San Francisco vs Vancouver

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Vancouver is roughly 18% more affordable than San Francisco (index 73 vs 89, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Vancouver
More affordable overall
18% cheaper than San Francisco · Cost index: 73 vs 89

Head-to-Head Stats

89Cost Index73
8,160Median Income /mo6,018
45Safety Index72
37Income Tax %23
150Internet (Mbps)95
450Coworking /mo350

Price Breakdown

San FranciscoCategoryVancouver
$3,024/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
42% ← cheaper
$1,768/month
$5.11/liter
Meal for One
74% ← cheaper
$1.35/liter
$25/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
34% ← cheaper
$16.5/meal
$98/month
Monthly Transit Pass
26% cheaper →
$132/month
$389/month
Utilities (Monthly)
69% ← cheaper
$120/month
$150/visit
Doctor Visit
100% ← cheaper
$0/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

San Francisco

Internet150 Mbps
Coworking$450/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability87/100

Vancouver

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is San Francisco cheaper than Vancouver?

Vancouver is cheaper than San Francisco. Vancouver has a cost of living index of 73/100 compared to 89/100 for San Francisco, making it roughly 18% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Vancouver than San Francisco?

Vancouver is approximately 18% cheaper than San Francisco based on cost index scores (73 vs 89, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in San Francisco could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,461/month in Vancouver.

What is the rent comparison between San Francisco and Vancouver?

In San Francisco, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $3,024/month. In Vancouver, the equivalent is around $1,768/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — San Francisco or Vancouver?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. San Francisco offers 150 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$450/month. Vancouver offers 95 Mbps and coworking at ~$350/month. Vancouver has a cost advantage of 18%.

What is the average income in San Francisco vs Vancouver?

The median net monthly salary in San Francisco is approximately $8,160 USD, compared to $6,018 USD in Vancouver.

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