🇨🇦 Calgary vs 🇨🇦 Vancouver

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇨🇦

Calgary

Canada

$2,215–$3,508/mo

C$3,076 – C$4,872 / month (local)

🇨🇦

Vancouver

Canada

$2,769–$4,385/mo

C$3,846 – C$6,090 / month (local)

Vancouver is 25% more expensive

Calgary wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryCalgary (USD)Vancouver (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$1,662–$2,585$2,077–$3,231🟢 Calgary
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$877–$1,385$1,096–$1,731🟢 Calgary
Utilities$69–$134$87–$167🟢 Calgary
Groceries$351–$526$438–$658🟢 Calgary
Eating out (mid-range meal)$46–$83$58–$104🟢 Calgary
Public transport (monthly)$88–$106$110–$133🟢 Calgary
Internet & Mobile$28–$46$35–$58🟢 Calgary
Gym membership$32–$60$40–$75🟢 Calgary
Cinema ticket$13–$17$16–$21🟢 Calgary
Monthly total (single)$2,215–$3,508$2,769–$4,385🟢 Calgary

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
Calgary▲ better
Vancouver
Safety8.4 / 10 · 9.5 / 10
Calgary
Vancouver▲ better
Healthcare8.4 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
Calgary▲ better
Vancouver
Education8.0 / 10 · 7.4 / 10
Calgary▲ better
Vancouver
Environment8.8 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Calgary▲ better
Vancouver
Economy7.1 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Calgary
Vancouver▲ better
Culture7.7 / 10 · 8.8 / 10
Calgary
Vancouver▲ better
Internet8.1 / 10 · 9.2 / 10
Calgary
Vancouver▲ better

Who should choose which city?

Choose Calgary if…

  • ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Vancouver
  • ✓Oil & gas salaries
  • ✓Rockies proximity
  • ✓Clean
  • ✓Energy

Choose Vancouver if…

  • ✓You're happy to pay more for what Vancouver offers vs Calgary
  • ✓Nature
  • ✓Mild climate
  • ✓Quality of life
  • ✓Outdoor lifestyle

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Full Calgary guide

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Full Vancouver guide

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Explore Vancouver →