Kelowna Relocation Guide
Moving to Kelowna
Your complete guide to relocating to the Okanagan. Discover why thousands choose Kelowna for its lifestyle, weather, and opportunity.
Why Move to Kelowna?
Discover what makes Kelowna one of Canada's most desirable places to live
2,000+ Hours of Sunshine
Enjoy more sunny days than most Canadian cities, with warm, dry summers and mild winters.
Okanagan Lake Lifestyle
128km of pristine lake with beaches, boating, paddleboarding, and waterfront living.
Wine Country Living
Canada's premier wine region with 200+ wineries, farm-to-table dining, and vineyard views.
Year-Round Outdoor Recreation
Skiing, hiking, mountain biking, golfing, and water sports within minutes of downtown.
Growing Tech & Remote Work Hub
Thriving tech sector, co-working spaces, and excellent internet for remote workers.
Quality Healthcare & Education
Kelowna General Hospital, UBC Okanagan, excellent schools, and top-rated amenities.
Cost of Living in Kelowna
Understanding expenses before you move. Budget accordingly for Okanagan lifestyle.
Housing
Median home price $815K. Rent for 1-bedroom $1,800+/month, 2-bedroom $2,400+/month.
Utilities
BC Hydro (electricity), FortisBC (gas), internet/cable. Average $150-250/month for basics.
Groceries
Similar to other BC cities. Budget $600-900/month for a family of four.
Transportation
Car recommended. Gas, insurance (ICBC), maintenance. Public transit available but limited.
Childcare & Education
Daycare $800-1,200/month. Public schools free. Private schools available. UBC Okanagan nearby.
Comparison
Less expensive than Vancouver/Toronto, similar to Calgary, more than interior BC towns.
Single Person
Monthly: $3,678
Annual Income Needed: $75,000+
Family of Four
Monthly: $6,555
Annual Income Needed: $120,000+
Best Neighbourhoods for Relocators
Find the perfect community for your lifestyle and budget
Lower Mission
Best for: Families & ProfessionalsUpscale lakefront community with beaches, wineries, and top schools. Premium properties with lake access.
Glenmore
Best for: Growing FamiliesFamily-friendly with excellent schools, parks, Knox Mountain trails, and newer developments.
Downtown Kelowna
Best for: Young ProfessionalsUrban living with condos, restaurants, nightlife, Cultural District, and waterfront walkways.
Pandosy Village
Best for: Young ProfessionalsTrendy neighbourhood with boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and close to downtown and beaches.
West Kelowna
Best for: Retirees & FamiliesWestside living with wine country views, quieter pace, and more affordable than central Kelowna.
Lake Country
Best for: Retirees & FamiliesThree lakes, small-town charm, rural living, and peaceful communities north of Kelowna.
Rutland
Best for: Budget-Conscious BuyersMost affordable entry point with shopping, transit, and improving infrastructure.
Your Kelowna Moving Checklist
Essential tasks to complete when relocating to Kelowna
Before You Move
- Research neighbourhoods and cost of living
- Secure employment or confirm remote work setup
- Get pre-approved for a mortgage (if buying)
- Connect with a local Kelowna realtor
- Book accommodation for initial arrival (if needed)
First Week in Kelowna
- Apply for BC driver's license (within 90 days)
- Register for BC Medical Services Plan (MSP)
- Set up utilities (BC Hydro, FortisBC, internet)
- Register vehicle and get BC license plates
- Open local bank account (if needed)
Settling In
- Register children for school (catchment areas apply)
- Find family doctor (can take time - get on waitlists)
- Explore neighbourhoods and local amenities
- Join community groups or sports clubs
- Update address with CRA, insurance, and subscriptions
Weather & Seasonal Lifestyle
Experience all four seasons with more sunshine than almost anywhere in Canada
Spring (March-May)
10-20°CBlossoms, green landscapes, hiking trails open, wine touring season starts. Best time for real estate shopping.
Summer (June-August)
25-35°CPeak season. Hot, dry, sunny. Lake swimming, boating, beaches, outdoor festivals. Potential for wildfire smoke.
Fall (September-November)
5-20°CHarvest season, stunning fall colors, wine harvest, cooler temps, quieter trails and restaurants.
Winter (December-February)
-5 to 5°CMild winters, some snow, skiing at Big White & Silver Star, wine touring, indoor activities. Sunny days common.
Pros & Cons of Living in Kelowna
An honest assessment to help you make an informed decision
✓ Pros
- Amazing weather: 2,000+ hours of sunshine, warm summers, mild winters
- Okanagan Lake lifestyle: beaches, boating, waterfront living
- Outdoor recreation: skiing, hiking, biking, golf, water sports
- Wine country: 200+ wineries, farm-to-table dining, agritourism
- Growing economy: tech sector, remote work friendly, diverse job market
- Quality of life: slower pace, family-friendly, natural beauty
⚠ Cons
- High housing costs: median home $815K+, rent $1,800+ for 1-bedroom
- Summer wildfire smoke: can impact air quality July-September
- Healthcare wait times: family doctors in short supply, ER waits
- Limited public transit: car-dependent city, sprawling layout
- Distance from major cities: 4+ hours to Vancouver, isolation for some
- Tourist season crowds: summer traffic, busy restaurants and beaches
Moving to Kelowna FAQs
Is Kelowna a good place to live?
Kelowna offers an exceptional quality of life with over 2,000 hours of sunshine annually, access to Okanagan Lake, world-class wineries, and year-round outdoor recreation. The city has a growing tech sector, excellent healthcare facilities, and strong schools. However, housing costs are higher than many BC cities, and summer wildfire smoke can be a concern.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Kelowna?
A single person typically needs an annual income of $75,000+ to live comfortably in Kelowna, while families should plan for combined household incomes of $120,000 or more. This covers housing (rent or mortgage), utilities, groceries, transportation, and allows for savings and enjoying the Okanagan lifestyle.
What are the pros and cons of living in Kelowna?
Pros include amazing weather, lake lifestyle, outdoor recreation, wine country, and a growing job market. Cons include high housing costs (median home $815K+), summer wildfire smoke, healthcare wait times, limited public transit, and distance from major urban centers like Vancouver (4+ hours).
Is it expensive to live in Kelowna BC?
Yes, Kelowna is one of BC's more expensive regional cities. Monthly costs for a family of four average around $6,555, while a single person needs approximately $3,678 per month. Housing is the biggest expense, with average rent for a 1-bedroom at $1,800+ and median home prices around $815,000.
What is winter like in Kelowna?
Kelowna winters are mild compared to most of Canada, with average temperatures between -5°C to 3°C. The city receives moderate snow (typically December-February), but it often melts quickly. Winter activities include skiing at Big White and Silver Star, ice skating, and wine touring. The area gets plenty of sunny winter days.
Do I need a car to live in Kelowna?
Yes, a car is highly recommended in Kelowna. While there is public transit (BC Transit), it's limited compared to larger cities. The city is spread out, and most amenities, workplaces, and recreation areas require driving. Downtown and some neighborhoods are walkable, but overall, Kelowna is car-dependent.
Essential Resources for New Residents
Buying a Home in Kelowna
Step-by-step guide to purchasing your Kelowna property.
Work with a Kelowna Realtor
Get expert guidance from a local real estate professional.
Lower Mission Homes
Explore upscale lakefront living in Lower Mission.
West Kelowna Properties
Discover wine country living on Kelowna's westside.
Ready to Make Kelowna Your Home?
Get personalized relocation guidance and real estate expertise from a local Kelowna realtor. Free consultation, no pressure.