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Cost of living in Vancouver
Rent, everyday prices and the gross salary you may need to cover living costs in Vancouver.
One person, a month
CAD 1,574
Living costs excluding rent
Family of four, a month
CAD 5,716
Living costs excluding rent
One-bedroom rent, centre
CAD 2,727
A month
Gross salary, one person
CAD 59,000
to cover living costs in Vancouver
Vancouver's cost of living at a glance
Vancouver is one of the most expensive cities in Canada and among the more expensive cities in North America. The estimated monthly costs for a single person in Vancouver are CAD 1,574, excluding rent. Living costs for a family of four are CAD 5,716 a month, excluding rent.
A single person in Vancouver may need a gross salary of at least CAD 59,000 a year to cover estimated living costs, renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre and saving nothing.
One person's monthly costs
Numbeo household estimate in CAD, with the rent of a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre
Source: Numbeo, 1 June 2026.
How Vancouver compares
One person's monthly costs in Vancouver, excluding rent, are 3.9% higher than in the typical city in Canada and 24.3% higher than in the typical city worldwide.
Where Vancouver ranks
In Canada
2nd of 67
One person's monthly costs including rent, most expensive first.
In North America
128th of 418
Cities in North America with a Numbeo estimate, most expensive first.
Worldwide
90th percentile
Costs the same as or more than 90% of 1,942 cities: one of the most expensive cities.
One-bedroom rent, centre
2nd of 67
Cities in Canada, most expensive first.
Monthly costs against the typical city
- Vancouver
- Typical national city
- Typical city worldwide
Tap a line or a table row to read its three amounts.
| Monthly cost | Vancouver | Typical national city | Typical city worldwide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | CAD 2,727 | CAD 1,908 +42.9% | CAD 1,043 +161.5% |
| Groceries | CAD 547 | CAD 500 +9.4% | CAD 395 +38.5% |
| Eating out | CAD 323 | CAD 265 +21.9% | CAD 222 +45.6% |
| Transport | CAD 115 | CAD 96.96 +18.7% | CAD 56.18 +104.9% |
| Utilities | CAD 231 | CAD 289 −20.0% | CAD 245 −5.8% |
| Leisure | CAD 84.96 | CAD 87.68 −3.1% | CAD 87.04 −2.4% |
| Total excluding rent | CAD 1,574 | CAD 1,514 +3.9% | CAD 1,266 +24.3% |
| Total including rent | CAD 4,302 | CAD 3,376 +27.4% | CAD 2,350 +83.0% |
Typical = the median of 67 cities in Canada and 1,942 cities worldwide.
Find another city
Search 897 cities in 21 countries.
Explore prices in Vancouver
The average price for each item, and the range from the lowest to the highest price people have reported.
Renting in Vancouver
Vancouver is the 2nd most expensive city in Canada for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre. The closest-priced city in Canada is Whistler.
A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs CAD 2,727 a month.
Outside the centre, a one-bedroom apartment typically costs CAD 2,288 a month.
A one-bedroom apartment in the centre is around 19% more expensive to rent than one outside the centre.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment in the city centre Monthly rent | CAD 2,727 | CAD 2,475– |
| 1-bed apartment outside the centre Monthly rent | CAD 2,288 | CAD 1,857– |
| 3-bed apartment in the city centre Monthly rent | CAD 5,157 | CAD 4,641– |
| 3-bed apartment outside the centre Monthly rent | CAD 3,810 | CAD 3,094– |
| Price per m² in the city centre | CAD 13,020 | CAD 11,102– |
| Price per m² outside the centre | CAD 9,885 | CAD 8,327– |
Cost of everyday items in Vancouver
Groceries in Vancouver are around 10% more expensive than the average for Canada, while eating out is around 24% more expensive than the country average.
A litre of milk typically costs CAD 2.99.
A 500g loaf of fresh white bread typically costs CAD 3.89.
