I lived in AB for 17 years before moving to BC ~14 years ago. I wouldn't go back. Moving to BC was one of the best decisions I have made.
Ditto
Lived in Southern AB and SK combined for 40 years....small town Saskatchewan was ok but living on Vancouver Island is incomparable to anywhere in the world, there is a reason why it is a global relocation destination. Also worked downtown Calgary specifically the final 5 years before I took the FIRE route. All my family is in small town SK or between Olds to Calgary, we are the only ones in BC. We are keeping an eye on Calgary only because our adult children keep talking about moving that way so I'm balancing options. I think the smartest thing is staying here, avoiding winters and like
@Retire-Canada invest in an adventure rig to road trip and visit family, kids, grandkids more often then give up our corner of paradise (and strong home equity & house market that would be impossible to get back into)
I'm confused a lot on this cost of living discussion though, especially from a MMM perspective. Outside of housing/property cost IO don't think I could live any cheaper in AB or SK, not even close. As a matter of fact I think it would cost MUCH MUCH more...
Car insurance is govt here, crazy cheap at $700/yr
Property Taxes/water sewer garbage recycling, very fair and comparative to my AB or SK homes
Home Heating !! This is amazing in BC as my house is all electric, my only utility bill ~ I pay $80 equalized monthly. Natural Gas will crush your frugal budget in BC & SK ...lol remember those
Sure gas is .40 cents cheaper in Calgary right now but an MMM follower knows walking, cycling and transit rock ! Drive less & live more
Health Care costs are included in income tax in all western provinces, so thats a wash
Income Tax was way more in SK but less in AB than BC for me....but I'm FI so it doesn't matter as I'm in lower marginal rates now
Lethbridge to Red Deer the entire foothills front range corridor is stunning, living anywhere would be fine and a beautiful gateway to the Rockies, that is where I would move back. But, I'm addicted to the smell of salt air and cedar and the wife and I chat about this, would we ever be able to tear ourselves away from here. Personally the adventure rig is the way to go at this point for us.
As to the original post, moving from the island to the greater Vancouver lower mainland area, my son as part of his reason to want to move next summer to AB says he doesn't like it compared to the island, always busy and built up environment. I don't have any personal experience living in a small seaside town on the island and not the lower mainland.