🇺🇸 San Francisco vs 🇨🇦 Vancouver
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇺🇸
San Francisco
United States
$3,385–$5,359/mo
$3,385 – $5,359 / month (local)
🇨🇦
Vancouver
Canada
$2,769–$4,385/mo
C$3,846 – C$6,090 / month (local)
San Francisco is 22% more expensive
Vancouver wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | San Francisco (USD) | Vancouver (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $2,538–$3,949 | $2,077–$3,231 | 🟢 Vancouver |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $1,340–$2,115 | $1,096–$1,731 | 🟢 Vancouver |
| Utilities | $106–$204 | $87–$167 | 🟢 Vancouver |
| Groceries | $536–$804 | $438–$658 | 🟢 Vancouver |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $71–$127 | $58–$104 | 🟢 Vancouver |
| Public transport (monthly) | $134–$162 | $110–$133 | 🟢 Vancouver |
| Internet & Mobile | $42–$71 | $35–$58 | 🟢 Vancouver |
| Gym membership | $49–$92 | $40–$75 | 🟢 Vancouver |
| Cinema ticket | $20–$25 | $16–$21 | 🟢 Vancouver |
| Monthly total (single) | $3,385–$5,359 | $2,769–$4,385 | 🟢 Vancouver |
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
Housing2.2 / 10 · 4.7 / 10
San Francisco
Vancouver▲ better
Safety8.3 / 10 · 9.5 / 10
San Francisco
Vancouver▲ better
Healthcare8.3 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
San Francisco▲ better
Vancouver
Education7.9 / 10 · 7.4 / 10
San Francisco▲ better
Vancouver
Environment8.7 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
San Francisco▲ better
Vancouver
Economy7.0 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
San Francisco
Vancouver▲ better
Culture7.6 / 10 · 8.8 / 10
San Francisco
Vancouver▲ better
Internet8.0 / 10 · 9.2 / 10
San Francisco
Vancouver▲ better
Who should choose which city?
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what San Francisco offers vs Vancouver
- ✓Tech salaries
- ✓Innovation
- ✓Climate
- ✓Tech workers
Choose Vancouver if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than San Francisco
- ✓Nature
- ✓Mild climate
- ✓Quality of life
- ✓Outdoor lifestyle
You might also like…
📊
Full San Francisco guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore San Francisco →📊
Full Vancouver guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Vancouver →