✦ Cost of living
Vancouver
Vancouver, Canada
US = 100
In plain terms: Vancouver is about 24% pricier than a typical US city. A one-bedroom in the centre runs around $2,100/month.
▤ Category breakdown
Index vs the US average — the line marks 100. Lower is cheaper.
- Housing168+68%
- Food & groceries110+10%
- Transport100−0%
- Utilities100−0%
- Healthcare85−15%
- Goods & services112+12%
About
“Raincouver”
Mountains meet ocean in Canada's mildest big city — stunning and outdoorsy, with punishing housing costs.
- Currency
- Canadian dollar · CAD
- Languages
- English, French
- Coordinates
- 49.28, -123.12
- Emergency
- 911
What things cost
Taxes
33%
Income tax
progressive
5%
VAT / sales
26.5%
Corporate
$3,300
Avg net salary
per month
Federal; provinces add ~10–25%.
Visas & residency
Express Entry points system; Provincial Nominee Programs.
✈ eTA for short visits from many countries.
Permanent residence after ~0 yrs. Citizenship after ~3 yrs. PR via Express Entry; citizenship after ~3 years.
Quality of life
Safety
68/100
Healthcare
82/100
Pollution
30/100
Internet
180 Mbps
Jan avg
+4 °C
Jul avg
+18 °C
Sunny days
130/yr
Walkability
80/100
Relocation & documents
Coming soonWhere to look
Updated: 2026-08-14 · Sources: Cost/quality survey (placeholder) · National tax authority / OECD (headline figures)
? Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to live in Vancouver, CA?
Vancouver, CA's cost-of-living index is 124 (US average = 100) — about 24% more expensive than a typical US city. A one-bedroom apartment in the centre costs around $2,100 per month.
What is the average rent in Vancouver, CA?
A one-bedroom in the city centre averages about $2,100 per month, and around $1,650 outside the centre.
What taxes would I pay in Canada?
Canada has a top income-tax rate of 33% and a VAT or sales tax of 5%. See the taxes section above for the full breakdown.
What is the weather like in Vancouver, CA?
Vancouver, CA averages around +4 °C in January and +18 °C in July, with roughly 130 sunny days a year.
❖ Compare Vancouver with…
Estimates use approximate cost-of-living indices (US average = 100) and are for general guidance only.