Canada

Cost of Living in Vancouver

Monthly expenses, rent & budget analysis — Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates

COL+Rent: 63.1Rent: 51.8Groceries: 75.8Restaurant: 75.2

Monthly Budget Estimates

Minimal

$2,465/mo

Outside-center room, basic groceries, public transit

Typical

$3,302/mo

City-center 1BR, regular groceries & dining out

Comfortable

$4,060/mo

Premium apartment, frequent dining, entertainment

Monthly Costs Breakdown

CategoryCost (USD)
Rent (1BR City Center)$2,286
Rent (1BR Outside Center)$1,818
Groceries (monthly)$425
Restaurant Meal$22
Transit Pass (monthly)$96
Utilities (monthly)$165

Source: Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026

Can You Afford Vancouver?

Compare Vancouver with other cities at specific budget levels:

vs Toronto · $1,000/movs Toronto · $1,500/movs Toronto · $2,000/movs Montreal · $1,000/movs Montreal · $1,500/movs Montreal · $2,000/movs Calgary · $1,000/movs Calgary · $1,500/movs Calgary · $2,000/mo

Other Cities in Canada

Vancouver vs Toronto Vancouver vs Montreal Vancouver vs Calgary

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to live in Vancouver?
A minimal monthly budget in Vancouver is approximately $2,465, a typical budget is $3,302, and a comfortable lifestyle costs around $4,060 per month.
How much is rent in Vancouver?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Vancouver city center costs approximately $2,286/month. Outside the center, expect around $1,818/month.
Is Vancouver expensive compared to New York?
Vancouver's COL+Rent Index is 63.1 compared to New York's 100, meaning Vancouver is about 37% cheaper than NYC overall.
What is the average grocery cost in Vancouver?
Monthly groceries in Vancouver cost approximately $425. The city's Groceries Index is 75.8 (NYC = 100).