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| Subject: Vancouver Living Expenses/// for Anon |
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Hello Anon.
Thanks for your comments.
Regarding living expenses, much depends upon your reference point. We are from the U.S. (Fla) and expenses and taxes are very low.
So, in comparison Vancouver was a bit of a shock. The housing prices in the city are VERY high, perhaps the highest in Canada; for example, most places for condos are $320-700K for about 500-800 sq ft. You can get a few for $199K but they are 300 sq ft. The rents seem VERY reasonable. One of our friends has a great studio on Davie St with water view of English Bay for $750. As you move from further out, the prices are better in the mid 200s (but you need to be careful of the leaky condos and plumbing issues.. we signed for several places in the low to high 200s only to be disappointed in learning there were major building issues... that can run the new ownwr $60K or more. Stick with the buildings under 8 yrs old unless the property is a conversion of a commercial bldg and is all cement, then you are fine.
If one goes further out over the bridges to quieter country, one can get something very nice in the 200sK All of the prices are in Canadian.
In addition, one needs about $3,800 additional for the provincial sales tax (unless you have been in the Province for a yr... then that is waived for first home buyers), One also would pay 7% GST (rebate of 38%) for new property. Property taxes are very LOW compared to even Fla.
To own a home is almost impossible... in mid 500s and up.
General expenses except the 14% sales tax is ok.... food if not American can be cheap.. Asian food and Asian rest is fresh food and cheap. Clothes can be the same as US or more downtown.
Cost of living overall in Vancouver is up and is high. Wages though are high, too. In Fla. the average hr wage was $5.50 - $7.00 In Vancouver I have seen them $10.45 - $13.50 for even hotel positions.
We by choice do not have a car... that is a good choice.. gasoline is on average about $4. gallon if you convert.... The skytrain and bus system is excellent and abiut $69 - 95 (monthly) from Vancouver out one zone. Also, a word on the skytrain..one buys a ticket, of course, but rarely is there anyone who asks for it. However, be aware --- the new Transit Police make sweeps on the train and one can get nabbed for $173.50 ticket if a person cannot produce a proof of payment..., not worth the risk.
Despite all of the costs, one gets his due back in many other ways such as free tolley rides around Stanley Park, immediate (usually) and friendly attention at numerous clinics around the city at NO COST, low property taxes, a fabulous library, free concerts, an almost violence-free society, and the quality of life!!!
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Ron and Ben
[25-08-2005,14:48]
[***.200.116.202]
Ron and Ben |
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(in reply to: Vancouver Living Expenses/// for Anon)
Victoria´s housr price is like that too.
Yep, rent is reasonable, house is expensive, real estate bubble gotta blast soon
[25-08-2005,14:52]
[**.66.36.59]
departure bay |
(in reply to: Vancouver Living Expenses/// for Anon)
Hey Departue Bay...
Can you e mail me at RAllanach@aol.com?
[25-08-2005,14:57]
[***.200.116.5]
Ron and Ben |
(in reply to: Vancouver Living Expenses/// for Anon)
done~~so envy you, i am still waiting for my IA.
also you have a property in Vancouver, that´s millions people´s dream.If I make enough money, of course wanna live beside stanley park or white rock
[25-08-2005,15:07]
[**.66.36.59]
departure bay |
additional info (in reply to: Vancouver Living Expenses/// for Anon)
General rents near English Bay
$750 - $1300(big)
Monthly expenses.
eat out. breakfast $3.00
lunch $5.50
dinner $10
Eating in apt. $30 weekly
(two people..Asian food mostly)
General expenses.
Rent $650. (includes everything)
Cell phone $45
Transport $69
Gym $40
Landline $28-$35
Hope that helps.\
NO CAR... too much...
[25-08-2005,15:13]
[***.200.116.5]
Ron and Ben |
Health Insurance (in reply to: Vancouver Living Expenses/// for Anon)
I forgot.. if you do not have benefits at work, the health insurance (mandatory charge) is $65 monthly or $106 for two....
That is the only other charge I can think of.
[25-08-2005,15:14]
[***.200.116.5]
Ron and Ben |
(in reply to: Vancouver Living Expenses/// for Anon)
how comes you eat asian food like me? I never eat out, too much money and not health, only cook at home, fresh, natural~~
[25-08-2005,15:18]
[**.66.36.59]
departure bay |
(in reply to: Vancouver Living Expenses/// for Anon)
Vancouver has some of the best asian food in the country! why would I cook at home :)
[25-08-2005,15:26]
[***.181.198.246]
sharon |
(in reply to: Vancouver Living Expenses/// for Anon)
we usually buy our fresh products from Chinatown each night and cook at home. We have a small kitchen until we move into our place Sept 28tjh. Ben is a Thai chef so we have lots of good health and fresh Thai food.; We love the fact that you can go to Chinatown and get fresh food from the markets and cook it on a daily basis.
[25-08-2005,15:34]
[***.200.116.5]
Ron and Ben |
(in reply to: Vancouver Living Expenses/// for Anon)
shit!!i wanna that !!!
i can only go to real canadian superstore once a week, prefer daily fresh vegetable either, since i am an asian.
nanaimo, asian restaurant sux,
[25-08-2005,15:42]
[**.66.36.59]
departure bay |
Thanks guys (in reply to: Vancouver Living Expenses/// for Anon)
Ron & Ben and others:
Thanks so much for the solid information. It is a bit daunting to think of the price of owning a house. We had targeted Vancouver as a price to live, but I sure am attached to single family home living--maybe Calgary would be more affordable.
Thanks for being so friendly and informative.
[26-08-2005,20:14]
[**.102.101.230]
Anon |
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