Now more than ever, Canadians are fleeing provinces, primarily due to affordability, better lifestyles, and job opportunities.
Most people are considering moving to Alberta or the West Coast to improve their quality of life.
Observing this growing migration, we decided to reveal the average moving cost between Calgary and Vancouver so that they can arrive at a realistic moving budget.
The cost of hiring movers for a Calgary to Vancouver move averages between $1,668 and $8,950 and is typically the same when migrating in reverse.
However, the cost varies based on several factors, such as the inclusion of an extra mover, lodging and meal expenses, the complexity of the move, home size, storage, and packing services.
Let’s face it: Covering about 1,000 km from Alberta to British Columbia is no easy feat and certainly not a DIY job.
The cost of purchasing moving boxes, hiring the right moving companies, examining storage services, decluttering homes, and taking longer transportation routes adds up to your moving expenditure.
Let’s discuss the costs and reasons for relocating from Calgary to Vancouver and the other way around.
How Far is Vancouver from Calgary?
The driving distance from Calgary to Vancouver is approximately 988 kilometers, and the travel time is roughly 12 to 14 hours.
Therefore, when relocating your home, you should hire professional Vancouver movers who are well-versed in making your long-distance move successful.
Hiring Movers from Calgary to Vancouver: The Ultimate Pricing Guide
Relocations between Canadian metropolises are a snowballing trend.
Whether moving to Montreal, Toronto, Calgary, or Vancouver, people relocate quite often for work-related reasons.
Therefore, of all the moving challenges, determining the moving cost remains the top concern for residents.
The cost of hiring movers for a Calgary to Vancouver move averages between $139 and $259 per mover per hour.
Here’s a breakdown of the moving costs from Calgary to Vancouver, which is roughly 1,000 km and takes 12 to 14 hours to travel.
| Move size | Number of Movers | Average Moving Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Studio or a one-bedroom apartment | 2 movers +1 truck | $1,668 – 2,900 |
| Two or Three Bedrooms | 3 movers + 1 truck | $3,100 – 6,500 |
| Four or more Bedrooms | 4 movers + 1 truck | $6,750 – 8,950 or more |
Reasons Why People are Moving to Vancouver from Calgary
Deciding between Calgary and Vancouver is a rugged choice, as both places are known for their breathtaking views and high quality of life.
Calgary’s brutal winters, overcrowded schools, isolated neighborhoods, and congested roads are a few notable cons of moving to Calgary that repel people from relocating there.
Vancouver’s coastline views, on the other hand, draw their attention.
Not only that, but the diversity, scenic mountains, mild climate, and thriving job opportunities are just a few of the pros of moving to Vancouver. Let’s dive deeper.
1. Vancouver is North America’s Most Liveable City
Vancouver has consistently ranked as North America’s most liveable city.
In the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index of 2023, it placed fifth, beating Calgary.
The main reasons people move to Vancouver are access to excellent healthcare and education, a low crime rate, and the city’s overall family friendliness.
Calgary is a remote place with harsh winters, while Vancouver has milder weather throughout.
2. Cultural Diversity Makes It Everyone’s Top Choice
“What attracts people most, it would appear, is other people.” — William H. Whyte.
A city’s cultural diversity makes it a better place to live.
Vancouver, for example, attracts and mirrors different ethnicities, food, and lifestyles, making it a welcoming place for many immigrants.
While Calgary is becoming more diverse and inclusive, it still hasn’t adopted other ethnicities like Vancouver.
3. Beaches and Mountains: You Get Them Both!
When it comes to choosing scenery between Calgary and Vancouver, it is indeed a tough call.
Calgary is known for its stunning views of Banff and the Canadian Rockies, and outdoor activities are just as popular there as they are in Vancouver.
However, Vancouver stands proud of its outdoor recreation, oceans, and mountains. Vancouver is the place for outdoor enthusiasts to kayak in English Bay during the summer and ski or snowboard in the winter.
4. Strong and Reliant Job Market
Vancouver is a popular destination for job seekers in the tech and construction industries.
It has also become a significant hub for TV, entertainment, and video game production.
Calgary’s job market, on the other hand, relies on the oil and gas industries, with slight growth in the healthcare sector.
5. Proximity to Major U.S. Cities
Most expats are moving from Calgary to Vancouver because Vancouver is closer to major U.S. cities like Portland and Seattle, which allows people to travel internationally.
Thus, relocating to Vancouver is much more feasible than moving to Calgary.
How Much Does it Cost to Move from Vancouver to Calgary?
The cost of moving from Vancouver to Calgary depends on the size of your home, the number of movers needed to complete your move, and any additional storage or packing services required.
The average cost of hiring professional movers from Vancouver to Calgary ranges between $139 and $259 per mover per hour.
The distance between Vancouver and Calgary is approximately 1,010 km, and the drive typically takes 14 to 16 hours.
| Move Size | Number of movers | Average moving cost (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Studio or one-bedroom apartment | 2 movers +1 truck | 1,950 – 3,100 |
| Two or three-bedroom | 3 movers + 1 truck | 3,184 – 6,450 |
| Four or more bedrooms | 4 movers + 1 truck | 6,700 – 9,100 or more |
Why are People Moving to Calgary from Vancouver?
Deciding whether to live in Calgary or Vancouver depends on various factors.
Despite Vancouver’s mild climate and scenic views, people still consider moving to Calgary for several reasons.
Calgary, also known as “Cowtown,” has a lower cost of living than Vancouver.
1. Affordability
Before assessing the moving costs in Calgary, compare the housing prices.
The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is between $1,650 and $1,875, compared to Vancouver rentals, which range from $2,500 to $2,900.
2. Alberta Doesn’t have a Provincial Sales Tax.
In addition to affordable living, residents and businesses in Alberta pay only 5% of the federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) without any additional provincial tax.
In contrast, most goods and services in British Columbia are subject to a 12% sales tax (7% PST + 5% GST).
3. Good Quality of Life
Alberta is the sunniest province in Canada, with 333 days of sunshine per year.
Living there is truly like a ray of sunshine, thanks to free access to healthcare and cleanliness all around.
However, Vancouver is the city where the rain doesn’t stop.
Conclusion
There’s no denying that Calgary and Vancouver are incredible cities to live in with your families.
One of the biggest pros of moving to Calgary is its affordable rentals, while the thriving job markets and livability appeal to people in Vancouver.
Before relocating, we recommend comparing multiple quotes from moving companies, planning ahead, and disposing of your unused furniture to save on your Calgary to Vancouver moving costs.
FAQs
1. How much do moving companies charge in Vancouver, BC?
The average moving cost in Vancouver can range from $650 to $5,000.
Remember, this depends on various factors, such as the number of movers needed, the length of the stairs, elevator restrictions for apartment moves, the specialty or heavy items involved, and the distance.
2. How much do movers in Calgary cost?
On average, hiring local movers in Calgary costs between $139 and $150 per hour.
For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment in Calgary might cost between $550 and $1,100 with two movers and a truck.
3. Is it worth moving to Calgary from Vancouver?
Both cities have their own charm and culture, but moving to Calgary is worth it if you prefer a low cost of living, a business-oriented atmosphere, and good access to healthcare.
However, congested roads and brutal winters are a few disadvantages.
4. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Vancouver?
A good livable salary in Vancouver is somewhere between $75,000 and $100,000 on average, as the cost of living is high.
5. How to save on long-distance moves?
Relocating expenses for long-distance moves can be on the higher side.
However, one of the biggest tips to save money on long-distance moves is to create a detailed moving checklist, plan ahead, and look for moving discounts before your move.
