Not Luxe ☼ Travel
  • ABOUT US
  • WHY “NOT LUXE”
  • Cambodia
  • Australia
  • Travel
  • Teaching ESL
  • Move Abroad
  • Travel Insurance
Not Luxe ☼ Travel
  • ABOUT US
  • WHY “NOT LUXE”
  • Cambodia
  • Australia
  • Travel
  • Teaching ESL
  • Move Abroad
  • Travel Insurance
Category:

Canada

    Vancouver vs Kelowna

    Living in Kelowna vs. Living in Vancouver

    by Nick & Raychel February 25, 2021

    Living in Kelowna vs. living in Vancouver – are they really that different? What’s the difference between the lower mainland and the Okanagan? What is the weather like in Kelowna vs. the weather in Vancouver? We will be covering our most frequently asked questions about living in two of British Columbia’s most popular cities. Whether you’re moving to Canada for a working holiday visa, immigrating to Canada, or moving to BC from Ontario, this article may be helpful for you!  

    We are from Vancouver, we met in Vancouver, and we ultimately call Vancouver home. That said, we have been living in and out of the Kelowna / Vernon area for the past year, and we are completely in love with living in the Okanagan Valley as well. As with anything, there are pros & cons to both lifestyles so let’s chat.


    Prefer to watch, not read? Find our YT video on the same topic here!

    Vancouver is cheaper to live in than Kelowna 

    If you’re wondering if Kelowna is cheaper to live in than Vancouver, the answer is yet. It’s been said before and we’ll say it again – basically anywhere is more affordable than Vancouver. 

    Vancouver is Canada’s most expensive city to live in, but Kelowna isn’t in the clear either. According to CTV, Kelowna is Canada’s 6th most expensive city, closely following Victoria BC. The cost of living is undoubtedly increasing in Kelowna, and there are some arguments to say that the cities are almost equally as expensive to live in when we’re comparing Vancouver vs. Kelowna.

    One thing that we noticed is that when you’re living in the Okanagan Valley, if you really want to get the most out of your experience, you probably will want to have a car. The truth is not the same for Vancouver. We both lived very happy, eventful lives in Vancouver for over 10 years with no car and solely utilizing the public transit system that the city has to offer. We honestly can’t say the same for Kelowna. It all, of course, depends on your lifestyle. If you’re living in Kelowna, you may save on rent, but are you now making car payments, buying a ski pass and taking drives in and out of the surrounding areas every weekend, your costs pay pile up there too.

    Vancouver BC is Expensive

    Vancouver is much bigger than Kelowna, but Kelowna still has the city feel 

    The population size of Vancouver is 675,000 people, compared to Kelowna where the population is 132,000 which makes them sound like they’re not comparable at all. That said, Kelowna is one of the biggest cities in BC and definitely the biggest city in the Okanagan Valley.

    This is what we love about Kelowna. 
    Kelowna has both a small town and bigger city energy at the same time. Its downtown is obviously much smaller than Vancouver, but you really don’t miss out on flavourful restaurants, fun bars and fashionable boutiques to visit. 

    The city of Kelowna

    Vancouver has a better transit system than Kelowna

    The transit system in Kelowna is not great, and the rush-hour traffic can be (quite honestly) unbearable. Highway 97 in particular is a huge stretch of highway controlled by traffic lights with few overpasses, and the lack of thought for cross traffic is….brutal. And yes, everyone complains about it.

    The traffic in Vancouver isn’t great either (especially downtown) but for a larger city, it’s expected. That’s why we heavily relied on the transit system while living in Vancouver, and after living in some other big world capitals, we can say the transit system is pretty good. Is it perfect? No. Do Vancouverites complain about it? Yes. But in our opinion, it’s a way more enjoyable commute to work in Vancouver vs. Kelowna.

