City Comparison
Calgary vs Vancouver
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Calgary is ~24% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Calgary
Canada
COL+Rent
47.7
Rent Index
33.6
Groceries
62.9
Restaurant
57.8
Vancouver
Canada
COL+Rent
63.1
Rent Index
51.8
Groceries
75.8
Restaurant
75.2
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Calgary | Vancouver | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,481 | $2,286 | $805 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,178 | $1,818 | $640 |
| Groceries | $353 | $425 | $72 |
| Restaurant Meal | $19 | $22 | $3 |
| Transit Pass | $79 | $96 | $17 |
| Utilities | $137 | $165 | $28 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Calgary | Vancouver |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,717/mo | $2,465/mo |
| Typical | $2,335/mo | $3,302/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,913/mo | $4,060/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Calgary | ≈ in Vancouver | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,984/mo | +$484 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,646/mo | +$646 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,969/mo | +$969 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Calgary or Vancouver cheaper to live in?
Calgary is approximately 24% cheaper overall. Calgary's COL+Rent Index is 47.7 vs Vancouver's 63.1 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Calgary vs Vancouver?
A 1BR in Calgary city center costs ~$1,481/mo vs $2,286/mo in Vancouver. Outside the center: $1,178 vs $1,818.
What is $2,000/month in Calgary worth in Vancouver?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Calgary has the purchasing power of approximately $2,646/month in Vancouver.
Are groceries cheaper in Calgary or Vancouver?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $353 in Calgary vs $425 in Vancouver. Groceries Index: 62.9 vs 75.8 (NYC = 100).