🇺🇸 Seattle vs 🇨🇦 Vancouver
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇺🇸
Seattle
United States
$2,954–$4,677/mo
$2,954 – $4,677 / month (local)
🇨🇦
Vancouver
Canada
$2,769–$4,385/mo
C$3,846 – C$6,090 / month (local)
Seattle is 7% more expensive
Vancouver wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Seattle (USD) | Vancouver (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $2,215–$3,446 | $2,077–$3,231 | 🟢 Vancouver |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $1,169–$1,846 | $1,096–$1,731 | 🟢 Vancouver |
| Utilities | $92–$178 | $87–$167 | 🟢 Vancouver |
| Groceries | $468–$702 | $438–$658 | 🟢 Vancouver |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $62–$111 | $58–$104 | 🟢 Vancouver |
| Public transport (monthly) | $117–$142 | $110–$133 | 🟢 Vancouver |
| Internet & Mobile | $37–$62 | $35–$58 | 🟢 Vancouver |
| Gym membership | $43–$80 | $40–$75 | 🟢 Vancouver |
| Cinema ticket | $17–$22 | $16–$21 | 🟢 Vancouver |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,954–$4,677 | $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
Housing3.0 / 10 · 4.7 / 10
Seattle
Vancouver▲ better
Safety8.2 / 10 · 9.5 / 10
Seattle
Vancouver▲ better
Healthcare8.2 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
Seattle▲ better
Vancouver
Education7.8 / 10 · 7.4 / 10
Seattle▲ better
Vancouver
Environment8.6 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Seattle▲ better
Vancouver
Economy6.9 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Seattle
Vancouver▲ better
Culture7.5 / 10 · 8.8 / 10
Seattle
Vancouver▲ better
Internet7.9 / 10 · 9.2 / 10
Seattle
Vancouver▲ better
Who should choose which city?
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Seattle offers vs Vancouver
- ✓Tech jobs
- ✓Nature access
- ✓No state income tax
- ✓Amazon/Microsoft alumni
Choose Vancouver if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Seattle
- ✓Nature
- ✓Mild climate
- ✓Quality of life
- ✓Outdoor lifestyle
You might also like…
📊
Full Seattle guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Seattle →📊
Full Vancouver guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Vancouver →