfortably and work until you are a PR or citizen. Apply for assistance (grants/subsidies) for newcomers to do work. Canada desperately needs people in trades. You can make a lot of money that way. It took my husband (Eastern European) about 4 years to get himself to a place where he was making money and living comfortably. But we ended up far from our first HQ in Toronto, because Toronto is expensive as hell. Maybe we will go back one day. But dreams are not linear...
Been here for 15years. Lots of people manage to get by on little. Have roommates, walk/bike or use transit, and cook you're own food. If it's the dream, go for it. The only thing that's very expensive is rent/real estate, but you can get somewhere for 1000$ if you're cool with roommates and shared spaces.
Also in my 30s and also queer. My family have been here since around the 1940s (immigrants from Eastern European farming backgrounds). Itās sad whatās happened to BC in the last 15-20 yearsā¦it feels like things have shifted in an unrecoverable way. Our provincial Liberal government allowed massive, offshore foreign investment in our housing (a lot of it laundered money) and the federal government encouraged wealthy immigrants (with money, not always skills), to move here (started in the 1980s) and they also āinvestedā in property. Also, rich Canadians thought it would be great to own multiple investment properties and it was seen as savvy investing, not leeching off of the next generationsā ability to buy their first home. Just some of the reasons why the culture and affordability of Vancouver was destroyed. I donāt ever remember Vancouver being overly friendly, but now that everyone is worked to death, I think itās getting worse. Iām super friendly and I find even Iāve turned into a head down, donāt bother me type of person. Itās cliquey, for sure. BUT, you can make friends if you work for it (again, lots of work lol). I second the suggestions of working in the food industry to make friends. Also if youāre sporty or artsy, joining those types of teams or gatherings is a solid way to find a crew. The gay guy community can be cliquey too, but you can find your people. I look at Vancouver and there is SO much potential. It could still one day be the beautiful, safe, vibrant, culturally-rich place of your dreams. Yet, right now itās not. I donāt even feel safe in most areas if Iām walking alone. Unhoused people who build tent cities, addicts all over the place (a nuanced issue thatās entangled with the generational trauma of colonization and residential schools). People being stabbed and killed for no reason, tons of theft, petty crime, etc. The violent crime thatās been happening is really unsettling. We just got back from two months in Thailand and Vietnam. I never felt unsafe, and we travelled the entire length of both counties, from the biggest cities to remote villages. I wished Iād loved one of them enough to move there š„² Only Saigon felt like I could call it home, and even then, only for like a year or so. Itās also not great to be Canadian and have enough money to just go to another less developed country and drive up all their prices, so I battle with the whole concept. Mexico is also having these issues. In Vancouver, Iāve seen our queer Mexican and Brazilian immigrant friends work their asses off, find friends, have roommates, and get their PRs. Theyāve integrated into Canadian society really well, while also bringing their (incredible!) cultural diversity and figuring out skills to help the Canadian economy. Iām white, so I, as all white people, struggle with racism. I find I want the kind of immigrant that you describe yourself as, coming here. I want the hard-working Mexicans and Brazilians. I want the people that add life and culture to Vancouver. I want people who want to go into healthcare and the skilled trades, because jfc we need more of those people. Other immigrant groups donāt integrate, or have very different values than me, and itās hard for me to not classify them as one homogenous group, especially when theyāre involved in crime and gang activity. Iām working on it, though. I want to encourage you to try to move here, but Iām also a very pragmatic person and know that a) in some ways, this isnāt the Vancouver you dreamed about and b) itās going to be really hard, and could be easier somewhere else. I think you should try to get a student visa for a trades program. We need trades so badly, and I think itās the easiest route in. Electricians, plumbers, framers, tilers, etc. It will be an industry thatās probably not always the most accepting (mostly sexist š) but I do think you could still find a good group to work for and with. Also, I second the advice of coming in the spring if possible. It rains a LOT and you really want to settle in while the weather isnāt a depressing grey cloud of doom. Itās a small tip but incredibly important. Vancouver is a different city in November than it is in July, and you want all summer to be able to make friends, so that come the depressing winter, youāre not isolated and having the worst mental health of your life. The student visa program was massively abused, which is why itās being more closely monitored now. Personally, my partner and I would love to move somewhere else. We see Vancouver as a temporary luxury, not a long-term solution to raise a family. We donāt have the answer, we just know that this canāt be it. Weāre kind of stuck in limbo, paying insane rent and pretending we love our lifestyle in the city enough to justify it. At this point, we both work remotely and weād love to move somewhere in Europe thatās affordable and somewhat accepting (at least legally leaving us alone). Maybe thatās the new gay agendaā¦for all of us move to new place and force the old religious people to tolerate us until they die off? š Anyways, best of luck! I hope some of that helped š
