The migration trend frequently discussed today focuses on the most iconic cities: one is Canada’s economic capital, and the other is famous for its breathtaking beauty.
Yes, we are talking about the two prominent Canadian cities, Toronto and Vancouver.
Observing the periodic relocation between the two, we decided to reveal the relocation costs.
The average moving cost from Vancouver to Toronto is between $5,560 and $11,000, and it is typically the same when moving from Toronto to Vancouver.
However, the cost varies based on several factors, such as an additional mover, lodging and meal expenses, the complexity of the move, home size, storage, and packing services.
Toronto and Vancouver are the fastest-growing cities in Canada.
The high cost of living and stagnant job market have compelled people to leave Vancouver and move to Toronto.
In this blog, we will discuss the distance between Ontario and British Columbia, the average moving cost between Vancouver and Toronto, the reasons people are migrating between these cities, and commonly asked questions to make your move stress-free.
How Far is Toronto from Vancouver?
The driving distance from Vancouver to Toronto is approximately 4,385 kilometers, and the travel time is roughly 40 to 42 hours.
The distance and the time taken to complete this move require planning ahead and mindful budgeting for a move, which is certainly not a DIY job.
Therefore, you should hire professional movers who are well-versed in making your long-distance move successful.
Let’s see the breakdown of moving costs between Vancouver and Toronto in more detail.
Hiring Movers from Vancouver to Toronto: The Moving Cost Guide
Leaving a familiar neighborhood where you have lived for years or maybe a few months is a big life change.
Whether you are moving between Calgary and Vancouver, Montreal, or across countries, it remains logistically challenging.
The experience is indeed stressful, but it doesn’t have to be if you budget your move beforehand.
You can simply use a moving cost calculator or read along to learn more.
The cost of hiring movers for Vancouver to Toronto moving averages between $139 and $259 per mover per hour.
Here’s a breakdown of the moving costs from Vancouver to Toronto, which is roughly 4,385 km and takes 40 to 42 hours to travel.
Move size | Number of Movers | Average Moving Cost (CAD) |
---|---|---|
Studio or a one-bedroom apartment | 2 movers +1 truck | 5,560-5,800 |
Two or Three Bedrooms | 3 movers + 1 truck | 7,960-8,358 |
Four or more Bedrooms | 4 movers + 1 truck | 10,360-11,000 or more |
Keep in mind that the prices listed above are rough estimates based on the distance traveled and the approximate time it takes movers to relocate your belongings.
Other factors can also influence the moving cost between Vancouver and Toronto, such as:
- Move Size: Please note that apartment movers will charge more for a 3-bedroom apartment or condo than moving a studio/1-bedroom apartment.
- Moving Date: Summer is the peak moving season. Therefore, charges may increase, so know the best months of moving before you plan your relocation.
- The Complexity of the Move: Moving trucks’ fuel charges, tolls, drivers’ lodging expenses, and additional mover costs are a few more moving expenses you must consider.
- Additional Services: Additional services such as storage, packing, specialty item moving, and junk removal may also significantly increase the final moving costs.
Why are People Moving to Toronto from Vancouver?
People are moving to Toronto for many reasons.
The city’s vibrant neighborhoods, diverse population, thriving job market and education, exciting cultural events, and outdoor recreation are a few of the advantages of moving to Toronto.
Conversely, Vancouver’s humid climate, income disparity, and skyrocketing rentals are a few notable cons of moving to Vancouver there that prompt people to reconsider.
If you are preparing to move soon and are hiring movers from North Vancouver to Toronto, let’s see why Toronto is drawing people from Vancouver.
1. Toronto’s Cost of Living is Slightly Affordable
Although both cities are equally expensive for housing, groceries, and utilities, the thing you need to know before moving to Toronto is that it is slightly more affordable than Vancouver.
Whether you are moving to a townhouse, condo, or a house, the rentals are slightly less than in Vancouver.
The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Toronto is around $2,500 per month, while in Vancouver, it’s about $2,800.
The average cost of groceries for a single person in Toronto is approximately $350 to $450, compared to $450 to $650 in Vancouver.
Vancouver residents typically spend $350 to $400 on utilities per month, whereas Toronto residents pay $250-$300 on average for utility bills.
2. Toronto is the Most Multicultural City you’ll Ever Witness
Toronto was Canada’s most populous city in 2021, with a total population of 2.76 million.
Since then, the city has been recognized for its diverse ethnic groups, attracting people from East Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, and even Europe.
Vancouver is also diverse, but it doesn’t surpass the influx of immigrants seen in Toronto.
3. Toronto Has Good Job Opportunities
With an abundant job market and promising opportunities, Toronto is known as Canada’s economic hub.
The city offers ample opportunities in the tech, healthcare, media, and finance sectors.
The average salary in Toronto is $72,000 CAD. In 2024, the Toronto Employment Survey recorded a 4.2 percent increase in total jobs, up 65,010 jobs, the highest growth rate recorded in the last two decades.
Vancouver’s unemployment was 6.3% as of December 2024, down 0.1% from the previous month.
Source:https://creastats.crea.ca/board/vanc-employment-trends
4. The Heart is Where the Theatre is
There are many things you can do in Toronto, as it is the cultural capital of Canada and a hub for the performing arts.
Toronto has the best neighborhoods that attract young professionals for various reasons.
