🇨🇦 Vancouver vs 🇺🇸 Washington
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇨🇦
Vancouver
Canada
$2,769–$4,385/mo
C$3,846 – C$6,090 / month (local)
🇺🇸
Washington
United States
$2,862–$4,531/mo
$2,862 – $4,531 / month (local)
Washington is 3% more expensive
Vancouver wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Vancouver (USD) | Washington (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $2,077–$3,231 | $2,146–$3,338 | 🟢 Vancouver |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $1,096–$1,731 | $1,133–$1,788 | 🟢 Vancouver |
| Utilities | $87–$167 | $89–$173 | 🟢 Vancouver |
| Groceries | $438–$658 | $453–$680 | 🟢 Vancouver |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $58–$104 | $60–$107 | 🟢 Vancouver |
| Public transport (monthly) | $110–$133 | $113–$137 | 🟢 Vancouver |
| Internet & Mobile | $35–$58 | $36–$60 | 🟢 Vancouver |
| Gym membership | $40–$75 | $42–$78 | 🟢 Vancouver |
| Cinema ticket | $16–$21 | $17–$21 | 🟢 Vancouver |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,769–$4,385 | $2,862–$4,531 | 🟢 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
Housing4.7 / 10 · 4.0 / 10
Vancouver▲ better
Washington
Safety9.5 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Vancouver▲ better
Washington
Healthcare7.8 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Vancouver
Washington▲ better
Education7.4 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Vancouver
Washington▲ better
Environment8.2 / 10 · 9.4 / 10
Vancouver
Washington▲ better
Economy8.2 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Vancouver▲ better
Washington
Culture8.8 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Vancouver▲ better
Washington
Internet9.2 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
Vancouver▲ better
Washington
Who should choose which city?
Choose Vancouver if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Washington
- ✓Nature
- ✓Mild climate
- ✓Quality of life
- ✓Outdoor lifestyle
Choose Washington if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Washington offers vs Vancouver
- ✓Careers in policy
- ✓Museums
- ✓Transit
- ✓Government
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Full Vancouver guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Vancouver →📊
Full Washington guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Washington →