Victoria, BC
Renting Guide
Where everyone is winning
Victoria just racks up the accolades. Seriously! It’s been dubbed Canada’s most romantic city for five years running. On top of that, it’s been named Canada’s best city to live in if you’re a woman, the seventh best city in the world, and the friendliest city in Canada. So what makes Victoria so great? Well, it’s flat out gorg! The gardens, the lights, the architecture – it’s got it all. More importantly though, there’s a relaxed vibe with a slower pace of life. Locals here aren’t rushing around. They’re enjoying brunch, sipping tea, and spending time enjoying one another’s company. All of this contributes to a general sense of joy in Victoria. It’s almost like the city embodiment of mindfulness meditation. Everyone is present and engaged. Plus there’s great brunch… never forget about the brunch.
Housing Market
Right now, the demand for housing in Victoria is booming thanks to an influx of new residents. That’s great for homeowners hoping to rent their spaces, but it sucks for the renters. Expect to pay a pretty penny for even the most basic place. Don’t want to do that? Prices are inflated, so you could try to wait for the bubble to burst and rents to become more manageable.
Typical housing type:
Low-rise apartment buildings
Side note:
Victoria is beautiful, but it’s not as safe as it once was. In fact, crime has spiked over the last year or so. It may just be a blip, but stay safe out there!
Average Rent
Avg. rent by housing size:
Bach/studio: $1,200
1-bedroom: $1,395
2-bedroom: $1,823
3-bedroom: $N/A
Avg. rent compared to other Canadian cities
Victoria is 27% higher than the Canadian average
Apartment Hunting
Victoria is the land of apartments and condos… but not cheap rentals.
Most houses in the city are only available for short-term rentals, where listings are handled by the owners. Even short-term rentals come with a hefty price tag, though. Best to just bite the bullet on the price.
Upside is, apartments and condos in Victoria tend to be heavy on the amenities, offering up laundry, pools, and even dishwashers! If you’re a senior, take advantage of these amenities and so many more in one of the city’s many retirement buildings!
Residents
There’s a saying that Victoria is for newlyweds and nearly-deads. Victoria has a significant older population, earning it a reputation as a retirement community. And we’re not just talking about silver foxes here! We’re talking about locals all the way up into their 90s! Of course, with population this long in the tooth, there is a significant number of locals who are divorced or widowed. Most have grown kids – and even grown grandkids. Not everyone in Victoria is retired though. There’s also a working aged population. Most of these locals are well-educated and working with the government or in the tech space. The average income for the city sitting at $69,383.
Perfect for: Retirees looking for a relaxed environment... and a great brunch.
Not-so-perfect for: Swinging singles.
Life & Style
Vic is full of sophisticated charm. There’s a definite upper crust British vibe to the city – and life within it. It’s so British that there are even rankings of the top tea rooms! After their tea, locals will do things like stroll around the city’s scenic gardens or pop into the quaint little shops. With the amount of money in Victoria, it should come as no surprise that high-end activities, like yachting, are popular. Basically, living in Victoria is like being a member of the British royal family, but one of the ones who has no shot of inheriting the crown… like Charles.
Neighbourhood
Let’s get the most important things out of the way first: tea and brunch! For tea, the Empress Hotel is the best choice, but there are other tea rooms for those seeking variety. The Marina Restaurant is a favourite for brunch, but there are so many places worth checking out. Looking for a feast for the eyes? Head over to the Butchart Gardens! There is no shortage of historical and architecturally important buildings, including the BC Parliament Buildings. Canada’s second oldest Chinatown is also in Victoria. Mayfair is the main mall, but don’t forget to look at the little shops around the city, especially on Government Street. Seniors get extra TLC here, with residences and centres geared toward them.
Landmarks:
Butchart Gardens
Royal British Columbia Museum
Craigdarroch Castle
Beacon Hill Park
Empress Hotel
Government House
Point Ellice House
Chinatown
Emily Carr House
Inner Harbour
Christ Church Cathedral
British Columbia Parliament Buildings
Royal Theatre
Victoria Pier
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