Cost of living: East Coast vs West Coast Canada

Canada presents two distinct coastal experiences that captivate travelers with their unique attributes and regional flavors. The East Coast, with its rich maritime heritage and warm hospitality, contrasts sharply with the West Coast, popular for its laid-back lifestyle and stunning natural landscapes. Our exploration of East Coast vs West Coast Canada unveils the unique character of each region, drawing you into their respective histories, climates, and cultural offerings. As we compare these coastal regions, you’ll gain insights that could, besides the moving companies Canada, be a guide to your next Canadian relocation adventure.

East Coast vs West Coast Canada: Housing Costs

In Eastern Canada, cities such as Halifax, St. John’s, and Charlottetown offer a more approachable housing market compared to their Western counterparts.

• Halifax presents a balanced market, with average property prices that allow for both purchase and rental within a reasonable budget. The median list price of homes in Halifax, NS is around $660k.
• St. John’s, known for its colorful row houses, offers lower housing prices, reflecting the local economic conditions and lower cost of living. The median home value in St. John’s, Newfoundland is about $350k.
• Charlottetown, a smaller city with a growing demand for housing, still maintains affordability, although prices have been climbing steadily. The median list price of homes in Charlottetown, PE is $490k.

On the West Coast, cities like Vancouver, Victoria, and Kelowna are known for their high costs of housing.

• Vancouver, with its soaring skyscrapers and ocean views, has some of the highest property prices and rents in Canada, making it a challenging market for both buyers and renters. The average home price in Greater Vancouver is around $1.3M.
• Victoria, with its more laid-back island vibe, also sees elevated housing costs, similar to the ones in Vancouver. A home in Greater Victoria sells for an average of $1.4 million dollars.
• Kelowna, with its desirable climate and lifestyle, is experiencing a surge in housing prices as it becomes an increasingly popular destination. The median list price of homes in Kelowna, BC is about $762k.

The common thread in these Western cities is a competitive market with a lower rate of housing availability, which continues to push prices upward, reflecting the desirability of West Coast living.

Looking for an affordable home? Halifax homes are usually cheaper than those in Vancouver.

Transportation Expenses

On the East Coast, public transportation options vary widely among cities and provinces. In major cities like Halifax, public transit is relatively affordable, with options ranging from buses to ferries. As you move to smaller cities and towns, the vacancy and thus the cost can fluctuate. This often leads to a greater reliance on personal vehicles.

Fuel prices across Eastern provinces like Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island can differ, typically aligning with global oil markets and regional taxation. Car ownership in these provinces is generally more economical than in the West. The insurance rates and registration fees are lower, although this can vary from province to province. If you use a car on a daily basis and these differences in fuel are important to you, rely on the help of the province to province movers and move to a province that suits you the most.

In contrast, Western Canada, particularly British Columbia, presents a different scenario. Cities like Vancouver have a more extensive public transportation system, which includes buses, sky trains, and ferries. Despite this, the cost of public transit can be higher here than in the East.

Fuel prices in Western Canada are also typically higher, often attributed to stricter environmental regulations and taxes. Car ownership costs, including insurance and registration, are notably steep in British Columbia. These expenses, combined with parking fees that are among the highest in the country, make car ownership in the West a more substantial financial consideration.

Healthcare Costs

On the East Coast, the accessibility and affordability of healthcare services typically benefit from the publicly funded Canadian healthcare system, which covers a significant portion of healthcare costs.

In provinces like Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, residents do not pay direct premiums for healthcare services, and out-of-pocket expenses are often limited to non-covered services such as certain dental and vision care, prescription drugs, and private hospital rooms. This is also one of the primary reasons why people are moving from Ontario to New Brunswick so much lately.

Both coasts have good healthcare, but it can be expensive and hard to get.

Moving to the West Coast, British Columbia has a slightly different system in place. While the Canadian healthcare system also covers many services in BC, there used to be a Medical Services Plan premium. It was eliminated in 2020, reducing the direct cost for residents. However, like in the East, out-of-pocket expenses can still be a factor for non-covered services. BC also has a relatively high cost of living, which can indirectly affect the affordability of those additional healthcare services.

East Coast vs West Coast Canada: Utilities and Energy

In the East Coast provinces, including Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, residents typically face varied utility bills.

• Newfoundland and Labrador, with its cooler climate, may see higher heating costs, especially during the long winters.
• Provinces like Nova Scotia and New Brunswick have invested in diverse energy sources to stabilize prices.
• Prince Edward Island, the smallest province, has a more communal approach to utilities, often resulting in slightly lower costs due to provincial initiatives and supports.

Across these provinces, the cost of electricity and water bills generally remains steady, with provincial rebates and programs in place to aid residents in managing these essential expenses.

British Columbia’s West Coast experiences a different utility cost structure. With a focus on hydroelectric power, BC’s electricity costs are among the lowest in the country. Electricity costs mainly benefit from the province’s extensive natural resources. However, this does not always translate to low overall utility bills. Urban centers like Vancouver may have higher heating costs, especially in high-rise buildings where the cost of heating can be substantial.

Water bills in BC also vary, often higher in metro areas due to the complex water systems in these densely populated regions. Despite the low cost of electricity, the overall utility costs in BC can be significant, especially when combined with the high cost of living in its major cities. No matter where you find the utility prices to be the most convenient for you, the long distance movers Canada are here to help you reach that place.

Grocery Prices

While grocery shopping in the Eastern provinces, shoppers can find a mix of modern supermarkets and traditional local markets. In provinces like Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, local produce often comes with a lower price tag. Also, when purchased in season at local markets, the prices tend to be even lower. However, imported items and off-season produce can be pricier due to the added transportation costs.

