What will you need to live in Victoria, BC?
You will need some immediate Canadian dollars to pay for rent, groceries, transportation, and everyday expenses. This is especially important if you are unsure how long it may take you to find a job in your new country. If you enter Canada with over $10,000 CAD/per person (in cash, securities, traveller’s cheques, bank drafts, or money orders), Canada Border Services Agency requires that you report it on the CBSA Declaration Card. If you do not declare it, you may be charged with unnecessary fees or penalties. Some countries may have restrictions on how much money you can take out of the country, so check with your local lawyer or financial advisor before departing for Canada.
Should you have higher amounts of money to exchange or transfer to Canadian currency, you can contact a Canadian bank or foreign exchange company to obtain preferential rates on large money transfers.
Here is a general list of basic monthly living expenses for Victoria, BC. Some expenses, such as housing rental, might be much more expensive in bigger cities like Vancouver.
Basic Living Expenses | 1 person | 2 people | 3 people |
Housing rental | $900 | $1000 (1 bedroom) | $1300 (2 bedroom) |
Internet/Phone/TV | $160 | $160 | $160 |
Food | $200 | $400 | $600 |
Medical Services Plan¹
|
$75
|
$150 | |
Cell Phone | $60 | $120 | $120 or more |
Transportation
(Bus vs. Car & Gas) |
$85 (each adult bus pass) vs. over $350 (one car – insurance & gas) |
¹ MSP Premiums effective Jan 1 2017. MSP monthly premiums may be lower if you have a lower family income