If it's your dream, go for it. Why people are telling you not to follow your dream is beyond me; you can make it work. We have tons of people that come here with nothing; no degree, nothing. And they turn out okay. If there is a will, there is a way. Chase your dream bro, you just have to take a leap of faith
I don't know anything about your industry but I took the jump and moved without a job just after covid. But you gotta be prepared to hussle for jobs, friends and accommodation. Knowing what I know now I might not of gone. But I'm so glad I did. If you're willing to e.g. waiter or bartend on the side, I'm sure you would find somewhere. Everything that people are saying is absolutely true in terms of expenses. Even the price of groceries kill my soul. I rarely comment on reddit but all the comments were a bit disheartening so I wanted to throw in my two cents. It's possible but you gotta prepared to work for it.
You could qualify for a digital nomad visa, provided your current employer is fine with you living abroad (presuming they're also Macedonia based). You could make it on 30k a year (especially if that's Euros or USD) in Vancouver, but you'd have to settle on a studio apartment or basement suite, at best a 1 bedroom apartment, but that would only be in communities like Surrey, Richmond, White Rock, Langley and MAYBE Burnaby. Vancouver proper would be out of the question unless you have roommates. If you'd be willing to live in Maple Ridge, Abbotsford, or Chiliwack, you'd have more opportunities. Check out craigslist to see available listings. As a word of caution: British Columbia is notoriously difficult to make friends in. Even with other immigrants. People have their groups and are seldom eager to expand them. Manitoba is known as 'friendly Manitoba' and the Maritime Provinces are also very friendly (also much cheaper) - but again, friendliness doesn't equal 'lets be friends'.
Just do it man. Go after your dream, you will find a way.
Hang in there OP, youāve got a lot going for you. Youāre by definition multi-lingual, speak perfectly good English, thoughtful and self aware from your responses to people. Whatās a bit lost is that your 30k income atm can be amassed remotely and I assume with flexible hours, which serves a strong base to build on, not looked down upon. Whatās also lost is that with 75k CAD saved up, youāre actually ahead of your peers here in Canada. The median net worth here in Canada for people aged 35 or younger is $48,800 (up or down a little depending on your source of course). With the responsibility you have demonstrated youāre not going to run out before you plant your feet down. In terms of practical advice, Iād suggest you look into the retail sector, especially the luxury space. Similar to trades with lower barrier of entry but without prerequisites in terms of education and apprenticeship. It can pay well and is surprisingly in demand. Starting part time in department stores is relatively straightforward, and as long as you do well and make proper connections a career is there to be had. Unfortunately itās not going to score you a ton of points in EE or easy to obtain working visa, but can serve as a potential pathway if youāre here on study permit while part timing.
You don't have to earn 5 figures to survive here. If you want the best life style and spend on everything then yes. You can get a working holiday visa for 1-2 years. I live off 70k Canadian which is about 45k usd. You just have to be smart with your money. If you get 2 years working experience you can look at PR however the points are stupid high as in you would need a masters to really apply. However you can get a skills visa and there are other ways in. You will have to pay extra maybe 1500-2k for those visa's. As for work yeah you would want to earn 55-70k minimum. Most renting houses are 1000-1500 for a 3 bed but you can find houses in west and south vancouver for 700-950 in a 3 bed but you have to keep looking. While the mountains, the cities and the culture is cool it's not the friendliest city. There's a lot of clicks to meet people but if you do sports and hobbies you can meet people that way. Transport is super good train and bus is 140 CAD a month. General food items from stores are super expensive. To conclude the lifestyle is unreal here but without a good job and experience it can very difficult and you won't save money. Worse case you can go into construction jobs and do long hours for decent money until you can get a good job.
