From the Foothills to the Pacific: Why Now's a Good Time to Head West
An Opportune Time To Move From Calgary to Vancouver
If you’ve been considering a move from “Cowtown” to “Lotusland,” current property market conditions look more favourable than they have in a long time.
For years, the story of Canadian inter-provincial migration has often pointed eastward, or at least stayed within the bustling energy corridors of Alberta. But as the summer of 2025 warms up, a compelling new narrative is emerging for those in Calgary looking for a change of scenery, and crucially, a change in their financial fortunes and lifestyle. The siren song of Vancouver, long whispered for its natural beauty and urban sophistication, now carries a more practical tune for the astute observer.
Calgary's Peak, Vancouver's Dip: A Real Estate Reversal
Calgary has enjoyed a remarkable run in its housing market. Homeowners in the Stampede City have watched their equity swell, riding a wave of rising prices that has made many feel comfortably wealthy. Indeed, the city's real estate remains a robust seller's market. This is excellent news for those looking to cash out, perhaps thinking about new horizons.
Meanwhile, a different picture has been painting itself on the West Coast. Vancouver, famously one of the most expensive cities in the world, has seen its housing prices gently, but persistently, fall. This subtle shift has transformed what was once an impenetrable fortress for buyers into something more akin to an open house. The market here is now, unequivocally, a buyer's domain. For those with accumulated equity from a Calgary sale, this presents a rare and potent opportunity: selling high in one market and buying lower in another.
West Vancouver: 19.2 months
Central Surrey: 13.8 months
Burnaby: 13.6 months
Westside: 11.8 months
Coquitlam: 11.7 months
Richmond: 11.4 months
Economic Currents: Stronger Tides in the West
Beyond the ebb and flow of real estate, the economic currents also favour a westward migration. Statistics Canada reports that unemployment rates in Vancouver are currently lower than in Calgary. While Calgary has seen commendable job growth, particularly in sectors like health and construction, its rapid population growth has kept unemployment elevated. Vancouver, while still experiencing some economic uncertainties, offers a more stable employment landscape for those seeking new professional avenues.
Quality of Life: Beyond the Price Tag
Of course, the elephant in the room when comparing these two titans of Canadian cities is the cost of living. Vancouver has long held the crown for being a pricey place to call home, and this remains largely true, especially for rentals and certain everyday expenses.
However, this is precisely where the strategic advantage lies for the Calgary homeowner. The significant equity built in a Calgary property can act as a powerful buffer, a financial spring-board to navigate Vancouver's higher cost of living, particularly if one is looking to purchase a home.
And then there is the intangible, yet undeniable, "quality of life." While cost is a major factor, few would argue against Vancouver's superior climate (milder, more consistent, and less prone to the dramatic swings of the Prairies), stunning natural surroundings, and a vibrant, diverse cultural scene.
The city consistently ranks among the most livable in the world, often outperforming Calgary in various indices, particularly in areas like culture and environment. For those seeking a lifestyle rich in outdoor pursuits, arts, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere, Vancouver often tips the scales, provided the financial equation can be balanced.
In essence, for the Calgary homeowner poised with significant equity, the current market conditions present a unique window. The opportunity to capitalize on a seller's market in Calgary and enter a buyer's market in Vancouver, coupled with a more favourable employment landscape and the undeniable allure of the West Coast lifestyle, makes a compelling case. While the move would require careful financial planning to navigate the higher cost of living, the timing, from a purely economic and lifestyle perspective, has rarely been more opportune. The mountains are calling, and for many, the answer might just be to pack up and head west.
