🇺🇸 Portland vs 🇨🇦 Vancouver

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇺🇸

Portland

United States

$2,431–$3,849/mo

$2,431 – $3,849 / month (local)

🇨🇦

Vancouver

Canada

$2,769–$4,385/mo

C$3,846 – C$6,090 / month (local)

Vancouver is 14% more expensive

Portland wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryPortland (USD)Vancouver (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$1,823–$2,836$2,077–$3,231🟢 Portland
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$962–$1,519$1,096–$1,731🟢 Portland
Utilities$76–$147$87–$167🟢 Portland
Groceries$385–$577$438–$658🟢 Portland
Eating out (mid-range meal)$51–$91$58–$104🟢 Portland
Public transport (monthly)$96–$116$110–$133🟢 Portland
Internet & Mobile$30–$51$35–$58🟢 Portland
Gym membership$35–$66$40–$75🟢 Portland
Cinema ticket$14–$18$16–$21🟢 Portland
Monthly total (single)$2,431–$3,849$2,769–$4,385🟢 Portland

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

Housing4.6 / 10 · 4.7 / 10
Portland
Vancouver▲ better
Safety8.7 / 10 · 9.5 / 10
Portland
Vancouver▲ better
Healthcare8.7 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
Portland▲ better
Vancouver
Education8.3 / 10 · 7.4 / 10
Portland▲ better
Vancouver
Environment9.1 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Portland▲ better
Vancouver
Economy7.4 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Portland
Vancouver▲ better
Culture8.0 / 10 · 8.8 / 10
Portland
Vancouver▲ better
Internet8.4 / 10 · 9.2 / 10
Portland
Vancouver▲ better

Who should choose which city?

Choose Portland if…

  • ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Vancouver
  • ✓Food scene
  • ✓No sales tax
  • ✓Nature
  • ✓Creatives

Choose Vancouver if…

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

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Full Portland guide

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Full Vancouver guide

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Explore Vancouver →