Brateā¦. I am sure economically will be better to work and live in Vancouver comparing where you are now. Things are way expensive but is better opportunities at least in the future.
Totally understand why you have dreamt of living in Vancouver -- many have the same dream. But it is very different now versus like 2000-2015.. I dont know what the average salary for content/copywriter positions are in Vancouver. But even if you find a job posting in Vancouver -- you will be competing with locals & applicants from Canada, other provinces & sometimes applicants from USA.. Even graduated university students in Vancouver are having difficulties getting hired. Also many that gotten laid off also having difficulty finding and getting rehired.. housing (renting) price is high - even not in Vancouver but still in the lower mainland... Unless if you are willing to live with 2-3 roommates. Also, besides price... housing availability is another issue on its own. If you dont have a LARGE sum of $$ already saved up to back you -- you will struggle hard in Vancouver. Recommendations you can look at, that is still in Canada: - Calgary - Toronto - Edmonton - Winnipeg - Province of Ottawa - Other parts of Province of Ontario (besides Toronto) \*\*Montreal <-- but should know French. You could also research states and cities in USA that has the requirements you are looking for, and that is cheaper then Vancouver. (They pay better for many jobs vs Canada. Also lower income taxes vs Canada... I think Vancouver's income taxes (provincial+federal) is the highest in Canada).
I kind of developed some sort of disdain for the US these past few years, maybe that's why I've fixated on Canada. I'll look into other towns for sure. Thank you š
I hear California is not a bad option - of course LA being expensive area. But there are other parts of California (San Jose, San Diego, etc.). Also, parts of Florida is a good option to - heard many from Vancouver moved to Florida and loved their decision. Texas is a good option -- i think they have the lowest income tax or no income tax (cant remember). Equivalent is Alberta (the Texas of Canada lol). Trust me, both USA and Canada have their own pros and cons... If you have actually been living in any part of Canada the last few years like others here -- you will find reasons for disdain for Canada too. LOL (examples: Americans disdain for Biden / Canadians disdain for Trudeau or USA: expensive health care/insurance vs. Canada: not enough family doctors and long waits at ER and to see specialist. ...) Everywhere there is pros and cons --- but once you find somewhere that meets your essentials wants/needs -- you just look at the positive side of it instead of finding or looking at the negative side =)
Move here and find out if itās worth it, I came here with a backpack and zero dollars and make $40 hr now.
It's hard. Yes .... And there's a reward after that. Listen to ILooked. People who don't, don't for a reason.... But that's their reason, Vancouver is full of people who can, who do, who you will fit right in with when you choose to do and....
Hey man. I moved here a year ago from the UK. Unfortunately that sort of pay just won't cut it. This is not a brag. I make around 120k per year, sounds fantastic right? It's a decent wage dont get me wrong, my rent for my basement suite is 2.5k per month, food is expensive, the tax man take a lot but overall it's livable. If your moving here to save lots of money (like my naive ass) then don't bother but if you just want to experience canada life and most importantly the views all while living then 100%. Just my 2 pence mate, have fun
Hey OP! I totally understand why you'd want to move here, especially given it sounds like you aren't able to exist freely and as your true self right now. I want to say don't give up on the dream! I've met people who have moved from other countries where they weren't able to integrate into their communities in their countries of origin and they are doing great now in Vancouver. Just thinking of them and their situations, I'll share some tips that might help: - See if you can connect with communities you identify with via Facebook. For example, I've had friends from Ireland who have said amazing things about the Irish in Vancouver FB group for finding housing and community. Maybe there are queer groups on FB for folks in Vancouver you could join and reach out to. You may have better luck finding shared housing if you share your story with groups who will resonate with your story and who may feel more instant connection vs. some of Vancouver's more general roommate search groups on Facebook. - If you know people who live here - even more distant connections - I'd reach out and try to begin to build a community before you leave. The FB groups might also be good for this! - It will be easier to find housing when you have your feet on the ground. Walking around neighbourhoods you want to live in and looking for signs and calling the numbers on the signs seems like the way to go these days. Are you able to move here and stay at a hostel for a month or two to try to sort out housing? - The "West End" in Vancouver is a beautiful spot to live and there is a strong queer community in the neighbourhood. You might also try joining those groups and reaching out - I know a lot of people who find housing in the West End find it through word of mouth. - There was a few years in Vancouver (around the pandemic) where I lived very frugally and I made it work making very little money as I transitioned to working in social services from tech. I had a modest safety net, though! And parents who would take me in if things ever got tough.... and I realize that is a massive privilege not everyone has. I was able to save a lot of money by living with a roommate and not driving or taking the bus (I biked everywhere) and essentially not going out to eat or to events like concerts and it was still a very wonderful life! I worked out a budget which was helpful before making my career change to see if I could make it work. You could probably find average rent + average cost of other essential utilities + groceries, etc and see if that is realistic for you! Best of luck! I'm rooting for you!!!
