How do you afford to live in Victoria/area

Curious how the folks on the island, Victoria/duncan area afford to live in your beautiful city! Is it as bad as everyone says it is? I want my kids to grow up somewhere beautiful, somewhere they can love and enjoy life. I live up north and would love to make the switch to island life. We love the beach , we love the city of Victoria , we love it all.

My youngest was born in Vic and we had to stay for 45 days so we grew to really enjoy what the city had to offer. We frequent Vancouver and Seattle a lot as well so being closer is super nice.

Appreciate any input, good or bad!