A pack of 20 cigarettes typically costs CAD 22.68.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Milk, 1 litre | CAD 2.99 | CAD 1.55– |
| Fresh white bread, 500g | CAD 3.89 | CAD 3.05– |
| Eggs, 12 large | CAD 5.82 | CAD 4.13– |
| Local cheese, 1kg | CAD 17.68 | CAD 10.31– |
| Chicken fillets, 1kg | CAD 20.03 | CAD 11.34– |
| Beef round, 1kg | CAD 21.87 | CAD 12.37– |
| Apples, 1kg | CAD 5.91 | CAD 3.61– |
| Oranges, 1kg | CAD 5.67 | CAD 2.58– |
| Potatoes, 1kg | CAD 4.14 | CAD 1.76– |
| Lettuce, 1 head | CAD 3.90 | CAD 2.06– |
| White rice, 1kg | CAD 6.36 | CAD 2.58– |
| Tomatoes, 1kg | CAD 6.66 | CAD 2.58– |
| Bananas, 1kg | CAD 1.98 | CAD 1.55– |
| Onions, 1kg | CAD 4.06 | CAD 2.06– |
| Water, 1.5 litre bottle | CAD 2.71 | CAD 1.55– |
| Mid-range bottle of wine | CAD 21.66 | CAD 15.46– |
| Domestic beer, 0.5 litre bottle | CAD 4.42 | CAD 2.58– |
| Imported beer, 0.33 litre bottle | CAD 5.07 | CAD 2.74– |
| Cigarettes, 20 pack | CAD 22.68 | CAD 20.63– |
Eating out in Vancouver
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | CAD 30.94 | CAD 20.63– |
| Three-course meal for two | CAD 124 | CAD 82.52– |
| Fast food combo meal | CAD 15.46 | CAD 13.41– |
| Domestic beer, 0.5 litre draught | CAD 8.25 | CAD 6.19– |
| Imported beer, 0.33 litre bottle | CAD 9.28 | CAD 7.22– |
| Soft drink, 0.33 litre bottle | CAD 3.08 | CAD 2.06– |
| Water, 0.33 litre bottle | CAD 2.42 | CAD 1.76– |
| Cappuccino | CAD 5.96 | CAD 3.40– |
Transport in Vancouver
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| One-way public transport ticket | CAD 3.54 | CAD 2.78– |
| Monthly public transport pass | CAD 115 | CAD 110– |
| Gasoline, 1 litre | CAD 1.78 | CAD 1.56– |
| Taxi start | CAD 4.13 | CAD 3.86– |
| Taxi, per km | CAD 2.35 | CAD 2.06– |
| Taxi waiting, 1 hour | CAD 45.97 | CAD 36.10– |
| Volkswagen Golf, new | CAD 40,824 | CAD 40,824– |
| Toyota Corolla sedan, new | CAD 29,950 | CAD 25,951– |
Utilities in Vancouver
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment Monthly | CAD 127 | CAD 58.45– |
| Broadband internet Monthly | CAD 74.50 | CAD 51.58– |
| Mobile phone plan Monthly | CAD 55.13 | CAD 30.94– |
How is Vancouver for families?
A family of four with two adults and two children may need a gross household income of CAD 148,000 a year in Vancouver, excluding childcare costs.
Private preschool or kindergarten typically costs CAD 1,622 a month.
A three-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs CAD 5,157 a month.
Vancouver scores 57/100 on Numbeo's safety index.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Family of four, excluding rent Monthly, Numbeo household estimate | CAD 5,716 | Not applicable |
| Family of four, including rent Monthly, Numbeo household estimate | CAD 10,873 | Not applicable |
| Private preschool or kindergarten Monthly | CAD 1,622 | CAD 1,238– |
| International primary school Annual | CAD 30,166 | CAD 24,754– |
Leisure and clothing in Vancouver
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Gym membership Monthly | CAD 61.04 | CAD 30.94– |
| Tennis court rental, 1 hour | CAD 23.92 | CAD 0– |
| Cinema ticket | CAD 17.19 | CAD 15.46– |
| Jeans | CAD 88.91 | CAD 36.10– |
| Summer dress from a chain store | CAD 63.18 | CAD 36.10– |
| Nike running shoes | CAD 130 | CAD 87.68– |
| Men's leather business shoes | CAD 165 | CAD 103– |
Source: Numbeo, 1 June 2026.