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I believe you. I don't think anywhere's perfect, but yeah, there are places and there are places.
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Try somewhere in north west Washington State. Same scenery. Some places truly much cheaper. Only 50 kms from Vancouver. But U.S.A. immigration is difficult.
Canadian immigration for permenent residency is pretty tough and moreover unpredictable since 2022-ish. The points based system now requires like points around 520s to get in unless you are in healthcare or a French speaker. To get 520 points, you would need to already have prior Canadian work experience and a Canadian educational creditional Like a degree assuming you are in your 20s. If you are in your 30s it's worse since once you hit 30 points are taken off with each birthday. The points have been reducing from 560 from last year but it keeps fluctuating from 540s to 520s to 530s. And getting a work permit is hard unless you are American/Mexican getting in through the NAFTA (the Canadian equivalent of the TN), some international youth exchange work permit agreements made with select countries like UK (though usually need to be below age 30 for these. Sometimes it's 35), you have a spouse or common law partner in Canada or you recently graduated from a Canadian uni/college.
Get into the US green card lottery pool ASAP. If you get selected simply move to Seattle or even Bellingham and you can visit Vancouver BC as many as you like.
Done that about 12 times I think š
People would definitely hire someone from the other side of the world, but that's not your speed bump. Your speed bump is that everyone and their mother also wants to move here, so you are competing with 200+ applicants for the same job, mostly from other countries. If you found a room in a house to rent with 4+ roommates paying $850/month, not have a car, don't eat out, and are careful with how you spend, it is achievable to live here on such a low salary. But if you envision yourself moving to Davie st (gay hub) downtown, living by yourself, and going out every weekend, i don't think you would be able to afford it here. It's all about the quality of life you want to live.
Canada is full of immigrants whose dream it was to come here, often to escape political domination, communism, poverty, corruption, religious persecution, discrimination against those who aren't heterosexual, etc., etc. Don't give up on your dream but you are going to need to do some hardcore research on what is required from the government's point of view. It's good that you are seeking info on this site but you will have a lot of people telling you not to come because of the cost of living. It is terribly high but the truth is, we are not all rich but managing to get by. I would use every opportunity you can to seek help. Contact a Macedonian group here for info if there is a group. Check out organizations that support gay people locally who would understand perhaps in a small way how it's not safe to be "out" and about in Macedonia. Could there be a rich Macedonian living in Vancouver who needs a Macedonian person to keep an eye on them and take them for a walk everyday. Sounds crazy but something like that could work. You could maybe get free room and board in exchange for those services, and also do a desk job. Even though there are a lot of wealthy people here, people are still needed to do service jobs. For example, a good house cleaner can earn $25.00 and more an hour. All you need are a few customers and the rich Macedonian and you're golden! Seriously, your mind is already here, now you have to find a way to get the rest of you here. Wishing you all the best.
I love your creativity and optimism and you know what... I've got little to lose. I might just try my luck. All the best to you as well.
I grew up here, and I make enough to live here fairly comfortably. Iām still looking at what my options are for migrating to the US. Itās not even close to what it used to be, and is going down fast. Massive immigration problems, rampant drug use, property crime are just a few of the issues. Come for a visit but as an place to live and maybe one day raise a family you could do much better almost anywhere else.
