Vancouver vs Chicago

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Vancouver is roughly 12% more affordable than Chicago (index 53 vs 60, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Vancouver
More affordable overall
12% cheaper than Chicago · Cost index: 53 vs 60

Life Power at $3,000/mo

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

Head-to-Head Stats

53Cost Index60
3,445Median Income /mo4,800
65Safety Index60
19.6Income Tax %4.95
137Internet (Mbps)150
200Coworking /mo250

Price Breakdown

VancouverCategoryChicago
$2,495/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
1% ← cheaper
$2,471/month
$1.6/liter
Meal for One
16% ← cheaper
$1.35/liter
$18/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
$18/meal
$82/month
Monthly Transit Pass
9% ← cheaper
$75/month
$91/month
Utilities (Monthly)
45% cheaper →
$166/month
$120/visit
Doctor Visit
$120/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Vancouver

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

Chicago

Internet150 Mbps
Coworking$250/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability77/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vancouver cheaper than Chicago?

Vancouver is cheaper than Chicago. Vancouver has a cost of living index of 53/100 compared to 60/100 for Chicago (New York = 100), making it roughly 12% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Vancouver than Chicago?

Vancouver is approximately 12% cheaper than Chicago based on cost index scores (53 vs 60, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Chicago could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,636/month in Vancouver.

What is the rent comparison between Vancouver and Chicago?

In Vancouver, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $2,495/month. In Chicago, the equivalent is around $2,471/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Vancouver offers 137 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$200/month. Chicago offers 150 Mbps and coworking at ~$250/month. Vancouver has a cost advantage of 12%.

What is the average income in Vancouver vs Chicago?

The median net monthly salary in Vancouver is approximately $3,445 USD, compared to $4,800 USD in Chicago.

Compare Vancouver with…

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

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