Calgary
Vancouver

Calgary vs Vancouver — Cost of Living Comparison

Calgary
Canada
VS
Vancouver
Canada
Estimated average living costs are ~15% lower in Calgary

Calgary

$2,700

avg. monthly cost

Population

1,340,000

Safety

65/100

Quality

74/100

Cost
70
Safety
65
Life
74

Vancouver

$3,100

avg. monthly cost

Population

2,580,000

Safety

60/100

Quality

74/100

Cost
75
Safety
60
Life
74

Data last updated:

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~15% lower in Calgary

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Calgary

$2,700

estimated per month

Vancouver

$3,100

estimated per month

Difference

+14.8%

Monthly savings

$400

Yearly savings

$4,800

Figures shown are estimated averages for general comparison purposes only and may not reflect individual spending patterns.

Cost Comparison by Category

Monthly averages side by side

Calgary
Vancouver
61
Housing+32.4%
$1,775
$2,350
Food & Groceries+8.2%
$248
$268
Transportation+8.1%
$201
$217
Utilities-13.2%
$288
$250
Healthcare+13.5%
$49
$55
Entertainment+13.9%
$152
$174
Clothing+9.5%
$41
$45

Estimated Salary Equivalency (Informational)

What you'd need to earn for the same lifestyle

This calculation provides an estimated comparison based on average living costs and does not represent financial or employment advice.

$/year (USD)

$86,111

+$11,111/year (USD)

Salary equivalency figures are illustrative estimates only and should not be used for employment, negotiation, or financial planning decisions.

Detailed Category Breakdown

Item-by-item price comparison across 7 categories

ItemCalgaryVancouverDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$1,500.00$1,950.00
+30.0%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$1,100.00$1,500.00
+36.4%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$2,600.00$3,400.00
+30.8%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$1,900.00$2,550.00
+34.2%
ItemCalgaryVancouverDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$17.00$18.00
+5.9%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$75.00$85.00
+13.3%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$10.50$11.00
+4.8%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$2.70$2.90
+7.4%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$3.10$3.30
+6.5%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$3.40$3.60
+5.9%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$4.00$4.50
+12.5%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$12.00$13.00
+8.3%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$3.80$4.20
+10.5%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.70$1.85
+8.8%
ItemCalgaryVancouverDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$100.00$105.00
+5.0%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$2.50$2.30
-8.0%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$3.60$3.60
0.0%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$1.50$1.70
+13.3%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.35$1.55
+14.8%
ItemCalgaryVancouverDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$175.00$130.00
-25.7%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$55.00$58.00
+5.5%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$58.00$62.00
+6.9%
ItemCalgaryVancouverDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$0.00$0.00
0.0%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$145.00$160.00
+10.3%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$24.00$28.00
+16.7%
ItemCalgaryVancouverDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$50.00$58.00
+16.0%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$13.00$14.00
+7.7%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$4.20$4.80
+14.3%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$6.50$7.50
+15.4%
ItemCalgaryVancouverDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$62.00$68.00
+9.7%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$38.00$42.00
+10.5%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$92.00$100.00
+8.7%

Category values are aggregated estimates and may vary by neighborhood, lifestyle, and market conditions.