    Both cities have a lot of tourists

    … and they often visit for different reasons! Kelowna and the surrounding areas in the Central Okanagan have a thriving industry because well, duh, it’s wine country. Who doesn’t love wine country?! On top of mesmerizing vineyards, the Kelowna area is also home to orchards, lakes galore, and world-class outdoor recreation that you really can’t beat. With the two biggest attractions being the many vineyards and Big White, however, you’ll see a lot more tourists in the summer and winter months.

    Vancouver, on the other hand, has tourists year-round. Vancouver has much milder weather than Kelowna, and some of the mildest weather in all of Canada. That means people flock from all day every day, from all over the world, all year ’round. 

    The tourism industry brings a lot of jobs to both cities, but we find this fact to be more prevalent in Kelowna. In Kelowna, summer workers particularly will find plenty of jobs in agriculture, wine-making, and tourism industries.

    Kelowna has lakes, Vancouver has the ocean

    Both cities have year-round recreation that you really can’t beat – but now we’re comparing apples to oranges. If you’re asking us which city is better – Vancouver vs. Kelowna – in terms of proximity to nature, you’re asking the wrong question. It’s all about preference!

    Vancouver and Kelowna are both very outdoorsy cities, but because of the bodies of water they hold, the activities can be different. Lake culture in the Okanagan is thriving. In the summer, folks in the Okanagan head to the lakes and bring their paddle boards, boats, tubes, water skis, and skidoos.

    In Vancouver, people bring their frisbees and footballs to the sandy beach and go for a salty dip in the Pacific Ocean to cool off.  

    Both cities are home to many gorgeous hikes and within an hour drive of both destinations, you’ll find even more high altitudes to explore.

    Nature in Vancouver BC

    The weather is very different in Kelowna vs. Vancouver

    Kelowna really has all four seasons and Vancouver, well, does not. If you’re looking for a textbook Canadian winter with a hot summer, orange autumn, snowy winter and rainy spring, the Okanagan Valley is the place to be. 

    If you’re trying to escape or avoid the snow, Vancouver may be your best friend. Vancouver’s winters are typically more mild and wet, with greyer but warmer days.  The winters in Kelowna are much colder than the winters in Vancouver, but the sun shines on most days during the winter months. We can’t say the same about Vancouver.

    Personally, the grey skies in Vancouver don’t bother us – but some have reported to feel as gloomy as the sky looks during the winter months in Vancouver. Again, it’s all about preference here!

    Which do you prefer: sunny & snowy winters? Or wet & mild winters? Vancouver vs. Kelowna? You be the judge!

    Both cities have an airport

    Some people may not know that Kelowna has an airport! Kelowna International Airport (YLW) offers more than 70 daily non-stop commercial flights with nine airlines. Though it’s much smaller than Vancouver International Airport (YVR),  it’s still a very convenient staple in the city of Kelowna.

    Kelowna BC downtown

    Vancouver & Kelowna are both absolutely stunning

    Kelowna is a beautiful city that expands every day.  People from all over the world are attracted to its wineries and orchards, fresh fruit, funky local businesses, and gorgeous lake culture. Surrounding Kelowna are other stunning cities like Penticton, Summerland and Osoyoos, which is Canada’s only desert. 

    Vancouver is also well-known for it’s beauty. Surrounded by mountains, ocean, and parks, Vancouver is a world-class destination for visitors to marvel at it’s lookouts and scenery.

    We can tell you this, you won’t miss out on scenery regardless of what city you choose – and although they are quite different, they are only about 4 hours away from each other! So hop in the car and explore!

    ___

    If you still want to read more on Vancouver vs. Kelowna – check out our blog here about living in Vancouver and our article here covering what it’s like living in the Okanagan Valley. 

    0 PinterestEmail
  • 50 Tips For A Winter in Canada | Survival Guide

    by Nick & Raychel January 31, 2021

    Whether you’re moving to or visiting Canada, you may be preparing for a Canadian winter. Find our 50 tips for surviving a winter in Canada!

