Tokyo
Vancouver

Tokyo vs Vancouver — Cost of Living Comparison

Tokyo
Japan
VS
Vancouver
Canada
Estimated average living costs are ~9% lower in Vancouver

Tokyo

$3,400

avg. monthly cost

Population

13,960,000

Safety

86/100

Quality

80/100

Cost
82
Safety
86
Life
80

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 ~9% lower in Vancouver

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Tokyo

$3,400

estimated per month

Vancouver

$3,100

estimated per month

Difference

-8.8%

Monthly savings

$300

Yearly savings

$3,600

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

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)

$68,382

-$6,618/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

ItemTokyoVancouverDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$1,150.00$1,950.00
+69.6%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$720.00$1,500.00
+108.3%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$2,650.00$3,400.00
+28.3%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$1,550.00$2,550.00
+64.5%
ItemTokyoVancouverDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$7.50$18.00
+140.0%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$45.00$85.00
+88.9%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$6.50$11.00
+69.2%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$2.10$2.90
+38.1%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$2.20$3.30
+50.0%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$4.50$3.60
-20.0%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$2.80$4.50
+60.7%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$8.50$13.00
+52.9%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$6.50$4.20
-35.4%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$3.80$1.85
-51.3%
ItemTokyoVancouverDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$100.00$105.00
+5.0%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$1.80$2.30
+27.8%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$4.50$3.60
-20.0%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$3.20$1.70
-46.9%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.35$1.55
+14.8%
ItemTokyoVancouverDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$195.00$130.00
-33.3%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$35.00$58.00
+65.7%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$40.00$62.00
+55.0%
ItemTokyoVancouverDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$35.00$0.00
-100.0%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$55.00$160.00
+190.9%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$15.00$28.00
+86.7%
ItemTokyoVancouverDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$75.00$58.00
-22.7%
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)
$5.00$7.50
+50.0%
ItemTokyoVancouverDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$65.00$68.00
+4.6%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$38.00$42.00
+10.5%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$85.00$100.00
+17.6%

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

Frequently asked questions: Tokyo vs Vancouver

Is Tokyo or Vancouver more expensive?
Tokyo is more expensive, with a cost of living index of 82 compared with 75 for Vancouver.
How much cheaper is Vancouver than Tokyo?
Living in Vancouver is around 9% cheaper than Tokyo, based on their overall cost of living indices.
What is the cost of living difference between Tokyo and Vancouver?
Tokyo scores 82 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while Vancouver scores 75 — where New York City equals 100.