The Verdict
Living in New York City is 8% more expensive than Vancouver.
If you move from New York City to Vancouver, you will pay more for housing and less for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a $75,000 salary in New York City, you would need to earn about $69,000 in Vancouver.
of 6 categories
categories
of 6 categories
Category Breakdown
Compare costs across 6 key categories
City Profiles
What makes each city unique
Why people love New York City:
Why people love Vancouver:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | New York City | Vancouver | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $3,500 | $4,025 | +$525 |
| Monthly groceries | $450 | $396 | $-54 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $350 | $287 | $-63 |
| Public transport pass | $130 | $111 | $-19 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $200 | $156 | $-44 |
| Total Monthly | $4,630 | $4,975 | +$345 |
* Estimates based on NYC = 100 index. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and location within city.
Who Should Choose Which City?
Recommendations based on your priorities
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 72/100)
- Want higher earning potential ($5,500/mo avg)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Want lower overall living costs (8% cheaper)
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Vancouver to match a New York City salary
| Salary in New York City | Equivalent in Vancouver | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $46,000 | $4,000 less |
| $75,000 | $69,000 | $6,000 less |
| $100,000 | $92,000 | $8,000 less |
| $125,000 | $115,000 | $10,000 less |
| $150,000 | $138,000 | $12,000 less |
| $200,000 | $184,000 | $16,000 less |
New York City vs Vancouver: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 8%. Vancouver is the more affordable option.
Rent: New York City has a rent index of 100, while Vancouver has 115.
Average Salaries: New York City: $5,500/month vs Vancouver: $2,478/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, New York City wins 1, while Vancouver wins 5.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.