Categories

Trending

  • Raychel swims in a luxurious pool
    CambodiaCambodia - Phnom Penh

    15 Things To Do in Phnom Penh: A Visitor’s Guide

    March 29, 2019
  • living in Vancouver Canada
    Move Abroad

    Living in Vancouver, Canada | The Pros & Cons

    May 23, 2020
  • Things to do in Kampot, Kep, Cambodia
    CambodiaCambodia - KampotCambodia - KepTravel

    13 Things To Do In Kampot & Kep That You Can’t Miss

    May 22, 2019
Nick & Raychel
Nick & Raychel

In 2018, we sold everything we owned and moved to Cambodia to teach English.

Let’s make this clear: this journey didn’t start with money. This journey started with a desire to see the world and to do something different for a change.

We’re not going to fool you with photos of floating breakfasts and private jets. We know what it’s like to be on a budget. Although we like to take pretty pictures, we aren’t going to wake up at an ungodly hour to give you unachievable travel jealousy. We aren’t going to censor ourselves or lie to you.

What we are going to do is stay in cheap hostels, find ways to make money, give the advice that we would want to hear, and share our experiences with you honestly.

Are you in?

Not Luxe

Recent Posts

  • Vancouver vs Kelowna
    CanadaMove AbroadVancouver

    Living in Kelowna vs. Living in Vancouver

    February 25, 2021
  • house sitting
    Saving MoneyTravel

    Travel The World For Free With Trusted House Sitting

    February 14, 2021
  • Winter in Canada 50 Tips for A Canadian Winter
    Canada

    50 Tips For A Winter in Canada | Survival Guide

    January 31, 2021

GUIDE TO MARKETS | PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA (2018)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8v49HKtlIk

IS CAMBODIA SAFE? LIVING IN PHNOM PENH

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NShIg00dj8Q

KAMPOT & KEP | PEPPER PLANTATIONS, KAYAKING, BOAT TOURS & TAPAS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3DgTbP4SKQ

LONGBOARDING IN THE PHILIPPINES | LAPU LAPU & OSLOB

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GT6ABZE4mSE

CAMBODIA | PROS & CONS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLMhjVTJUxE&t=14s

Subscribe and Follow

Keep in touch

Instagram Pinterest Youtube

Recent Posts

  • Things Worth Buying as Minimalist Nomads

    April 28, 2020
  • Markets to Visit in Phnom Penh: A Guide

    March 19, 2019
  • How to Move to Cambodia & Teach English

    March 18, 2019
  • 8 Tips You Need to Read BEFORE Moving to Phnom Penh

    March 18, 2019
  • 8 Things to Know Before MOVING to Cambodia

    March 10, 2019
  • Currency in Cambodia: Explained

    March 5, 2019
  • Saving Money: Teaching & Living in Phnom Penh

    February 19, 2019
  • Where to Stay in Phnom Penh : A Visitor’s Guide

    February 12, 2019
  • Day Trip to Phnom Chisor: How to Get to Phnom Chisor from Phnom Penh

    February 5, 2019
  • WHY You Should Teach English in Cambodia

    January 29, 2019
  • Living in Kelowna vs. Living in Vancouver

    February 25, 2021
  • Travel The World For Free With Trusted House Sitting

    February 14, 2021
  • 50 Tips For A Winter in Canada | Survival Guide

    January 31, 2021
  • Things to do in Kelowna in Winter

    January 30, 2021
  • Living in Ontario vs. Living in British Columbia (BC)

    January 23, 2021

CATEGORIES

ABOUT US

About Us Hi! We’re Nick & Raychel, the Canadian couple behind the shared name Not Luxe. In February 2018, we made a big leap and moved to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, without having…

Read More

Trending

  • Raychel swims in a luxurious pool
    CambodiaCambodia - Phnom Penh

    15 Things To Do in Phnom Penh: A Visitor’s Guide

    March 29, 2019
  • living in Vancouver Canada
    Move Abroad

    Living in Vancouver, Canada | The Pros & Cons

    May 23, 2020
  • Things to do in Kampot, Kep, Cambodia
    CambodiaCambodia - KampotCambodia - KepTravel

