🇺🇸 Austin vs 🇨🇦 Vancouver
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇺🇸
Austin
United States
$2,523–$3,995/mo
$2,523 – $3,995 / month (local)
🇨🇦
Vancouver
Canada
$2,769–$4,385/mo
C$3,846 – C$6,090 / month (local)
Vancouver is 10% more expensive
Austin wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Austin (USD) | Vancouver (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,892–$2,944 | $2,077–$3,231 | 🟢 Austin |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $999–$1,577 | $1,096–$1,731 | 🟢 Austin |
| Utilities | $79–$152 | $87–$167 | 🟢 Austin |
| Groceries | $399–$599 | $438–$658 | 🟢 Austin |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $53–$95 | $58–$104 | 🟢 Austin |
| Public transport (monthly) | $100–$121 | $110–$133 | 🟢 Austin |
| Internet & Mobile | $32–$53 | $35–$58 | 🟢 Austin |
| Gym membership | $37–$68 | $40–$75 | 🟢 Austin |
| Cinema ticket | $15–$19 | $16–$21 | 🟢 Austin |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,523–$3,995 | $2,769–$4,385 | 🟢 Austin |
See how your salary compares in both cities
Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).
Quality of life comparison
Housing4.8 / 10 · 4.7 / 10
Austin▲ better
Vancouver
Safety9.1 / 10 · 9.5 / 10
Austin
Vancouver▲ better
Healthcare9.1 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
Austin▲ better
Vancouver
Education8.7 / 10 · 7.4 / 10
Austin▲ better
Vancouver
Environment9.5 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Austin▲ better
Vancouver
Economy7.8 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Austin
Vancouver▲ better
Culture8.4 / 10 · 8.8 / 10
Austin
Vancouver▲ better
Internet8.8 / 10 · 9.2 / 10
Austin
Vancouver▲ better
Who should choose which city?
Choose Austin if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Vancouver
- ✓No state income tax
- ✓Music scene
- ✓Startups
- ✓Tech transplants
Choose Vancouver if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Vancouver offers vs Austin
- ✓Nature
- ✓Mild climate
- ✓Quality of life
- ✓Outdoor lifestyle
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📊
Full Austin guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Austin →📊
Full Vancouver guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Vancouver →