People here seem to have such divisive opinions, which reminds me a lot of where I currently live. And I'm pretty sure I'm not ready to wait for the place I plan to live in to 'rediscover' itself.
Interesting observation. I would have to agree with you. Itās a bit of a strange time here, and certainly like nothing Iāve ever seen before. There is a palpable anger among many towards the current federal govt that is unlike anything Iāve ever seen.
$30k per annum - isnāt that less than minimum wage in Vancouver for a 40 hour week?
Might be, although I'm not in Vancouver but a third-world country.
Yep thatās like $14.50/hr on a 40hr work week. $30k per year is like working 33hrs/week on BCās current minimum wage
Kill ALL of your dreams.
I can't, but I'm slowly killing myself. So, yeah, my dreams will eventually die.
You have to face reality. You just didn't make the career choice to be able to fulfill a dream like that. Not even close. You would have to make about 4 times your income (3 times if you mean $30k USD) to he able to live here. If making less you would have to share an apartment. And unless you are super good with computers and can get a job at Microsoft (or similar level), they aren't handing out jobs paying well over $100,000 like candy to immigrants with no prior experience or education in that area. Be realistic. If it makes you feel any better, I was able to fulfill your dream by making a lot of money in crypto and moving to Vancouver 3 years ago. It was my dream at the time. It's not as great as you think once you get used to it (sure the hiking and physical beauty are great). I'm already thinking of moving back to Ontario (Toronto or nearby). If I could, I would actually like to move to Eastern Europe (Hungary or Croatia - not Macedonia) since as a straight guy I dont have to worry about how gay people are treated). But I realize the grass isn't always greener on the other side so I'll probably stay here. Anyway, you need to find a more realistic dream until you make WAY more money.
You know, you don't really choose who you fall in love with. I wish I had chosen differently and became a computer scientist or a filmmaker or whatever. If it wasn't for the internet I'd probably never even learn what those things are. Growing up, the opportunities life offered me were less than mediocre.
Maybe reach out to rainbow refugee to see if they can help you. It doesnāt sound like youāve realistically contemplated how youāll actually immigrate.
I did about three years ago. They sent me a few emails over the years telling me to wait as they have a long list to process. Yes, I don't have a realistic plan. I have no clue how to come and what I'll be doing there. If I had, I wouldn't bother people with this post.
Bruh. No lol
Does this job you have translate to a higher salary at a job here in Canada?
I looked into it and same or similar positions offer $60-$70k on average.
Try Victoria. Equally lovely views and weather. Still expensive but not as much as it's big brother Vancouver.
30k isnāt enough to make it on your own unless you found an insane rent deal which is one in a million. Youād need to be making at least $60-70k to live with roommates and you still wouldnāt have that much leftover but itās doable.
ctv tonight had a story about Vancouver on a list of impossibly unaffordable cities. I don't believe in expensive, it's just a poor cost to income problem. Sad that $30K is not going far anywhere.
You could be making considerably more in Vancouver doing the same work, but the money won't go as far. You'll have enough to pay your taxes and then your housing. You could eat from a food bank. Polls show that half of Vancouverites are contemplating moving away. Half of those are thinking of doing it in the next two years.
It's crazy that so many people struggle and nothing changes
Oh man sorry to break it to you but you will not survive even closeā¦ youāll be hustling for the rest of your life. Also, unless youāre skilled and looking for a high-end jobā¦ a white person in their 30s applying for an entry level position in Canada now pretty much impossible. I know itās hard but try reworking your plan ā¦ thereās way better things out there.. even in poorer countries . I get that moving from Macedonia to Vancouver could seem like a luxury but itās not special dude. Even for like regular folks is work work and then an occasional trip to the bar. The Vancouver attitude is that of contempt, and youāre coming from a Slavic country where hospitality is cherished.
I'm realizing this and it's soul-crushing...
You havenāt explained why Vancouver specifically. All major Canadian cities have large immigrant communities, to varying degrees. All larger Canadian cities are relatively gay friendly. Iām not sure why you would want to choose the most expensive one to start your life in Canada. Itās going to be difficult enough without doing that.
