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Orginally posted by Happy
Cannot give you the brakup, but these things with food and clothes will cost you $1400 to $1700 per month.

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If you are single, sharing can reduce this to half, may be even more

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Orginally posted by gan123_s

Hi,
I am planning to move to Vancouver soon. I am single and am currently in the US. What cost of living can I expect. When I mean by cost of living the following are the things I would like to have an idea of

1. rent (shared accomodation of a 2 bedroom 2 bath appartment) near UBC.

2. cost of utility bills which include the following
a) Power
b) Water
c) internet(broadband)
d) cell phone bill
c) cable

3. car insurance(I have a perfect driving record in the US for the past 3 years and no points on my license). Will this help to reduce my insurance in canada

4. health insurance in BC. I think there is a 3 month waiting period before you can get enrolled in the federal medicare plan

could someone anwer these questions

Thanks

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Hi Gan123

If you plan to work/study near UBC then I would suggest renting near there else its a very expensive place to be..not to mention far if you are working anywhere other than vancouver, downtown etc.

1. Rent for a 2 br near UBC - approx $1100 -1500 (depends on location and view or lack of)
2. Hydro - depending on where you rent - can be put on an equal payment plan. In our two bedroom condo we only paid $50/month.

You dont pay for water generally. Internet approx $35/month. Depending on usage and plan ie/ we have a familyplan for $70 but we are very careful and for both phones dont use long distance. Cable if you take full package of 60 channels is $50/month.

I dont know if they look at your american driving history and your insurance will depend on many things ie/ your car ... etc.

health insurance ie/ BC Medical Services plan - yes there is a three month waiting period but then apply asap because they can be backlogged quite a bit. Secondly its not federal its Provincial
For a family of three ...its approx $108 a month (subsequent children will not increase your premium)..thats the max. a family can pay. Family means parents and dependant children. If you have extended family coming in they have to pay as singles (ie/ I think its $56 for a single and $96 for a couple). Some employers pay a portion or all as a benefit.

Every school district also generally has websites. You can visit schools and ask questions of administration or other parents in the area to get an idea of what the school offers..etc.

good luck.