Want to live in the Okanagan sunshine but feel a little stuck? Kelowna, Vernon, or maybe Salmon Arm? They all look beautiful, and they all have lakes. So, which one is right for you?

As someone who has lived and worked in the North Okanagan for years and helped many people decide on this exact question, I have some thoughts. Stick with me, because by the end of this blog, you'll know which Okanagan city fits your lifestyle, your budget, and your goals. I’ll also share how to download our free Vernon or Salmon Arm relocation packages.

I'm Laura Reners with RE/MAX Vernon Salt Fowler, your local Okanagan REALTOR®. Every week, we share what it’s really like to live, work, and invest in the Okanagan — from the best neighborhoods to hidden local secrets.

Overall Vibe

There’s a big difference between these three cities:

• Kelowna: Fast-paced, modern, growing rapidly, with nightlife, restaurants, and mini Vancouver energy. Drawbacks include traffic, noise, and a higher cost of living. Population: ~160,000; Central Okanagan: ~255,000.
• Salmon Arm: Small, slower, more rural, but strong community spirit. Perfect for peace and space. Population: ~20,900; Columbia Shuswap Regional District: ~57,512.
• Vernon: Strikes a sweet spot — big enough for everything you need, but small enough that you might run into friends at the grocery store. Close to Kelowna airport and other amenities. Population: ~50,000; North Okanagan: ~91,610.

Housing Prices (Late 2025)

• Kelowna average home price: $1,082,000
• Vernon average home price: $782,000
• Salmon Arm average home price: $760,000

Vernon and Salmon Arm provide more house for your dollar compared to Kelowna, with lower total cost of living, lower restaurant meals, and significantly lower rent.

Location & Convenience

• Kelowna: International airport, big box stores, good hospital, and Costco.
• Vernon: ~45 minutes north of Kelowna, close enough for airport runs or shopping, far enough to avoid congestion.
• Salmon Arm: Another 45 minutes past Vernon, scenic but more remote — perfect for peace, less ideal for airport or major services.

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Schools, Family Life, and Community

• Kelowna: More school options including private and specialty programs; potentially larger classes, but more resources and frequent programs.
• Vernon: Balanced mix of public, French immersion, faith-based private schools, and post-secondary options like Okanagan College. Research school catchment areas before buying.
• Salmon Arm: Small schools with hands-on teachers, close-knit community, lots of good reviews. Consider distance and driving for kids.

Activities & Lifestyle

• Vernon: All-season playground — Okanagan and Kalamalka Lakes, SilverStar Ski Resort 25 min away, golf, nearby wineries, hiking less crowded than Kelowna.
• Salmon Arm: Serene waterfront, parks, trails, walkable downtown, community events, slower and simpler lifestyle. Nearby hamlets like Sicamous or Blind Bay offer short-term rental opportunities.

City Summaries

• Kelowna = Energy
• Vernon = Balance
• Salmon Arm = Calm

Bottom line: If you want big city energy and don’t mind paying for it — go to Kelowna. For a balanced, convenient four-season Okanagan lifestyle — consider Vernon. For peace, community, and space to breathe — choose Salmon Arm. All are incredible; it depends on the lifestyle you want and your budget.

Whether it’s Vernon, Salmon Arm, or Kelowna, we at Salt Fowler can help you compare the pros, cons, and real-time pricing so you make the right choice for your family.

Download Our Free Relocation Packages

• Vernon: vernrelocation.com
• Salmon Arm & Shuswap: salmonrelocation.com

And the best part? It’s absolutely free!

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About the Author: The article above, VERNON vs. SALMON ARM vs. KELOWNA:  Where Should YOU Live?, was provided by Lisa Salt, an authority on Vernon BC and area real estate and a leader in the field of real estate blogging and vlogging.  Lisa and her group have helped literally helped thousands of families buy and sell homes since 1993. 

Looking to buy a home in the Vernon/North Okanagan area?  Check out "Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Home" article. It’s free of charge and will save you a ton of time!

Looking to sell?  We use the latest technology to get our clients’ homes sold quickly and for as much money as possible.

We help people buy and sell real estate in the following Okanagan/Shuswap areas: Vernon, Armstrong, Enderby, Lake Country, Lumby, Westside and Salmon Arm/Shuswap.

Call or Text 250-549-7258 or email webinfo@saltfowler.com