Not Luxe ☼ Travel
  • ABOUT NICK & RAYCHEL
  • WHY “NOT LUXE”
  • Cambodia
  • Australia
  • Travel
  • Teaching ESL
  • Move Abroad
  • Travel Insurance
Not Luxe ☼ Travel
  • ABOUT NICK & RAYCHEL
  • WHY “NOT LUXE”
  • Cambodia
  • Australia
  • Travel
  • Teaching ESL
  • Move Abroad
  • Travel Insurance

living in vancouver

    living in BC vs. living in Ontario Toronto vs. Vancouver

    Living in Ontario vs. Living in British Columbia (BC)

    by Nick & Raychel January 23, 2021

    The age old question – Ontario or British Columbia, which is the best Canadian province to live in? In this article, we’re going to be covering what it’s like living in Ontario vs. living in BC, which is a huge topic that will be incredibly hard to tackle because Ontario and BC are both massive provinces. 

    Ontario vs. BC: we also covered the contents of this blog post here on our YouTube channel!

    For perspective: the real size of both Ontario & BC

    In land mass, Ontario is 2.8 times the size of Japan, 3.6 times the size of Italy, and 10 times the size of Iceland. BC is 2.5 times the size of Japan, 92% larger than Spain and 86 times larger than Jamaica. 

    So needless to say, the culture in Northern Ontario, vs. Southern Ontario varies greatly, somewhere like Vancouver, BC is going to have a very different feel than Port Alberni, BC to Prince George, BC. It’s a bit of an insult to try to categorize provinces as a whole, but hey, we’re Canadian and we’re going to try.

    A better question would be what is life like in Toronto vs. Vancouver, which we will mostly answer in this article – but we will try to include as many cities, small towns, cottage countries, islands, and remote communities as we can.

    living in ontario

    Let’s start with the province of Ontario, which is:

    • Home to Canada’s capital city of Ottawa
    • Home to Canada’s largest city, Toronto
    • That said, Ontario is really the center of business in Canada
    • There are 48 airports in Ontario and the province is 1.076 million km2 and has about 14.57 million people living in it 

    In comparison, the province of BC:

    • Has less than half of that, at 5.071 million people
    • British Columbia’s capital city is Victoria BC, and BC’s largest city is Vancouver which only has approx. 675,000 people living there

    Why does population density matter?

    The difference is important to mention, because the population density of BC vs. Ontario is obvious when you’re living in them. BC feels much more open and airy compared to Ontario, which can feel more crowded.

    In Ontario, the GTA (or Greater Toronto Area) has a much busier feel than the lower mainland in BC. While Vancouver has the appearance of being a “big city”, it really isn’t one at all, which impacts the surrounding areas as well. Toronto is surrounded by these huge freeways all around that are packed with cars and backed up by traffic.

    best areas to live in vancouver

    Transit in Ontario vs. transit in BC

    I found commuting in Ontario to be more stressful than anywhere I’ve lived in BC because of the number of people. If you’re living in the GTA and commuting to Toronto, you’ll likely have easy access to the Go Train which is a service that runs through many cities in Southern Ontario.

    However, commuting to work on the Go Train is much more expensive than Vancouver’s Skytrain. For example, going from Oakville to Toronto on the Go Train is $19.40 return trip, whereas to go from Surrey to Vancouver during peak hours is 3.00 one way or 10.50 for a day pass, which provides unlimited transit use on ALL buses for the entire day.

    The Skytrain is also a much more beautiful ride.

    The beauty in BC vs. the beauty in Ontario

    Vancouver is one of the world’s most beautiful cities, and many people know that it’s surrounded by mountains and right on the west coast of Canada so you’re living right on the ocean. The beauty expands throughout BC, which is lined with gorgeous mountains.

    Ontario is flat, which can be a shock to people who grew up in BC.

    But Ontario hosts a different kind of beauty. Ontario is home to 4/5 of the great lakes, and it translates into the Ontarian ‘cottage country’ culture. Many people who live in Ontario either own a cottage or know someone with one. You’ll hear talk of Orillia, Muskoka, Thousand Islands, Sauble Beach, Tobermory or Manitoulin Island to name a few. 

    Having a cottage on a lake is ideal in Ontario, and in BC there are different sorts of options for this. So some (very fortunate) families might have a cabin up in Whistler, or on the Sunshine Coast, but real estate is more expensive in BC than Ontario.

    ontario niagara falls

    So is BC really that much more expensive than Ontario?

    Off course, if you’re comparing living in Vancouver, BC which is 1.67 million dollars for the average home, to living in Sudbury Ontario where the housing price is approx. 279,000, that isn’t fair. You have to compare apples to apples, because you can find cheaper real estate in places like Williams Lake or Prince George. So when you’re doing your research – remember to be fair. Are you considering a major city and business hub to a small Northern town? 

    When it comes to renting in Vancouver vs. renting in Toronto, both major Canadian cities are expensive as hell and, honestly, around the same price. 

