Seattle vs Vancouver

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Vancouver is roughly 49% more affordable than Seattle (index 73 vs 144, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Vancouver
More affordable overall
49% cheaper than Seattle · Cost index: 73 vs 144

Head-to-Head Stats

144Cost Index73
6,429Median Income /mo6,018
40Safety Index72
0Income Tax %23
150Internet (Mbps)95
350Coworking /mo350

Price Breakdown

SeattleCategoryVancouver
$2,365/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
25% ← cheaper
$1,768/month
$4.84/liter
Meal for One
72% ← cheaper
$1.35/liter
$18/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
8% ← cheaper
$16.5/meal
$99/month
Monthly Transit Pass
25% cheaper →
$132/month
$208/month
Utilities (Monthly)
42% ← cheaper
$120/month
$120/visit
Doctor Visit
100% ← cheaper
$0/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Seattle

Internet150 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 Seattle cheaper than Vancouver?

Vancouver is cheaper than Seattle. Vancouver has a cost of living index of 73/100 compared to 144/100 for Seattle, making it roughly 49% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Vancouver than Seattle?

Vancouver is approximately 49% cheaper than Seattle based on cost index scores (73 vs 144, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Seattle could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $1,521/month in Vancouver.

What is the rent comparison between Seattle and Vancouver?

In Seattle, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $2,365/month. In Vancouver, the equivalent is around $1,768/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Seattle offers 150 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$350/month. Vancouver offers 95 Mbps and coworking at ~$350/month. Vancouver has a cost advantage of 49%.

What is the average income in Seattle vs Vancouver?

The median net monthly salary in Seattle is approximately $6,429 USD, compared to $6,018 USD in Vancouver.

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