Hmmm, lots of not-extremely-established people call Vancouver their home. I really wonder how many people here are basing their opinions just on trendy news pieces on Vancouver's housing. Pretty disappointing.
[1] http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/vancouver-ren...
No they don't. Nobody earning 20$/hour moves to vancouver. Those who do earn low wages have roots in the city. They started renting before the rise (and now live in fear of their landlord selling). Or they bought 20+ years ago and are now sitting on a pile of equity. Or they are living in a friend/parent's basement. Such people are established in the city. The low-pay stranger isn't welcome in Vancouver.
I grew up near Vancouver and am currently working in Germany because I was getting better offers among other reasons.