One thing, I learnt about moving to new is that the urge to sign a lease quickly may not be the best choice always. I prefer to stay in an Airbnb and get used to the city. In the case of Canada, I would stay in an Airbnb for first 2 months and then look for houses.
I was thinking of doing an Airbnb for 4 months and confirming that the owner will allow me to receive mail before booking it. After that, I'll get an apartment
If you can afford an Airbnb for 4 months, sure, go for it. I've found that good Airbnbs are like x2 the normal rent, and the normal rent only gets you a basement or a shared house. I'm done with shared houses so I said nope.
Well, I'm looking at extended stay Airbnbs-there are some good deals available.
Actually, I checked. You will get an Private bath/bedroom for $2.5k to $2.6k. Remember its a good deal when you realize that utilities are all paid. Of course, one won't get an entire fancy looking apartment for less than $3K. Its a great option for single or young couple who can explore the city and neighborhood before signing a bad lease.
Below is from Vancouver for July 2022. One would dumb if they look for an entire apartment for cheap price. Private bath/bedroom are available at a affordable price in GTA/Vancouver/Calgary. Again, paid utilities. You cannot have it all. And below prices are in USD.
That's more Burnaby than Vancouver mate (Burnaby is essentially China btw). I'm seeing they average about 1500 USD ~2000 CAD, and as far as I can see they're mostly basement rooms. For a short period (1-2 weeks) till I move into a permanent place, I wouldn't mind getting that kind of Airbnb but no way I'm paying 2000 CAD a month for a basement in Burnaby for any longer.Below is from Vancouver for July 2022. One would dumb if they look for an entire apartment for cheap price. Private bath/bedroom are available at a affordable price in GTA/Vancouver/Calgary. Again, paid utilities. You cannot have it all. And below prices are in USD.
15 to 20 mins metro travel to Vancouver downtown, so this is a good option. Also, I checked so many rental houses in Vancouver metro and I find house sin Burnaby, Surrey, and Richmond to be the nicest ones and better option given short metro travel to Downtown Vancouver. I guess Vancouver has one of the best Public transportation in North America, so staying 30 mins away is not a big deal.
Vancouver and nearby areas. Most houses have access to public transportation or 5 to 10 mins walk to nearest bus stop or metro station.
