Vancouver vs Austin

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Vancouver is roughly 4% more affordable than Austin (index 53 vs 55, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Vancouver
More affordable overall
4% cheaper than Austin · Cost index: 53 vs 55

Life Power at $3,000/mo

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

Head-to-Head Stats

53✓Cost Index55
3,445Median Income /mo4,375✓
65✓Safety Index45
19.6Income Tax %0✓
137Internet (Mbps)184✓
200✓Coworking /mo350

Price Breakdown

VancouverCategoryAustin
$2,495/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
11% cheaper →
$2,814/month
$1.6/liter
Meal for One
31% ← cheaper
$1.1/liter
$18/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
$18/meal
$82/month
Monthly Transit Pass
50% ← cheaper
$41.25/month
$91/month
Utilities (Monthly)
47% cheaper →
$172.6/month
$120/visit
Doctor Visit
$120/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Vancouver

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

Austin

Internet184 Mbps
Coworking$350/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability68/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vancouver cheaper than Austin?

Vancouver is cheaper than Austin. Vancouver has a cost of living index of 53/100 compared to 55/100 for Austin (New York = 100), making it roughly 4% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Vancouver than Austin?

Vancouver is approximately 4% cheaper than Austin based on cost index scores (53 vs 55, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Austin could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,878/month in Vancouver.

What is the rent comparison between Vancouver and Austin?

In Vancouver, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $2,495/month. In Austin, the equivalent is around $2,814/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Vancouver offers 137 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$200/month. Austin offers 184 Mbps and coworking at ~$350/month. Vancouver has a cost advantage of 4%.

What is the average income in Vancouver vs Austin?

The median net monthly salary in Vancouver is approximately $3,445 USD, compared to $4,375 USD in Austin.

Compare Vancouver with…

Popular head-to-heads — see exactly where Vancouver wins or loses.

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