Portland vs Vancouver

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Vancouver is roughly 21% more affordable than Portland (index 53 vs 66, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Vancouver
More affordable overall
21% cheaper than Portland · Cost index: 53 vs 66

Life Power at $3,000/mo

The same salary ranks differently depending on where you live — from Beggar to King.

Head-to-Head Stats

66Cost Index53✓
4,865✓Median Income /mo3,445
58Safety Index65✓
9.9✓Income Tax %19.6
150✓Internet (Mbps)137
220Coworking /mo200✓

Price Breakdown

PortlandCategoryVancouver
$1,800/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
28% cheaper →
$2,495/month
$4.96/liter
Meal for One
68% ← cheaper
$1.6/liter
$18/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
$18/meal
$100/month
Monthly Transit Pass
18% ← cheaper
$82/month
$255/month
Utilities (Monthly)
64% ← cheaper
$91/month
$180/visit
Doctor Visit
33% ← cheaper
$120/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Portland

Internet150 Mbps
Coworking$220/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability73/100

Vancouver

Internet137 Mbps
Coworking$200/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability75/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Portland cheaper than Vancouver?

Vancouver is cheaper than Portland. Vancouver has a cost of living index of 53/100 compared to 66/100 for Portland (New York = 100), making it roughly 21% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Vancouver than Portland?

Vancouver is approximately 21% cheaper than Portland based on cost index scores (53 vs 66, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Portland could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,370/month in Vancouver.

What is the rent comparison between Portland and Vancouver?

In Portland, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,800/month. In Vancouver, the equivalent is around $2,495/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Portland or Vancouver?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Portland offers 150 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$220/month. Vancouver offers 137 Mbps and coworking at ~$200/month. Vancouver has a cost advantage of 21%.

What is the average income in Portland vs Vancouver?

The median net monthly salary in Portland is approximately $4,865 USD, compared to $3,445 USD in Vancouver.

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