City Comparison
Vancouver vs Calgary
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Calgary is ~24% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Vancouver
Canada
COL+Rent
63.1
Rent Index
51.8
Groceries
75.8
Restaurant
75.2
Calgary
Canada
COL+Rent
47.7
Rent Index
33.6
Groceries
62.9
Restaurant
57.8
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Vancouver | Calgary | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $2,286 | $1,481 | +$805 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,818 | $1,178 | +$640 |
| Groceries | $425 | $353 | +$72 |
| Restaurant Meal | $22 | $19 | +$3 |
| Transit Pass | $96 | $79 | +$17 |
| Utilities | $165 | $137 | +$28 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Vancouver | Calgary |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $2,465/mo | $1,717/mo |
| Typical | $3,302/mo | $2,335/mo |
| Comfortable | $4,060/mo | $2,913/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Vancouver | ≈ in Calgary | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,134/mo | -$366 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,512/mo | -$488 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,268/mo | -$732 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vancouver or Calgary cheaper to live in?
Calgary is approximately 24% cheaper overall. Vancouver's COL+Rent Index is 63.1 vs Calgary's 47.7 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Vancouver vs Calgary?
A 1BR in Vancouver city center costs ~$2,286/mo vs $1,481/mo in Calgary. Outside the center: $1,818 vs $1,178.
What is $2,000/month in Vancouver worth in Calgary?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Vancouver has the purchasing power of approximately $1,512/month in Calgary.
Are groceries cheaper in Vancouver or Calgary?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $425 in Vancouver vs $353 in Calgary. Groceries Index: 75.8 vs 62.9 (NYC = 100).