What salary do I need to live in Vancouver?
By combining Numbeo's living-cost estimates with the tax rates in Canada, we can estimate the gross salary you would need to live in Vancouver. Use the calculator below to see how much you would need to live in Vancouver, and where your money goes.
Recommended gross salary
CAD 58,870
Needed to support 1 adult and no children in Vancouver, living in a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre.
- Take-home pay
- CAD 46,351
- Living costs
- CAD 46,351
- Tax and contributions
- CAD 12,518
Where your salary goes
- Living costsCAD 46,35178.7%
- Income tax and contributionsCAD 12,51821.3%
| Operator | Item | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Gross salary | CAD 58,870 | |
| − | Income tax and contributions | CAD 12,518 |
| = | Take-home pay | CAD 46,351 |
| − | Rent | CAD 27,462 |
| − | Groceries | CAD 6,559 |
| − | Eating out | CAD 3,881 |
| − | Transport | CAD 1,381 |
| − | Utilities | CAD 2,772 |
| − | Leisure | CAD 1,020 |
| − | Other estimated costs | CAD 3,276 |
| = | Left over: savings target | CAD 0 |
CAD 58,870 gross salary modelled as one employment income gives a 21.3% effective tax rate and CAD 12,518 estimated deductions a year. Use our salary tax calculator for a more detailed estimate.
What the estimate includes
- Rent for your housing choice and Numbeo's household living costs for your household size
- National income tax for 2026
- Employee social contributions, simplified
What it doesn't include
- Regional, state or local income tax
- Joint filing, partner income and household allowances
- Age, pension, expat-regime or special-residency rules
- Bonuses, benefits and other income
- Child care or school unless you choose it
Don't agree with our estimates? Help us improve our cost-of-living model.
How each cost is worked out
Rent. The selected one-bedroom apartment outside the centre in Vancouver costs an estimated CAD 2,288 per month. CAD 2,288 per month × 12 months = CAD 27,462 a year.
Groceries. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Vancouver spends an estimated CAD 547 on groceries per month. CAD 547 per month × 12 months = CAD 6,559 a year.
Eating out. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Vancouver spends an estimated CAD 323 on eating out per month. CAD 323 per month × 12 months = CAD 3,881 a year.
Transport. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Vancouver spends an estimated CAD 115 on transport per month. CAD 115 per month × 12 months = CAD 1,381 a year.
Utilities. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Vancouver spends an estimated CAD 231 on utilities per month. CAD 231 per month × 12 months = CAD 2,772 a year.
Leisure. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Vancouver spends an estimated CAD 84.96 on leisure per month. CAD 84.96 per month × 12 months = CAD 1,020 a year.
Other estimated costs. Numbeo's household estimate for miscellaneous costs: this may include things like clothing, shoes and entertainment costs. CAD 273 per month × 12 months = CAD 3,276 a year.
See the prices behind each category · How living costs and salaries are calculated
Tax estimate assumptions
Tax year 2026. One resident employee and one employment income are assumed. Federal tax only, effective from January 1, 2026. Lowest bracket rate reduced to 14% (from 14.5% in 2025). Thresholds indexed by 2%. Excludes Provincial/Territorial tax.
Important
This calculator gives an estimate of the income needed to cover living costs. It is not tax, legal or financial advice. It uses Numbeo prices as of 1 June 2026, Canada's tax rules for 2026 and Wise exchange rates of 21 October 2026, and models one employment income. Check your figures with the salary tax calculator or the official rules in PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries / CRA.
Figures for 1 adult, outside the centre, no savings target.
Cost of living in Vancouver: common questions
Is Vancouver expensive to live in?
Vancouver is one of the most expensive cities in Canada and among the more expensive cities in North America.
A single person spends about CAD 1,574 a month excluding rent, against CAD 1,514 in the typical city in Canada (the median of 67 cities, Numbeo, as of 1 June 2026).
Worldwide, Vancouver costs the same as or more than 90% of the 1,942 cities with a Numbeo household estimate, which makes it one of the most expensive cities.
