Monthly Breakdown for Cautious Explorers, Winter Town Wanderers, and Real Talk Travellers

Vancouver is beautiful — surrounded by mountains and water, with lovely weekend getaways like Kelowna and Whistler. But there’s no denying the visible drug use and homelessness, especially in some parts of the city. I kept my nights short and my neighbourhood safe — and I’d recommend the same.

💰 Expenses Breakdown

🛏️ Accommodation: SGD2,600
→ Stayed near Commercial Drive, within walking distance to the metro.
→ The area was relatively safe, but picking the right neighbourhood in Vancouver matters.
🍽️ Food: ~SGD70/day
→ Everyone said “Poutine” — and yes, I tried it. Good fries. Just… not life-changing.
→ I expected more culinary variety, but it was mostly comfort food territory.
🚇 Transport: SGD200
→ Metro was easy to navigate, but there were quite a few moments where I felt uneasy.
→ Keep your belongings close and stay alert — especially at night.
🎡 Activities: SGD500
→ Took a weekend trip to Kelowna, which was scenic and peaceful.
→ Also visited Whistler (didn’t ski, just wandered), and the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.
💄 Grooming: SGD200
→ Groceries, snacks, local SIM, and small bits of winter gear.

Total: ~SGD5,670

📌 Price-wise, it’s on par with major Western cities. Safety-wise — you’ll need to be intentional about your surroundings.

🏡 Where to Stay in Vancouver

✔️ Close to a metro station, in a safe neighbourhood.
✔️ Places like Commercial Drive or near Kitsilano offer a decent balance of access and comfort.

🏠 Airbnb, Hotel, or Something Else?

✅ Airbnb gave me kitchen access, which helped with food budget.
✅ If you’re travelling solo, double-check security and location reviews — safety first.

📌 I stayed near Commercial Drive and while the metro access was great, I saw things on the walk home that I can’t unsee. If you’re solo, don’t gamble on “up-and-coming” neighbourhoods — just pick somewhere safe, well-lit, and boring. You want oysters, not eyefuls.

🍽️ Food and Dining in Vancouver (SGD70/day)

✔️ Poutine — Fries, gravy, cheese curds. Good, not mind-blowing.
✔️ General food scene was warm and comforting, but not wildly memorable.

📌 Try the food markets at Granville Island for better variety.

🚕 Transport Costs (SGD200 for the Month)

✔️ Well-connected metro, accepts contactless payments.
✔️ But do stay alert — I noticed several people visibly high on public transport.

📌 Travel during the day where possible. I kept evening outings short for peace of mind.

📶 Internet and Workspaces (SGD25)

✔️ Solid speeds in cafés and accommodations.

📌 Good for remote work, no complaints on connectivity.

🎟️ Where I Spent My Time in Vancouver

✔️ Kelowna (Weekend Trip) — Quiet, scenic, and snowy during winter. Worth the long drive.
✔️ Granville Island — Markets, artisan stalls, and a good way to spend a lazy afternoon.
✔️ Whistler — Huge skiing spot. I didn’t ski but still enjoyed the scenery.

✔️ Capilano Suspension Bridge Park — Decent, but a bit underwhelming.

🌟 Final Thoughts: Was SGD5,670 Worth It?

✔️ Some parts, yes — like the peaceful getaway to Kelowna and ease of transport.
✔️ But the daily caution and safety anxiety wore me out.
✔️ Would I return? Maybe — but only with a trusted group, and better planning on where to stay.

🙋‍♀️ Who This City is For

• Winter-loving travellers
• Cautious explorers with set boundaries
• People who want nature with city access (but don’t mind heading home early)