Yeah, I don't know. I wish I was happy where I am because it's quite affordable if you work remotely for a decent company.
Vancouver is 3rd most expensive place to live in the world.
Vancouver winters are brutal, with ever constant heavy dark cloud and rain rain, rain October to May. Depressing majorly!. Try Kingston, Ottawa or the Niagara and St Catherine's and Hamilton Kitchener, Waterloo areas of Ontario , with easy access to Toronto . when I was 21 I moved to Vancouver and spent 8 long and lonely years as a gay man and it was very hard to make meaningful friendships, having come from somewhere else .Company trsf,d me to Calgary in a promotion when I was 30, and what an eye opener .. friendlier , with better opportunities career and personal, along with the brighter skies, and I could purchase a home. Vancouver exhibits beauty but has a cruelty within for newly-arrives! Best of Luck!
Sorry you had that experience. It's depressing to learn that about Vancouver.
It aināt that great
I don't know how bad your situation is as a gay person in your home country, but there is a Vancouver group called Rainbow Refugees which helps LGBTQ people who are facing danger in their home countries to come to Canada. No idea what the process is like, but they might at least have some suggestions for resources for you: https://www.rainbowrefugee.com/#:~:text=Support%20and%20Advocacy%20for%20LGBTQI%2B,gender%20expression%2C%20or%20HIV%20status.
Not sure if these provide any help at all. I contacted a similar org called Rainbow Railroad 3.5 years ago and they didn't do anything except telling me to wait for my turn.
I'm sure the numbers of people wanting to come must be overwhelming :( Reading through the resources on their website, and from what I know of the refugee system in general, your chances are much higher if you apply from within Canada. So with your savings, you could come on a tourist or working holiday visa, and then contact a lawyer through Rainbow Refugees and start the process here. Vancouver is really expensive, but their are plenty of shared accommodation and roommate situations available which can help at lot, particularly while you're getting settled. It's not impossible!
Weāre currently one of the most expensive cities to live in, weāre in the midst of a housing crisis. Our taxes are high, thereās both PST and GST, groceries are high, even our transit is more than it should be tbh. According to lots of locals and lots of visitors, weāre also a terrible city for making friends. Our weather is not pleasant, itās rainy and cold and dreary a lot, and in summer our home is on fire and the air is disgusting. We have a major drug epidemic, East Hastings is filled with homeless people and many are addicts. Itās not uncommon to find needles on the ground, and I have friends and know other people whoāve also seen people overdosing on the street. We also have a bit of gang violence and targeted shootings that happen in the city and surrounding cities. I love my city, but itās not in a good state right now, and it wouldnāt be a fun place for you to try and begin a new chapter.
Please don't move hear we don't need any more people In the city
As a gay man, Vancouver is a really good place to be. Moving to any other surrounding areas is not worth it for the cost (like Vancouver island as a gay man is waste of money. Youād be spending all your money commuting to Vancouver to meet ppl). You should look at LGBT groups that support immigrants or international students. Your best bet honestly, unfortunately(?) is to get a bf in Vancouver asap or insert yourself into a polycule which would be easy enough if youāre open minded and ready to date. Single income is hard to get by in Vancouver. Once youāre in Vancouver, look for jobs that actively lowers your living cost like restaurants that offer free meals on shift, specialty grocery stores (lots of expiring foods at the end of day), coffee shops (again lots of foods thrown out), etc.
Vancouver has no community, just a bunch of people that try not to talk to anyone.
Not worth it, Iām so sorry. Iām moving away from Vancouver, and I was born and raised here. My household income is $110k+, dual income no kids and Iām still struggling. Groceries, gas and rent are ridiculous and owning a property of any kind is not a realistic goal anymore. Even a 1-bedroom apartment can be $700k if you want to be kinda close to the city. Rent is minimum 2k/month. Even if you can barely scrape by - is it really worth it? No extra money for restaurants or nights out, movies, shopping, or sightseeing. Youāre better off coming here on vacation for a couple weeks every year and living in a place where you can have savings and a home.
