Spike in Canadians moving to Vancouver during the pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic appears to have driven more Canadians to relocate to the major urban centres on the country’s West Coast and East Coast.
New data from LinkedIn shows Metro Vancouver saw a 10.5% increase in the rate of domestic migration for every resident leaving the city since April 2020. “Thousands more Canadians have been moving to Vancouver than leaving it compared to pre-pandemic trends,” reads the study.
- See also:
The rate was higher for Halifax, where the inflow-outflow ratio of residents over the same period increased by 39%.
Contrast this with the negative outflows from other metropolitan areas, with -21% for Montreal, -12.2% for Toronto, -18.9% for Hamilton, and -7.8% for London, Ontario.
The social media platform’s take on migration trends aligns with a separate new report by Vancouver-based credit union Central 1, which has found that more residents in Alberta and Ontario flocked to British Columbia during the pandemic.
Based on Statistics Canada data, over the second half of 2020, net interprovincial migration to BC more than doubled over the same period in 2019, and this trend accelerated in the first quarter of 2021, with a year-over-year gain of over 150% to more than 9,000 people.
Interprovincial migration statistics during COVID-19 pandemic. (Statistics Canada/Central 1)
“BC attracted more people than it lost from most provinces, led by Alberta and Ontario, with a small loss to Atlantic Canada,” stated Central 1.
“Population growth will continue to rappel higher over the coming year… While themes such as retirements and lifestyle demand persisted, BC has been a preferred destination to relocate due to relatively fewer restrictions and natural beauty.”
LinkedIn also suggested the pandemic prompted more Canadians to rethink their priorities, specifically a lifestyle shift that offers an improved work-life balance — something that may be provided in Vancouver.
Milder weather year-round, an emphasis on fitness and relaxation, and the close proximity to beaches, mountains, and nature are cited as possible factors.
Vancouver’s economy and job market has also seen a stronger rebound compared to other major urban centres, and its maturing and growing tech industry is providing more opportunities, making it an attractive city for young professionals. Much of this tech growth is anchored by Amazon’s major expansion in downtown Vancouver. As well, Metro Vancouver excels in public transit and digital access.
But housing prices and rents in Metro Vancouver are a barrier, which makes other smaller coastal communities — also known for their similar relaxed lifestyle — like Halifax an attractive alternative.
Young professionals, who are more likely to rent, will find themselves paying over $1,700 monthly on average for a one-bedroom apartment in Metro Vancouver, based on rental platform Liv Rent’s July 2021 report analyzing the last three months.
Downtown Vancouver’s average rates, the most highest in the region, currently hover at $2,203 for one-bedroom, $2,841 for two-bedroom, and $3,110 for three-bedroom.
In South Vancouver, the average rents are $1,726 for one-bedroom, $2,440 for two-bedroom, and $2,648 for three-bedroom. Similar rents can be found in Burnaby.
While Vancouver leads the country in housing affordability issues, the cost of living in Toronto and Hamilton has also skyrocketed in recent years, pushing more residents to reconsider the place they call home. Vancouver, Toronto, and Hamilton are now amongst the least affordable cities in North America — more expensive than New York City and Los Angeles.
According to rental platform PadMapper, average Vancouver rents in June 2021 reached $1,950 for one-bedroom and $2,730 for two-bedroom. This is ahead of Toronto at $1,800 for one-bedroom and $2,320 for two-bedroom.
Average rents in Canada, June 2021. (PadMapper)
Follow Channels and Categories