Moving from Portland to Victoria
Canada's mildest winters and a relaxed harbour town. Here's how life in Victoria compares with Portland, and what changes when you cross the border.
January in Victoria feels much like Portland, averaging around 5°C, with around 46 more sunny days. A typical home costs roughly 28% more in Victoria (about US$540,000 vs C$950,000, compared at a sample exchange rate), and everyday costs in Victoria are above the Canadian average. Income tax goes from a high state income tax in Oregon to a medium provincial income tax in British Columbia. For lifestyle, you gain beach, golf and small town and leave behind big city, food scene and skiing. (Approximate figures.)
- January average
- 5°C → 5°C (about the same)
- July average
- 21°C → 17°C (-4°)
- Sunny days a year
- 144 → 190
- Snow a year
- 10 → 25 cm
- Cost of living index
- 125 → 120
- Typical home
- US$540,000 → C$950,000
- Property tax rate
- 0.95% → 0.45%
- Provincial or state income tax
- High → Medium
- Health care in Victoria
- Public plan, no premium
- Airport
- 30 min
- Ski hill
- 3h+
- Beach or lake
- 10 min
- Main industries
- Government, tech, tourism
Moving from the USA to Canada
- Can you buy?
- Extra taxes
- Status
- Mortgages
Climate, cost and risk figures are approximate and for comparison only. Prices are in each place's local currency.