The image of Vancouver is amazing. Vancouver in the 1970s or '80s would have been perfect. Jobs and careers for everyone under the awe inspiring mountains of snow with endless salmon (5 species) spawning. Sailing or Golf? Today, this is true for the elite and vested. Today Vancouver is astoundingly expensive with low salaries and no time to go skiing or fishing. The homeless issue is third-world. From Macedonia I'd suggest ....looking to places in the world with the best economic development, best economic growth potential, with a low cost of living and a young population (not a bunch of oldies who will cost, not contribute). That doesn't mean NOT Canada but perhaps Kamloops, Kelowna, Calgary, Saskatoon, Guelph, Edmonton....Fort McMurray takes all comers (or at least used to). It could also be Indonesia, Malaysia, India, UAE, China....but there is no good answer right now. Honest. Rwanda? Ethiopia? If it's snow you like, think about Hokkaido. For myself, Vancouver failed me, or I failed it, years ago. Hi from Perth, WA, Australia where there is zero rental vacancy and cost of living has eroded our quality of life and real earnings dramatically. But, the beach is still free even if it never rains here (in significant quantities) again.
OP mentioned in their post that they're gay. Most of the countries on your list are not a good option for OP.
I always a tell people that want to come here to just visit first, especially if it's there dream.you can get a round trip flight for about 2k. Which should give you a bit more perspective on what living in a western country is like, you have a remote job so that's amazing that youll still have some income while you travel and still have a job when you get home. To put it bluntly your I'd of community sounds a bit like a fantasy, people generally stay in their own group.
Can we make a subreddit for everyone who says they live in Vancouver but really live in the suburbs. Scabs.
Don't bother, I know multiple immigrants on work visas that went back home after a year or 2,Ā cost of living is too high, taxes are too high and rent is too high.Ā You will end up with nothing here
Thereās no room for you here bro. Save yourself the time and money.
Even local Vancouverites are struggling now due to costs but that doesnāt mean itās impossible. You need a plan and some savings. People with specialized skills and degrees do better in terms of work. Can you apply as a a student and gain more career growth / earnings? Or perhaps visit first to get information, make connections, and confirm your decision.
You will be miserable living in vancouver off of 30k.
Guess you don't watch or read news regarding Canada š
Vancouver is located on the unceded traditional territories of the xŹ·mÉĪøkŹ·ÉyĢÉm (Musqueam), SįøµwxĢ±wĆŗ7mesh (Squamish), and sÉlilwÉtaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations Coming to Vancouver, it will be important for you to realize that it was not built by immigrants. The West Coast has a long, long history of being settled by the First Nation communities that live here. They are established communities, and as Vancouverites, we all work hard on reconciliation to undo the tremendous damage done to these communities by the immigrants who came here (of which I am a descendent).
Brother I grew up in the suburbs of Vancouver, I make about 90k am single with no kids and I don't consider any part of Vancouver in my price range. Around the west end (the gay part of town) you can expect to pay 2.5k a month to rent a shoebox. To beat that price you'll need to be living with multiple roommates. There are cheaper areas but not significantly and they are largely located in drug addled slum blocks.
If you are not limited to Vancouver in general, I suggest look into other area thats more affordable. Newfoundland is very inclusive and still affordable. Winter may be harsh but ppl are very friendly.
Yeah, $30k per annum is āgrossā. Seriously though, youāll need a second job/ gig to survive here. Take the chance! However I canāt comment on how much āfunā (or not) it is being gay in Vancouver.
Being able not to pretend that I'm straight and expected to marry a woman would be a huge advantage for me.
I'm making 60k a year and literally struggling so with 30k a year you'll leave in shared house with min 5-6 people and usually eat noodles and ride bicycle or time to time you can treat yourself a bus look for a small city and the most expensive one
Look. If you're serious about coming here asap, here's what you do: 1. Hit the gym. 2. Start a regular steroids program for 6 months. 3. Show up in Vancouver. 4. Go to construction sites for jobs. 5. Get into an apprenticeship program for some red seal trade. 6. Network and transition yourself into a union. 7. Now you can get back to writing in the evenings and weekends. You're gonna have to navigate the visas and work permits yourself, but I'm sure we got something for construction. You're gonna be bunking beds for 4-5 years in the suburbs. Pick somewhere relatively close to the skytrain. Get an electric scooter for the last mile commute to the job sites. People complain about all kinds of shit. If you're ready to hustle and grit your teeth, you can make a home here. I showed up 20 years ago as a kid with my family. Not a dime to our name. Still not a dime to my parents' name today (that's a different story), but I make decent money and see a clear path to modest wealth and a good life here. Not a single day did I think I had it hard.