Newfoundland and Labrador, being more remote, typically sees higher food prices across the board, as most goods need to be shipped in. Provided you decide to move here at some point, you will need to “ship” your items as well. That’s why the long distance movers to Newfoundland are here, to help you move your belongings to even the most remote areas in Canada.

Food shopping can cost less in Eastern towns like Charlottetown compared to Western towns like Kelowna.

Turning to the West Coast, the story shifts. British Columbia, with its varied climate, has a rich agricultural presence that helps keep the cost of some local produce down. This is especially true in the interior and Okanagan regions. However, the overall cost of groceries in metro areas like Vancouver can be quite high.

While supermarkets offer convenience, local markets in BC can sometimes provide better deals, particularly for organic and artisanal products. Much like the East, imported goods and specialty items carry a higher price due to transport costs. However, the diversity of products available in the West is generally broader.

Education Expenses

In Eastern Canada, primary and secondary education is publicly funded and provided at no direct cost to the student. However, indirect costs such as school supplies, extracurricular activities, and potential field trips can add up. For post-secondary education, the East Coast is famous for having some of the most affordable tuition rates in the country.

Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island also offer competitive rates, though they may vary depending on whether one is attending a community college or a university. No wonder why  students are moving from Toronto to Nova Scotia, since affordable education is their top priority.

Education costs vary, with East Coast schools generally charging less for tuition than those on the West Coast.

In Western Canada, the situation is similar for primary and secondary education, with the majority of costs being absorbed by the public education system. However, families can expect to pay for various school-related expenses such as supplies and activities.

The West Coast, particularly British Columbia, is known for higher tuition fees for post-secondary education compared to the East. The costs can be particularly steep in larger cities like Vancouver. The cost of living here can also significantly affect a student’s budget. Post-secondary students in the West Coast can expect to budget for tuition, books, supplies, and a higher cost for accommodations and other living expenses, especially if they attend institutions in urban centers.

Tax Policies and Living Costs

In the Eastern provinces, such as Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, residents face varying rates of income tax, with some of the highest brackets found in these regions. You may wish to avoid this by contacting the movers Prince Edward Island and moving to the East Coast.

These provinces also apply a Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), which combines the federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) with the provincial sales tax, leading to higher overall sales tax rates than provinces with only GST. For example, as of 2023, HST rates in these provinces range from 15% to 15.5%. Property taxes also vary but tend to be more moderate compared to the West Coast. However, these rates can impact the affordability of housing, especially in more urban areas where property values are higher.

People on the East Coast pay more sales tax than on the West Coast, affecting how much they buy.

On the West Coast, British Columbia’s tax regime differs from its eastern counterparts. The province has a tiered income tax system where residents might benefit from lower taxes at certain income levels compared to some Eastern provinces. BC applies a 7% Provincial Sales Tax (PST) in addition to the 5% GST, totaling a 12% sales tax on most goods and services, which is lower than the HST in the Eastern provinces. Property taxes in BC, particularly in metro areas like Vancouver, can be quite high due to the elevated property values.

Income Disparities and Wage Levels

Eastern Canada, often reports a range of income levels, reflective of its diverse economic base, which includes fishing, manufacturing, and services. Income disparities can be noticeable, particularly between urban centers and rural areas, where job opportunities and wages may vary significantly.

The minimum wage rates in these provinces tend to be on the lower side compared to the national average. As of 2023, minimum wages in these provinces vary but generally fall between $12.00 to $13.00 per hour. These minimum wage rates impact the earning potential of lower-income workers and contribute to the broader conversation about income equality in the region.

Places like New Brunswick pay a lower minimum wage than British Columbia.

The West Coast, particularly British Columbia, presents its own unique economic landscape. With a mix of high-tech industries, tourism, and natural resources, the province sees a wide range of income levels. However, there is a steeper disparity in urban areas such as Vancouver.

The minimum wage in BC has seen regular increases, aiming to better reflect the high cost of living, especially in major cities. As of the last update in 2023, the minimum wage in BC is around $15.65 per hour, which is one of the higher rates in the country. So, if you are pursuing a career, consider booking a move with the long distance movers BC and move here.

East Coast vs West Coast Canada 101

The East Coast vs West Coast Canada comparison is more than just a geographical distinction. From the affordable housing markets in the Maritimes to the thriving, competitive job sectors in British Columbia, each coast offers unique advantages and challenges. While the East Coast may appeal to those seeking a more affordable lifestyle, the West Coast attracts those aiming for higher earning potential despite the higher cost of living. Ultimately, the choice between living on the East or West Coast of Canada living depends on one’s personal and professional priorities, underlining the importance of a comprehensive look at each region’s economic opportunities and living expenses.

REFERENCES:

https://www.houseful.ca/market-trends/halifax-ns/#:~:text=The%20median%20list%20price%20of%20homes%20in%20Halifax%2C%20NS%20for,%25%20month-over-month.&text=Tailored%20resources%20to%20guide%20you%20on%20your%20real%20estate%20journey.&text=Wondering%20how%20to%20buy%20a%20home%20in%20Canada%3F

https://blog.remax.ca/st-johns-newfoundland-housing-market-outlook/

https://www.houseful.ca/market-trends/charlottetown-pe/#:~:text=The%20median%20list%20price%20of,%25%20month-over-month.

https://wowa.ca/vancouver-housing-market

Housing prices make Victoria one of Canada’s least affordable, according to new report

https://www.houseful.ca/market-trends/kelowna-bc/#:~:text=The%20median%20list%20price%20of,%25%20month-over-month.

Minimum Wage by Province

https://www.canada.ca/en/services/taxes.html