If I handed you a million bucks right now and said, “Go live anywhere in British Columbia,” what would you do? Most people say, “I would move to Vancouver.”
But what if there’s a lifestyle up here in the Okanagan that’s less expensive, more relaxed, and honestly better for your mental health? I’m Lisa Salt with RE/MAX Vernon Salt Fowler. In this article I’ll break down everything you need to know about living in Vernon versus Vancouver: lifestyle differences, real estate, hidden costs, and why many people are moving from city life to the Okanagan.
1. Cost of Living
In Vancouver, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a detached home under $2 million. Even then, that price often buys an older property that needs work, maybe on a busy road or a tiny lot.
That same money in Vernon could get you a lake-view home, a newer build with land, something custom — or even an older home right on the lake. For first-time buyers, it’s not impossible to get into the market here like it is in Vancouver. You can find townhomes in the $400s and family homes in the $700s–$800s.
It’s not just housing. Utilities, gas, groceries, eating out and child care are all noticeably more affordable in Vernon. Parking and insurance costs are lower — and sometimes even your coffee costs less. In Vernon your money often goes farther in terms of space, quiet and time.
2. Traffic and Commute
In Vancouver, a 45-minute commute is considered normal; for some it’s over an hour each way. Traffic congestion, transit delays, bridge and tunnel backups, and limited parking eat up a lot of the day.
In Vernon? Ten minutes. Maybe fifteen if you stop for a muffin. That’s the typical “commute.” Not wasting hours in gridlock translates to extra time with family, workouts, or simply less stress.
Kelowna Airport is about 35 to 40 minutes away, and Vernon has its own airport (no regular passenger flights at present). For many, the 35–40 minute drive is negligible compared with Vancouver travel times.
3. Nature & Daily Access
Both cities are surrounded by nature, but accessibility differs dramatically. In Vancouver you have the ocean, beaches and mountains — and you pay for it with time spent in traffic, searching for parking and waiting at crowded trailheads.
In Vernon, nature is immediately accessible: Kalamalka Lake, Okanagan Lake, SilverStar Mountain Resort, Grey Canal Trail, the Rail Trail, Ellison Park and other trail systems are typically within 15–20 minutes. You can paddleboard after work or snowshoe on a lunch break — you’re living in nature rather than escaping to it.
Everyday perks like hearing birds instead of sirens, seeing stars, and watching deer in your yard are part of life here.
4. Real Estate Examples
A typical detached home in Vancouver is now over $2 million and often older, on a smaller lot and close to neighbours. In Vernon, $2 million can buy an executive home: walkout ranchers with lake views, acreages, and privacy.
Example from Vernon: a home sold for $2 million — 55 Kalamalka Lakeview Drive — seven bedrooms, four bathrooms, 4,188 sq ft, built in 1990 on 7.11 acres with a strong lake view.
Example from Vancouver: for $2 million a listing like 4817 Joyce Street in East Vancouver might be a 33x125 lot, four bedrooms and one bathroom, built in 1910 and about 1,650 sq ft.
Lakefront comparison: waterfront in Vancouver typically commands eight-figure prices, whereas in Vernon lakefront homes can start under $2 million in some areas.
5. Investment & Growth
Vernon is still growing — not at capacity — with increasing population and developing infrastructure. Buyers are not necessarily buying at the peak of the market, so there can still be upside.
6. Jobs & Employment
Vancouver offers far more job opportunities, especially in tech, finance and film. If you need proximity to big employers and corporate career paths, Vancouver has the advantage.
However, remote work has changed the landscape. More people can live where they want and work from anywhere, and Vernon has seen migration from the Lower Mainland and Alberta. For many roles — health care, trades, tourism, real estate, education, small business and online work — Vernon offers opportunity, stability and flexibility.
7. Disposable Income & Household Budget
Even if you earn less in Vernon, you often end up with more disposable income because costs are lower. It’s not only how much you make — it’s how much you keep.
8. Families & Schools
Vernon has public and private schools, smaller class sizes, passionate teachers and strong community. Kids can bike to school and play outside safely. In Vancouver, some families pay a premium to be in certain catchments while still facing long commutes and crowded classrooms.
9. Stress, Mental Health & Community
Vancouver is vibrant but busy, expensive and noisy — it can be exhausting. Vernon is quieter and can feel slow at first for newcomers, but that slower pace often translates to less stress, more presence and better mental health.
Community in Vernon is tangible: people smile, you see neighbours at events, and there’s a real sense of belonging. In Vancouver you get big-city entertainment; in Vernon you get authentic local connection.
Bottom Line
If you love big-city buzz, global access and non-stop activity, Vancouver may be right for you. If you seek value, peace, space, nature and stronger community ties, Vernon might be what you didn’t know you were missing.
Thank you — maybe I’ll see you lakeside.
— Lisa Salt, RE/MAX Vernon Salt Fowler
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About the Author: The article above, I Left VANCOUVER for Vernon, BC — Here's WHAT No One Tells You About Living Here, was provided by Lisa Salt, an authority on Vernon BC and area real estate and a leader in the field of real estate blogging and vlogging. Lisa and her group have helped literally helped thousands of families buy and sell homes since 1993.
Looking to buy a home in the Vernon/North Okanagan area? Check out "Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Home" article. It’s free of charge and will save you a ton of time!
Looking to sell? We use the latest technology to get our clients’ homes sold quickly and for as much money as possible.
We help people buy and sell real estate in the following Okanagan/Shuswap areas: Vernon, Armstrong, Enderby, Lake Country, Lumby, Westside and Salmon Arm/Shuswap.
Call or Text 250-549-7258 or email webinfo@saltfowler.com
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