Its vibrant arts scene includes theater, film, and television.
Toronto also features the third-largest English-speaking theater district in the world, following London’s West End and New York City’s Broadway.
You can enjoy many concerts, theater performances, opera, and Broadway shows at the Tarragon, Royal Alexandra, or Princess of Wales Theatres.
Vancouver’s cultural scene is also prominent, though not as diverse as that of Toronto.
How Much Does it Cost to Move From Toronto to Vancouver?
The cost of relocating from Toronto to Vancouver varies based on several factors, such as the size of the home, the number of hours required to complete the move, and the services you select.
The average cost of movers for a Toronto to Vancouver move ranges between $139 and $259 per mover per hour.
The distance to be covered is roughly 45-50 hours for such a move; the movers from Toronto to Vancouver will cost as follows:
Move Size | Number of movers | Average moving cost (CAD) |
---|---|---|
Studio or one-bedroom apartment | 2 movers +1 truck | 6,255-6,950 |
Two or three-bedroom | 3 movers + 1 truck | 8,955-9,950 |
Four or more bedrooms | 4 movers + 1 truck | 11,655-12,950 or more |
Reasons Why People are Moving from Toronto to Vancouver
The reasons why people move to Vancouver are limited but significant.
If you are an absolute lover of nature, outdoor recreation, and a good quality of life, Vancouver is the place for you to live.
Let’s discuss what draws people to this beautiful city of British Columbia.
1. Clean and Slightly Cheaper Transit
Toronto’s population is heavily reliant on transit, so public transportation is more expensive than in Vancouver.
The Vancouver public transportation system, efficiently managed by TransLink, costs residents up to $131 for two zones, whereas in Toronto, a monthly pass costs $156 if you take the TTC.
2. Vancouver is Stunningly Beautiful
Vancouver is known for its good quality of life.
The city has green spaces, including other Canadian cities, making it a safe place to live.
The city is abundant in green spaces, including Stanley Park, VanDusen Botanical Garden, and Seawall.
If you are someone who loves the lush greenery, then Vancouver has the best parks, with 230 municipal and local parks for a nice stroll.
3. Great for Outdoor Recreation
If you are planning to move to Vancouver from Toronto, you will surely enjoy hiking, skiing, and kayaking.
Vancouver has breathtaking mountains, world-class parks, and turquoise-blue beaches, which makes it the most loved paradise for outdoor adventure enthusiasts.
DIY Moving Cost Between Vancouver and Toronto
Between DIY moving and hiring professional movers, some people find moving by themselves easier and more affordable.
However, a professional moving company will always have the expertise in long-distance moves rather than doing it yourself.
The cost of renting a moving truck averages between $399 and $4,900, while renting a moving container can cost you between $1,100 and $7,800 or more.
Moving 4,400 km on your own might seem cheaper, but it comes with many challenges.
Safely packing valuables, disassembling furniture, arranging the right moving supplies and equipment, and obtaining permits are just a few of the many tasks involved.
Other drawbacks of DIY moving include a lack of expertise and familiarity with the areas to navigate, as well as poor packing and loading skills, which can cause further damage to your belongings.
Therefore, it is advisable to hire expert long-distance movers who will manage your Vancouver to Toronto move and vice versa from start to finish.
Conclusion
Moving to a faraway city is not something you can manage alone, particularly when the distance is 4,400 km.
The intricacies of a long-distance move are many, including disposing of old items, buying moving boxes, dismantling furniture, loading, transportation, parking permits, lodging, and more.
A professional moving company in Vancouver can help you make your Vancouver to Toronto move a lot easier.
All you have to do is plan a few months before, compare moving quotes, and choose the right moving company on time.
FAQs
1. How much do movers cost in Vancouver, BC?
The average moving cost in Vancouver can range from $650 to $5,000 for local moves within the city.
Remember, this depends on various factors, such as the number of movers needed, permits, heavy item fees, additional trucks, the length of the stairs, elevator restrictions for apartment moves, and more.
2. How much do movers cost in Toronto, ON?
The average cost of hiring movers in Downtown Toronto ranges between $120 and $200.
The moving costs in Toronto are somewhere between $600 and $1,500 for a local move.
Remember, finding a good moving company in Toronto is essential to avoid the common mistake of hiring rogue movers and getting the best moving quote for your residential or commercial moves.
3. Which city has a higher cost of living when we compare Toronto and Vancouver?
While both cities are expensive metropolises, Vancouver is slightly more expensive than Toronto in terms of housing prices.
The average cost of living in Vancouver for a single person is between $3,700 and $4,200, and for a family of four, it is between $6,600 and $8,700.
The average cost of living in Toronto is between $3,600 and $4,000, and for a family of four, between $7,600 and $8,500.
Observing at the Toronto Vs. Vancouver living costs, the average monthly rentals are higher in Vancouver, while other factors such as groceries, utilities, transportation, and entertainment costs are roughly the same.
4. How much do movers cost to move furniture from Vancouver to Toronto?
Considering the relocation from Vancouver to Toronto is a long-distance move, you enlist the long-distance movers in Toronto, who cost you anywhere between $6,255 and $12,000 or more on average.
The cost breakdown includes the cost of moving furniture items, oddly shaped items, and specialty items.
The total cost includes packing, furniture disassembly, loading, and unloading charges.