Relocating to a new city is more than just a real estate decision—it’s a lifestyle choice. For many Canadians, Victoria, British Columbia sits high on the list of dream destinations. Ocean views, mild winters, walkable neighborhoods, and access to nature make it incredibly appealing.
But before making the move, it’s important to understand the financial realities, lifestyle trade-offs, and logistical planning that come with relocating to one of Canada’s most desirable—and competitive—housing markets.
This guide is designed for anyone considering a move to Victoria, whether you’re coming from Vancouver, Toronto, the Prairies, or a smaller community elsewhere in Canada. It blends market insight with lived experience to help you decide if Victoria is the right fit for your next chapter.
Why So Many People Are Choosing to Move to Victoria, BC
Victoria consistently ranks as one of the most livable cities in Canada. Located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, it offers a unique balance that’s hard to find elsewhere:
- Year-round outdoor access (ocean, forests, beaches, trails)
- A slower pace of life compared to Vancouver or Toronto
- A vibrant food, arts, and culture scene
- Mild winters and comfortable summers
- Strong sense of community
For many people, the draw isn’t just where Victoria is—it’s how life feels once you’re here.
People relocating to Victoria often describe a shift in priorities: less time commuting, more time outdoors, and a stronger connection to their day-to-day environment.
The Financial Reality: Understanding the Cost of Living in Victoria
One of the biggest adjustments for people moving to Victoria is the cost of housing.
Victoria is not an inexpensive city, especially when compared to many parts of Canada. Buyers often experience “sticker shock,” particularly if they’re relocating from Prairie provinces or smaller urban centers.
Current Housing Price Expectations
While prices fluctuate with the market, many buyers should plan around these general benchmarks:
- Average home price: around $1.3 million
- Average condo price: approximately $570,000
British Columbia has one of the highest income-to-home-price ratios in Canada, and Victoria sits even higher than the provincial average. For many households, that means:
- Adjusting expectations around space
- Choosing between location and property type
- Considering condos or townhomes instead of detached houses
For buyers coming from Vancouver or Toronto, Victoria may feel comparatively attainable. For those relocating from Winnipeg, Saskatoon, or smaller markets, the transition can feel significant.
Is It Worth the Trade-Off?
For many people, the answer is yes—but for quality-of-life reasons, not purely financial ones.
Common trade-offs people make include:
- Downsizing from a detached home to a condo
- Choosing a smaller home closer to amenities
- Paying more for lifestyle access (walkability, ocean proximity, climate)
In return, they gain daily access to beaches, outdoor recreation, and a slower, more intentional pace of life.
Quality of Life: What Daily Living in Victoria Is Really Like
One of the most compelling reasons people relocate to Victoria is how much everyday life improves once they arrive.
Climate and Outdoor Living
Victoria has one of the mildest climates in Canada. Winters are typically rainy rather than snowy, and summers are warm without the extreme heat seen elsewhere.
This climate supports an outdoor-first lifestyle:
- Year-round walking and cycling
- Ocean swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding
- Hiking, camping, and coastal exploring
- Beaches that are accessible even in the cooler months
For many retirees, remote workers, and families, this climate plays a major role in the decision to move.
Community and Pace of Life
Victoria is large enough to offer excellent dining, healthcare, and cultural amenities—but small enough that commuting and congestion are manageable.
Many people moving from larger cities note:
- Less time spent in traffic
- Shorter daily drives
- A stronger sense of neighborhood identity
- Easier access to nature after work or on weekends
Choosing the Right Area: Understanding Victoria’s Neighborhoods
Victoria is not one single experience—it’s a collection of distinct communities, each offering a different lifestyle.
Some popular areas for people relocating include:
- James Bay: Walkable, close to downtown and the ocean
- Sidney: Slower pace, strong retirement appeal, close to the airport
- Langford: Newer homes, family-friendly, more affordability (by Victoria standards)
- Sooke: Coastal living, more space, longer commute but incredible scenery
Commute Expectations Matter
Drive times are often underestimated by out-of-town buyers.
A 45-minute commute may feel normal if you’re used to Toronto or Vancouver traffic—but for someone coming from a small town, that can feel excessive.
Understanding:
- Bridge crossings
- Peak traffic times
- School and work locations
…is critical before committing to a purchase.
Renting First: Why a Long-Term Airbnb Can Be a Smart Move
Many people relocating to Victoria choose to rent short-term before buying.
A common strategy is booking a 30-day or longer Airbnb at different times of the year to:
- Experience seasonal differences
- Test commute routes
- Explore multiple neighborhoods
- Confirm lifestyle fit
This approach can reduce regret and help buyers make more confident decisions—especially in a competitive market.
That said, some buyers do purchase sight unseen, particularly during tight market conditions. When this happens, having trusted local guidance becomes essential.
Buying Sight Unseen: What You Need to Know
Out-of-town buyers often ask whether buying sight unseen is realistic in Victoria. The answer is yes—but only with the right preparation.
Key considerations include:
- Detailed virtual tours and video walk-throughs
- Honest neighborhood insights
- Clear understanding of resale value and long-term livability
- Realistic expectations around condition and pricing
A strong local support system can make the difference between a confident purchase and a stressful one.
Selling First: Why Timing Your Sale Matters
If you own property elsewhere in Canada, listing your current home early can dramatically improve your buying position in Victoria.
Benefits include:
- Stronger negotiating power
- Fewer conditions in offers
- More confidence when acting quickly
- Reduced financial uncertainty
Even if your purchase is subject to the sale of your existing home, being active in the selling process puts you in a better position overall.
Victoria vs. Vancouver: Why Some People Choose the Island
Many people who consider Victoria also consider Vancouver—but ultimately choose Vancouver Island.
Common reasons include:
- Lower overall housing prices than Vancouver
- Less congestion and traffic
- Easier access to nature
- A smaller, more connected community feel
Victoria offers many of the amenities of a major city without the scale and intensity that can feel overwhelming for some buyers.
Is Victoria Right for You?
Victoria isn’t for everyone—and that’s okay.
It’s best suited for people who:
- Value lifestyle over square footage
- Enjoy outdoor activities
- Prefer milder weather
- Are comfortable with higher housing costs
- Want a balance between city and nature
If those priorities align with your goals, Victoria can be an incredibly rewarding place to call home.
Final Thoughts: Planning a Move with Confidence
Relocating to Victoria is a major decision—financially, emotionally, and logistically. The more informed you are, the smoother the transition will be.
Taking the time to:
- Understand the housing market
- Explore neighborhoods thoroughly
- Align expectations with reality
- Get local insight early
…can make all the difference between a stressful move and an exciting new beginning.
Thinking About Moving to Victoria, BC?
If relocating to Victoria is on your horizon, having the right local insight can make all the difference. After repeat clients and referrals, relocation buyers make up the largest part of our business. We’ve helped people from across Canada and beyond successfully navigate the move to Victoria and Vancouver Island, and we understand just how many decisions—both big and small—are involved along the way.
Being a trusted source of information during such an important transition is a responsibility we take seriously. If you’re looking for clear guidance, honest perspective, and local knowledge to help you make confident decisions, we’d be happy to be a resource as you plan your move. Contact us.
Thanks for being here,
Alex Hughes, REALTOR®, Personal Real Estate Corporation — North Pacific Homes Group (eXp Realty) | Victoria, BC Real Estate
Ricki-Lee Jewell, REALTOR® — North Pacific Homes Group (eXp Realty) | Victoria, BC Real Estate
Steven Reilander, REALTOR® — North Pacific Homes Group (eXp Realty) | Victoria, BC Real Estate
