Victoria, here’s the tea.
B.C.’s capital city low-key slaps, ranking as one of the top 50 cities in the world for Gen Z to slay their main character era.
No cap, the vibe check passed – Victoria is giving and understood the assignment.
Although, with eight Canadian cities ranking higher – say hi, Vancouver, Toronto and Ottawa – it’s understandable if locals are feeling a little pressed.
Confused? Hello Boomers and Gen X.
That’s Gen Z speak for: Victoria has scraped its way into a countdown of the ‘best cities in the world for Gen Z to move to in 2026’.
According to online money transfer company Remitly, out of the 250 cities across the globe they considered, B.C.’s capital city ranks 49th, with a score of 63.46 out of a possible 100.
Nine categories were used to compile the list, including rent affordability, safety, broadband download speed, affordability of a night out and average monthly net salary.
Claiming the top spot was Copenhagen, Denmark, with a score of 76.67. While Canada’s highest ranked city was Ottawa in 8th place and a score of 68.77.
News of Victoria’s showing in the rankings may raise some eyebrows among some Gen Zers.
Macy Holland from Saanich is one them. She says she disagrees, most notably because of the cost of living in Victoria.
“Groceries tend to be expensive and rent for even a studio basement suite tends to be over $1,000 a month,” said the 21-year-old.
Victoria resident Riley Sponagle was also surprised by the news.
“Affordability is not necessarily there for me,” she said. “And I’m from Toronto, so the night scene isn’t really giving night scene.”
The 21-year-old believes the biggest draw for Gen Zers is the city’s temperate climate and access to nature.
“I think it’s the beauty that outweighs everything else for us,” she said.
For 24-year-old Tiago de Melo, Victoria’s nightlife is “amazing.”
“Everything is so close by that we have options to see our friends in a convenient way and go on road trips easily,” he said.
But he says the city’s soaring cost of living and sky-high rents are near impossible to manage without help from parents or a stable, well-paid job.
“I feel like the Gen Zs that live here will find a way to adapt and survive well,” says de Melo. “But ‘best city in the world to move to’? Honestly, try the other 49 before moving here.”
Breakout Heated Rivalry star Hudson Williams, who went viral for his blunt take on the city, might also question the city’s ranking.
While attending a Paris fashion show in March, the 25-year-old actor was caught on camera describing B.C.’s capital in less than glowing terms.
“I was filming a show and it’s very stabilizing,” he said. “It’s like 30 minutes away from Vancouver, dead as f***, old people.”
Williams had been in Victoria to film Yaga, a new eight-episode drama series for Canadian streamer Crave.
His candid review of Canada’s ‘Garden City’ sparked debate online, with some leaping to the city’s defence, while others agreeing with the critique.
However, days later when filming wrapped, Williams softened his stance, sharing a more affectionate send-off.
“That’s it for me on Yaga 
Victoria: Old people + Dead asf + Nature = Feels like home/heart gets full,” he wrote on social media.
Born between 1997 and 2012, Gen Z is often dubbed as the first generation of true “digital natives,” having grown up with internet access at their fingertips.
They’re widely seen as socially progressive, placing a strong emphasis on inclusivity, diversity and authenticity – while also prioritizing a work-life balance.
In 2026, Gen Zers range in age between 14 to 29.
READ MORE: Seeing stars: View Royal fan meets Heated Rivalry star at Victoria airport.