10 Real Challenges of Living in Victoria, BC (That Nobody Talks About)

Victoria, BC — it’s beautiful, historic, and surrounded by ocean and mountains. Scroll through Instagram or real estate listings, and it can look like the dream place to live. And don’t get me wrong—I love this city. I was born and raised here, and I’ve built my real estate business right here in Victoria.

But the truth is, there are some downsides that most people don’t think about. Whether you’re considering moving here, or if you already live here and sometimes wonder, “Is it just me?”, this post is for you.

I’m breaking down 10 real challenges of living in Victoria, BC. Some are annoying, some are expensive, and a few might just change your mind about making this your forever home.

Check out on youtube: https://youtu.be/mOt-V19-wek

1. The High Cost of Living

Victoria consistently ranks as one of the most expensive places to live in Canada. The average detached home is now over $1 million—and that’s not luxury, that’s just your typical three-bedroom family home.

Condos and townhomes are more “affordable,” but even those can stretch budgets, especially for first-time buyers. Rentals? I have seen them anywhere from $1,500 to $2,800 per month for a one- or two-bedroom unit, but speak to a property manager for more details.

And it’s not just prices—it’s the competition. Multiple offers, homes selling above asking depending on the home… if you’re not prepared, the market can feel overwhelming and discouraging.

2. Limited Inventory = Limited Options

High prices wouldn’t be so bad if there were lots of choices—but that’s not the case. Victoria has natural growth constraints: ocean, parkland, and agricultural land limit expansion.

That means affordable, move-in-ready homes are rare. For example, a three-bedroom with a yard under $900K might only come up once every few months. If you’re serious about buying here, you need to be pre-approved, down payment ready, and quick on the draw.

3. Travel Hassles of Island Life

Living on an island is peaceful—but it’s also a logistical challenge. There’s no bridge to the mainland. To get to Vancouver (or beyond), you need to take a ferry or a flight.

• The ferry is 90 minutes, but reservations are essential. A car and passengers can cost $120+ round trip.

• Flights are easy through YYJ, but direct destinations are limited. Many trips require a connection in Vancouver.

Frequent travelers quickly learn: every trip off the island takes more time and money.

4. Wages Lag Behind

For such an expensive city, wages here often don’t keep up. Retail, hospitality, and admin jobs can still sit in the $18–$25/hour range. Meanwhile, groceries, gas, childcare, and housing cost more than many other Canadian cities.

Even full-time workers often live paycheck to paycheck, and seasonal tourism jobs make income unstable. Before moving here, make sure your job prospects line up with Victoria’s high cost of living.

5. Long, Grey, Wet Winters

Victoria’s weather is mild compared to the rest of Canada—but that doesn’t mean it’s always sunny. From November to March, expect months of drizzle, overcast skies, and damp cold.

There’s little sunshine, which can trigger Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Many locals rely on vitamin D supplements just to boost mood.

Would you rather shovel snow or live with endless rain? That’s the real trade-off.

6. Power Outages from Windstorms

Victoria gets hit by windstorms, especially in fall and winter. With so many power lines above ground, outages are common in some neighborhoods.

It’s usually not dangerous, but inconvenient—especially if you work from home or have kids. A backup generator or emergency kit isn’t a bad idea here.

7. Healthcare Access is a Struggle

Finding a family doctor in Victoria? Nearly impossible. Thousands are on waitlists, and walk-in clinics fill up by 8 a.m.

Hospitals like Royal Jubilee and Victoria General are often overburdened. Non-emergencies can mean 4–12 hour ER waits.

If you have kids, seniors, or ongoing health needs, this can be one of the biggest frustrations of living here.

8. Tough Social Scene for Newcomers

Victoria is friendly, but it’s also a small city. Many locals grew up together, and social circles can feel closed-off.

If you’re new, it may take a year or more to feel fully connected. Volunteering, clubs, or professional networks help—but it takes effort. Outgoing people often adapt more easily than introverts.

9. Earthquake Risk

Victoria sits on a major fault line, and while tremors are rare, scientists warn a big earthquake could hit.

If you’re buying a home, make sure you:

• Check earthquake insurance coverage (not all companies offer it).

• Have a plan with food, water, and emergency supplies.

It’s not meant to scare you—just something to realistically prepare for.

10. Quiet… Maybe Too Quiet

Victoria is calm, peaceful, and relaxing. But if you’re used to the nightlife of Vancouver, Toronto, or Montreal, you might find it too quiet.

Most restaurants close by 9–10 p.m., and big concerts or late-night events are rare outside summer. If you’re a night owl, Victoria may feel a little sleepy.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it: 10 real challenges of living in Victoria, BC.

This isn’t about complaining—it’s about being real. I love this city. I’ve lived here my whole life, and I help people move here all the time. But I also believe it’s important to understand both the pros and cons before making such a big decision.

If you’re considering moving to Victoria, or if you’re thinking about buying or selling real estate here, I’d love to help. Reach out anytime—call, text, or DM—and let’s talk about whether Victoria is the right fit for you.

The opinions expressed herein should not be misconstrued as advice, fact or the basis of an agency relationship whatsoever. Please consult your professional advisor prior to taking action on any decisions relating to the matters discussed in these videos. This communication is not intended to cause or induce breach of an existing agency agreement. All content and information is for entertainment purposes only and by no means is legal, investment, financial, or any other type of legal advice. All actions taken based on the content/information here are solely the responsibility of the person. I am not a financial advisor or property manager. The offers and information outlined above may not be current. Always verify the terms, conditions, status of all offers and information. These opinions should not be relied upon as financial advice. Always conduct your own research and consult with appropriate legal, accounting, financial and any other professionals needed before making any real estate decisions.