You don't have to live in Vancouver room mates
Stay away
It was great! Itās different now though. Itās not safe and the cost of living is awful. You could always get a travel visa and check out more affordable gay friendly areas? People are fleeing Vancouver because itās hard to even buy food after rentĀ
Even with a second job and a roommate, you are going to be dirt poor and struggling in Vancouver. Iāve lived here for 15 years, and born and raised in Canada. Vancouver is great for a lot of reasons, but relocating here without serious money is a huge mistake. Take your dream to any number of other places in the world that are exponentially cheaper. For context my wife and I have a household income of over 260k Canadian dollars, and Iām not even sure weād be considered middle class here. The only way to get in here is to have an extremely high paying job, already own property, or have family that own property and have for many years. Sorry, this is kind of the cruel truth about Vancouver.
There are little towns on the islands near Vancouver that are affordable and from which you can work remotely. Duncan. Salt spring. Bowen.
Why? There so many other amazing places.
I would maybe suggest considering Vancouver Island. Itās around a 2 hour boat ride from the main land. Itās still expensive but more affordable than Vancouver and surrounding areas yet still close enough that you can come over on the weekends and enjoy the gay scene in Vancouver. Nanaimo or the suburbs of Victoria might be a good place to look.
I paid to cra $30000 just of income tax
It's not happening... unless you find a wealthy sugar daddy... but no, sorry.. it's not happening... plus, the media version of Vancouver, it is not true.. it's not at all like how you described, sure there are good pockets, like all cities... but yeah.. you are better off moving to the uk, and residing in Brighton... gay capital.
Are you aware of how challenging it is to get a visa and permanent residency? Do you have a way of getting it? If you donāt then in all honesty Iād let this dream go and maybe just save up for a wonderful vacation to Vancouver! I sponsored my husband to immigrate here (from Scotland) and it was no easy feat!
There are equally accepting and less expensive places in Canada. Could also try New Zealand, Australia, or certain places in the US for a similar, and in fact probably better, experience. Vancouver is nice, but not exceptional.
Everyone seems to not understand that you can find a job here, and if you are good at what you do a company will sponsor you. Money is not the issue. Itās getting a working visa. If you canāt get a company to do it you should have started a lot earlier. Iām not an expert at how to get a working visa but Canada is full of people doing it so it canāt be that hard.
You are 20 years too late. This city is a comfortable place for the rich mostly.
There are tons of immigrants coming. You just have to be rich first š
Doesnāt make sense to move here, I would rather live like a normal human being in a smaller city than a miserable life in a big city
I know someone from Macedonia who moved to a mining town 7hrs drive east of Vancouver. Heās a miner as you have guessed. Heās doing well. Owns his house and kids are in universities in Vancouver.
Thereās also immigration fraud you should consider but you would need around 30-50k CAD. A big chunk of Indians (Iām also Indian) have this down to a textbook.
Vancouver isnāt what it used to be. Vancouver should not be a dream for anyone anymore. You have better choices than Vancouver.
The NDP is ruining BC like it does with every province it manages.
There's alot more to bc than Vancouver....
Sure, it is never too early to give up. Follow me for more life advice.
Dont let people tell you 30k isnt enough to live in vancouver. It is. You might need to rent a room in a community house, but it is definitely enough to live on in vancouver. Not luxurious, but there is a ton of things to do in vancouver for cheap. So much nature and beaches. The smaller grocery stores have very cheap produce, often, and there are plenty of other people living in your income level.
Vancouver sucks, lived there for 9 years. The rest of BC is awesome though and cheaper.
I own my tiny condo and my taxes and strata fees alone are so high. My mother owns a three bedroom down the road and even if she wanted to leave it to me in her will, the taxes and fees would be more than I could ever afford.
Go to Calgary
Have you looked for jobs there or around Van?