    13 Things To Do In Kampot & Kep That You Can’t Miss

    May 22, 2019

Instagram

  • This year, Kalamalka Lake froze over enough for people to skate on, which is unusual for Kal Lake. We also learned that it completely froze over from Coldstream to Oyama in 1964 - that would have been WILD to see. For a few days last week, it froze over right to the edge of the dock. 🤯⁣
⁣
📍 Unceded lands of the Syilx/Okanagan Nation.⁣
⁣
____________________⁣⁣
⁣
Tags: #notluxe #nickandraychel #explorebc #hellobc #lifeinkelowna #okanaganlife #okanaganvalley #coldstream #kalamalkalake #kallake #vernonbc #explorevernon #exploreokanagan #getoutstayout #adventureawaits #getoutside #ourplanetdaily #exploretocreate #beautifuldestinations #places_wow #northwestcreatives #explorepnw ⁣
  • ... but anyone who watches our vlogs knows I am the absolute worst on skates. ⁣
⁣
📍 Unceded lands of the Syilx/Okanagan Nation.⁣
⁣
____________________⁣⁣
⁣
Tags: #notluxe #nickandraychel #explorebc #explorekelowna #lifeintheokanagan #lifeinkelowna #canadiancheck #canadawinter #canadatravel #adventureculture #getoutandexplore #outdoorlife
  • Our little mobile life. ❤️⁣
⁣
📍 Unceded lands of the Syilx/Okanagan Nation.⁣
⁣
____________________⁣⁣
⁣
Tags: #notluxe #nickandraychel #vanlife #homeiswhereyouparkit #beautifulbc #explorebc #vanconversion #ambulanceconversion #vanlifecouple #tinyhomeonwheels #vanlifediaries #vanlifesociety #vanlifecanada⁣
  • Snowpants were necessary for this winter wonderland. ❄️ ⁣
⁣
📍 Unceded lands of the Syilx/Okanagan Nation.⁣
⁣
____________________⁣⁣
⁣
Tags: #notluxe #nickandraychel #okanaganlife  #explorebc #getoutstayout #dametravelers #girlslovetravel #winterhike #winterwonderland #rosevalleyprovincialpark #explorekelowna #westkelowna⁣
  • Any season, any country, any new wild idea with you - 🙋🏼‍♀️⁣⁣
⁣⁣
📍 Unceded lands of the Syilx/Okanagan Nation.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
____________________⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Tags: #notluxe #nickandraychel #okanagan #kelownalifestyle #lifeinkelowna #winterincanada #explorecanada #exploremore #beautyofbc #winteradventures #outdooradventures #adventureawaits
  • What a journey this ol’ thing has taken us on so far. Words cannot express how EXCITED we are for summer and the adventures that are yet to come. 🚑🌲⁣
⁣
📍 Unceded lands of the Syilx/Okanagan Nation.⁣
⁣
____________________⁣⁣
⁣
Tags: #notluxe #nickandraychel #vanlife #homeiswhereyouparkit #beautifulbc #explorebc #vanconversion #ambulanceconversion #vanlifecouple #tinyhomeonwheels #vanlifediaries #vanlifeexplorer #vanlifegoals #projectvanlife #vanlifewinter #vanlifecanada⁣
Follow Me!

Popular Posts

  • 1

    Living in Vancouver, Canada | The Pros & Cons

    May 23, 2020
  • 2

    Living in the Okanagan Valley, Canada (What It’s Like)

    May 29, 2020
  • 3

    What To Pack For Cambodia

    July 22, 2019
  • 4

    Teaching English Online vs. Teaching Abroad

    August 30, 2019
  • 5

    How To Get a Paid Teaching Job in Cambodia

    February 20, 2020
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Youtube

@2019 - All Right Reserved. Designed and Developed by PenciDesign


Back To Top