The Verdict
Living in San Francisco is 13% more expensive than Vancouver.
If you move from San Francisco 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 San Francisco, you would need to earn about $65,714 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 San Francisco:
Why people love Vancouver:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | San Francisco | Vancouver | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $3,850 | $4,025 | +$175 |
| Monthly groceries | $459 | $396 | $-63 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $368 | $287 | $-81 |
| Public transport pass | $124 | $111 | $-13 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $196 | $156 | $-40 |
| Total Monthly | $4,996 | $4,975 | $-21 |
* 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: 68/100)
- Want higher earning potential ($7,000/mo avg)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Work in tech or startups
- Want lower overall living costs (13% 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 San Francisco salary
| Salary in San Francisco | Equivalent in Vancouver | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $43,810 | $6,190 less |
| $75,000 | $65,714 | $9,286 less |
| $100,000 | $87,619 | $12,381 less |
| $125,000 | $109,524 | $15,476 less |
| $150,000 | $131,429 | $18,571 less |
| $200,000 | $175,238 | $24,762 less |
San Francisco vs Vancouver: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 13%. Vancouver is the more affordable option.
Rent: San Francisco has a rent index of 110, while Vancouver has 115.
Average Salaries: San Francisco: $7,000/month vs Vancouver: $2,478/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, San Francisco wins 1, while Vancouver wins 5.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.