Moving guide · British Columbia → California

Moving from Vancouver to San Diego

Surf, sunshine and mild weather all year. Here's how life in San Diego compares with Vancouver, and what changes when you cross the border.

Weather
January average
4°C → 14°C (+10°)
July average
18°C → 22°C (+4°)
Sunny days a year
165 → 265
Snow a year
30 → 0 cm
Money (approximate)
Cost of living index
135 → 145
Typical home
C$1,250,000 → US$950,000
Property tax rate
0.28% → 1.1%
Provincial or state income tax
Medium → High
Health care in San Diego
Private, ~US$520/mo (approx.)
Getting around in San Diego
Airport
15 min
Ski hill
3h
Beach or lake
15 min
Main industries
Biotech, defence, tourism
Lifestyle and risks
You gain
Warm wintersSurfGolf
You leave behind
HikingSkiingBig cityNightlife
Wildfire: High Flood: Low Heat: Low
Crossing the border

Moving from Canada to the USA

Staying vs. moving
As a visitor you can usually spend up to about 6 months a year in the US. Living or working there full time needs a visa or green card (TN, E-2, L-1, H-1B and others).
Mortgages
US lenders often want a larger down payment from Canadians and may need an ITIN or US credit. Some Canadian banks have US arms that use your Canadian credit history.
Taxes
Plan for both countries: US property tax, state income tax, and Canadian departure-tax rules if you become a non-resident. Selling later can trigger US withholding (FIRPTA).
Health care
Provincial coverage usually ends after a long absence. Budget for US health insurance from day one.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm your situation with a licensed immigration lawyer and cross-border tax adviser.
Step-by-step: Canada → USA ›Legal must-dos ›Moving FAQ ›
Homes in San DiegoFull comparisonSalary calculatorMove plannerAgents in San Diego

Climate, cost and risk figures are approximate and for comparison only. Prices are in each place's local currency.

Moving from Vancouver to San Diego · Pinned