    The outdoorsy culture in BC is undeniable 

    Sure, BC is expensive – but you really get what you pay for as it is absolutely gorgeous. If you’re looking for a more outdoorsy culture, pick BC, the lower mainland, Fraser Valley, Okanagan, Vancouver Island, are all packed with hikes and gorgeous scenery. You can hike all year round, as the weather is fairly mild in the lower part of BC.

    Wet, mild winters vs. cold, sunny winters

    Now, let’s talk about those chilly Canadian winters, shall we? This is usually a massive deciding factor when deciding what Canadian province to live in – and it’s the age old debate of Vancouver vs. Toronto. 

    Ontario typically has sunnier winters than BC, although the temperatures drop, like a lot. In Ontario, you’re more likely to have a white Christmas. In this province, you’ll really get all four Canadian seasons in their glory. Scorching hot summers, autumns that boast beautiful orange and red leaves, a white Christmas, and rainy Springtimes. 

    On the other hand, the Southern part of BC has Canada’s warmest winters. Anyone coming from somewhere like Australia or Trinidad & Tobago may laugh at that, but hey it’s the warmest we’ve got. The west coast is known for having a wet, grey winter and tends to be mild all year ’round.

    So when comparing winter in BC to winter in Ontario it all depends on your preference: do you prefer wet, mild winters or freezing, sunny days? You decide!

    ontario in the winter

    Multiculturalism

    Toronto has been called the most multicultural city in the world, and you can definitely see with your own eyes and taste with your own mouth the beautiful diversity in Toronto. Over half of the population is foreign born and over 250 ethnicities and 170 languages are represented in the Toronto Region.

    Vancouver has its diversity as well, but not to the same extent. Vancouver, and BC in general, is diverse but there the population is predominately made up of white / European and Asian people – predominantly, Chinese and South Asian – which is cool, but in Toronto you really feel that diversity is the pulse of the city.

    … but the sushi!

    We have to add this in but Vancouver has some top tier sushi for VERY low prices and so if you’re a Vancouverite moving to Ontario, you’re not going to get the same delicious sushi for the same price in Ontario – huge con in our eyes.

    Minimum Wage: BC vs. Ontario

    We will also mention that the minimum wage is slightly higher in BC than Ontario. The minimum wage in Ontario being 14.25 an hour and the minimum wage in BC being 14.60 per hour.

    wine country in bc

    Side note: Both countries have great wine, and wine country in Ontario is gorgeous, as is wine country in BC.

    So what province do we like more?

    We like BC more because:

    We like the smaller population, it feels more open

    We like being surrounded by mountains 

    We like being on the coast

    We love our cheap Vancouver sushi

    And we prefer having the option for milder winters


    Have you been to either provinces before? Let us know which one is your favourite in the comments below. We hope this gave you a general idea of the differences between the two provinces, what do you think? BC or Ontario? 

    Moving to Vancouver? Find our write up on the best neighbourhoods to live in the city!

    Want to live in BC but you don’t want to skip out on the snowy winters? Here’s our article about living in the Okanagan Valley!

    6 PinterestEmail
  • Top 5 Neighbourhoods to Live in Vancouver, BC

    by Nick & Raychel January 12, 2021

    After living in a variety of apartments in Vancouver, we’ve compiled our top 5 neighbourhoods to live in Vancouver BC. If you’re moving to Vancouver, you’ll have to read this.

  • Living in Vancouver, Canada | The Pros & Cons

    by Nick & Raychel May 23, 2020

    What’s it like living in Vancouver or moving to Vancouver? We’re about to tell you about our experience in beautiful British Columbia here.

Categories

Trending

  • living in BC vs. living in Ontario Toronto vs. Vancouver
    Travel

    Living in Ontario vs. Living in British Columbia (BC)

    January 23, 2021
  • living in Vancouver Canada
    Move Abroad

    Living in Vancouver, Canada | The Pros & Cons

    May 23, 2020
  • Raychel swims in a luxurious pool
    CambodiaCambodia - Phnom Penh

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

    March 29, 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

  • guide to naramata bc
    CanadaTravel

    The Ultimate Guide To Naramata, British Columbia

    June 29, 2023
  • the interior of a budget van build
    Australia - Working Holiday

    How to Save Money On A Budget Camper Van Build

    February 17, 2022
  • road trip
    TravelVan Life

    How to Prepare for a USA Road Trip (For Canadians)

    November 15, 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

  • Van Life Myths : Debunked

    November 3, 2021
  • Travel The World For Free With Trusted House Sitting

    February 14, 2021
  • 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
  • The Ultimate Guide To Naramata, British Columbia

    June 29, 2023
  • How to Save Money On A Budget Camper Van Build

    February 17, 2022
  • How to Prepare for a USA Road Trip (For Canadians)

    November 15, 2021
  • Things to do in Chilliwack BC

    November 15, 2021

CATEGORIES

ABOUT NICK & RAYCHEL

About Us Hi! We’re Nick & Raychel, the Canadian travel couple behind the brand ‘Not Luxe’. Far before we were married (and on a mission to see the world), we were working…

Read More

Trending

  • living in BC vs. living in Ontario Toronto vs. Vancouver
    Travel

    Living in Ontario vs. Living in British Columbia (BC)

    January 23, 2021
  • living in Vancouver Canada
    Move Abroad

    Living in Vancouver, Canada | The Pros & Cons

    May 23, 2020
  • Raychel swims in a luxurious pool
    CambodiaCambodia - Phnom Penh

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

    March 29, 2019

Instagram

  • Full-time travel: rapid-fire answering the most common questions about having no fixed address (PART 2) 

* Language Barriers: English is our first language, but we learn key phrases before visiting a new country, use language apps, and rely (pretty heavily lol) on Google Translate for help.