What salary do you need to live in Vancouver?
A single person may need a gross salary of at least CAD 59,000 a year to cover estimated living costs in Vancouver, renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre and saving nothing.
This is an estimate from Numbeo prices as of 1 June 2026 and Canada's tax rules for 2026. Use the salary calculator to add your household, housing and a savings target.
How much is rent in Vancouver?
A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs CAD 2,727 a month, and CAD 2,288 outside the centre, according to Numbeo averages as of 1 June 2026.
A three-bedroom apartment costs about CAD 5,157 a month in the centre and CAD 3,810 outside it.
Vancouver is the 2nd most expensive city in Canada for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre.
How much does a family spend in Vancouver?
A family of four spends about CAD 5,716 a month on living costs excluding rent, or CAD 10,873 including rent, according to Numbeo's household estimate as of 1 June 2026.
With two adults earning and a three-bedroom home outside the centre, the household may need a gross income of CAD 148,000 a year, excluding childcare costs.
Private preschool or kindergarten typically costs CAD 1,622 a month per child.
How does Vancouver compare with Canada's other cities?
Vancouver ranks 2nd of 67 cities in Canada for one person's monthly costs including rent, where 1st is the most expensive.
Excluding rent, one person's costs are 3.9% more than in the typical city in Canada.
Where this data comes from
- Living costs and prices
- Numbeo, snapshot of 1 June 2026
- Exchange rates
- Wise mid-market rates, 21 October 2026
- Tax rules
- Expatica salary tax calculator, Canada 2026
- Locations and population
- GeoNames (CC BY 4.0), retrieved 1 October 2026
- Regions for continent ranks
- UN M49 regions
Important
All amounts are indicative estimates, not quotes or financial advice. Numbeo's prices are reported by users, so coverage and recency vary by city: check rents and prices locally before you commit to a move.
Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you click and make a purchase.
How living costs and salaries are calculated
- Your household size (adults and children, one to six people) picks Numbeo's household estimate for groceries, eating out, transport, utilities, leisure and rent.
- Rent is replaced by the price of a one-bedroom apartment (one or two people) or a three-bedroom apartment (three or more), in or outside the centre. A flatshare, for one adult without children, is a third of a three-bedroom home.
- "Other estimated costs" is Numbeo's household total less the named categories, not a separately reported price. Where a total is below its own categories, we use the categories, and a larger household's costs other than rent are never lower than a smaller household's.
- Child care and school are optional: preschool uses the city's monthly price for each child, international primary school its annual fee spread over 12 months. Children's ages, eligibility and public provision are not modelled.
- The salary is the gross income that leaves these costs, plus your savings target, after tax under Expatica's rules for Canada (2026). One adult has one employment income; two adults are two earners splitting it evenly, with no joint filing or household allowances. What the tax model covers is listed with the result.
- Numbeo's figures are in US dollars, converted with one set of Wise mid-market rates. Without them, amounts stay in US dollars and no salary is estimated.
How cities are compared and matched
- A typical city is the median of one person's monthly costs across the 67 cities in Canada in this guide and across the 1,942 cities worldwide with a Numbeo household estimate. Each row is its own median, so the rows do not add up.
- Ranks put the most expensive city first, and equal estimates share a rank. The worldwide percentile is the share of those 1,942 cities whose one-person monthly total, rent included, is the same or lower than Vancouver's.
- Nearby cities are places in this guide, possibly across a border, by straight-line distance between GeoNames location points.
- Comparable cities are in the same GeoNames population band (under 100,000, 100,000–499,999, 500,000–999,999, or 1 million and above; a neighbouring band, labelled, when a band has too few countries), one per country, outside Canada and not already listed as nearby. Population years and boundaries vary, so the bands are rough size guides.
- The match score compares a single person's costs excluding rent and the rent of a central one-bedroom apartment. For each, we divide the lower city's price by the higher; the score is the square root of the two ratios multiplied together, × 100. If both prices are 80% of the other city's, the match is 80%; if both are twice as high, 50%. It measures how close the costs are, not which city is cheaper or how alike they are to live in.