Portland vs Vancouver

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Vancouver is roughly 39% more affordable than Portland (index 73 vs 119, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Vancouver
More affordable overall
39% cheaper than Portland · Cost index: 73 vs 119

Head-to-Head Stats

119Cost Index73
4,645Median Income /mo6,018
65Safety Index72
9.9Income Tax %23
180Internet (Mbps)95
350Coworking /mo350

Price Breakdown

PortlandCategoryVancouver
$1,550/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
12% cheaper →
$1,768/month
$1.28/liter
Meal for One
5% cheaper →
$1.35/liter
$16/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
3% cheaper →
$16.5/meal
$100/month
Monthly Transit Pass
24% cheaper →
$132/month
$165/month
Utilities (Monthly)
27% ← cheaper
$120/month
$120/visit
Doctor Visit
100% ← cheaper
$0/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Portland

Internet180 Mbps
Coworking$350/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability72/100

Vancouver

Internet95 Mbps
Coworking$350/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability78/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Portland cheaper than Vancouver?

Vancouver is cheaper than Portland. Vancouver has a cost of living index of 73/100 compared to 119/100 for Portland, making it roughly 39% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Vancouver than Portland?

Vancouver is approximately 39% cheaper than Portland based on cost index scores (73 vs 119, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Portland could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $1,840/month in Vancouver.

What is the rent comparison between Portland and Vancouver?

In Portland, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,550/month. In Vancouver, the equivalent is around $1,768/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Portland offers 180 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$350/month. Vancouver offers 95 Mbps and coworking at ~$350/month. Vancouver has a cost advantage of 39%.

What is the average income in Portland vs Vancouver?

The median net monthly salary in Portland is approximately $4,645 USD, compared to $6,018 USD in Vancouver.

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