*Bank Accounts: Our primary bank account is in Canada, and we open accounts in other countries if we stay for more than 6 months. We use WISE for fund transfers.

*Safety Overseas: Yes, we feel safe by using common sense, learning local laws, and staying informed about local news.

*Budgeting and Saving: We work on the road, choose affordable accommodations, and keep travel costs low.

*Routine: We’re still figuring this out, ngl. 

*Belongings: Sold everything in 2017, traveled with just a backpack, upgraded to a van, downsized AGAINA and now have a $100/month storage locker (!!!) 

*Handling Change: Honestly? Online therapy and staying connected to friends help, but we’ve learned to embrace the constant change of our nomadic lifestyle.

Any questions about living on the road? 
Drop ‘em here.

➟ follow @nickandraychel // slow travel & alternative living

Tags: #travelcouple #travelinspo #vanlifecouple #travelcouple  #granolagirl #lifeontheroad #cheaptravel #vandwellers #travelinyour30s #lowcosttravel #explorecanada #yvrcreators #canadiantravelbloggers #traveltips  #outdoorscreator #girlslovetravel #travelforless #digitalnomad
  • It’s official – we’ve quit our jobs once more as our journey takes us abroad again. Over the past 5 years, we’ve been travelling & working temp gigs along the way. 

With just 5 weeks until we touch down in New Zealand, we’ve checked off step 2 on our to-do list. Selling our trusty van, quitting our jobs, securing visas, booking flights, snagging travel insurance, updating resumes, job hunting, finding accommodation, packing our bags, and saying our goodbyes.

This marks our third move to a foreign land without ever setting foot there before. There’s no turning back now, but we’re ready for the adventure. 

So here’s to another wild ride.

➟ follow @nickandraychel // slow travel & alternative living

__

Tags: #traveldiaries #traveltips #travelforless #travelinspiration #tinyliving #budgettravel #lifeafterthirty #ohcanada #canadiancreators #granolagirl #travelbloggers #workingholidayvisa #whv #newzealand #movingabroad
  • I think I’ve found my people on this side of the pond. 

➟ follow @nickandraychel // slow travel & alternative living

__ 

Tags: #traveleurope #scandanavianstyle #travelcouple #travelinspo #travelinyour30s #yvrcreators #canadiantravelbloggers #eesti #travelgram #twoduvets #girlslovetravel
  • Suddenly you’re in a tiny floating cabin in Europe and everything makes sense? 

📍 @paekaldapuhkekeskus 

➟ follow @nickandraychel // alternative living & slow travel 

Tags: #notluxe #visitestonia #traveltips #travelcouple #tinyhome #girlslovetravel #travelgram #getoutstayout #livetoexplore #travelblogger #floathome #tinycabins #exploreeurope #canadiancreator
  • One of the biggest misconceptions about affordable travel is that it has to be uncomfyBUT there are ways to *actually* enjoy economy - so let’s chat about it. 

Here are our main tips for enjoying saving money on travel:
Follow @porterairlines and sign up to their email list (link in bio) to get first access to their biggest sale of the year so far.
Off season travel. Trust us. It doesn’t hurt the bank account and guess what - travelling in the off-season means shorter lines, more affordable accommodation and less crowds.
Add some spontaneity into your life & be flexible (if possible). 
Porter Airlines has had our backs as savvy travellers for YEARS and we absolutely love them for elevating economy air travel. 

If you haven’t had the chance to experience Porter’s Actually Enjoy Economy experience - Now is your chance.
 Free, fast WiFi (included for all on the new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft)
 No middle seats
 Free beer, wine and cocktails served in glassware
 Free Premium snacks
+ more (!!)

➟ follow @nickandraychel // full-time van life & budget travel 

@porterairlines #FlyPorter #ActuallyEnjoyEconomy #porterpartner #notluxe #traveltips #travelgirls #travelgirlsgo #girlslovetravel #travelgram #getoutstayout #livetoexplore #travelblogger #ad
  • Travelling in comfortable silence >>>

On long travel days, we love being together but we definitely don’t want to talk lmao. There is something amazing about being *with* your person, but not needing to say anything at all.

Anyone else?

Tags: #notluxe #vanlifecouple #travelcouple #gapyear #travelgirls #travelgirlsgo #girlslovetravel #travelgram #getoutstayout #livetoexplore #travelblogger #traveleurope #lovelanguage
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

    Living in Kelowna vs. Living in Vancouver

    February 25, 2021
  • 4

    Top 5 Neighbourhoods to Live in Vancouver, BC

    January 12, 2021
  • 5

    What To Pack For Cambodia

    July 22, 2019
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Youtube

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


Back To Top