Calgary vs Vancouver Cost of Living (2026)
Vancouver is about 58% more expensive than Calgary, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $2,800 a month in Vancouver vs $1,700 in Calgary.
The Verdict
Calgary / month
$2,782
Vancouver / month
$4,025
Rent, groceries, transit, utilities, dining and gym for one person.
Salary match: what you'd need to earn
Salary in Calgary
$100,000
Take-home $74,459 · $6,205/mo
Needed in Vancouver
$157,652
Take-home $111,914 · $9,326/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Vancouver you'd need $57,652 more a year (+58%).
Take-home is after 2026 federal and provincial income tax, CPP/QPP and EI for an employee. Cost of living weighs rent, groceries and transit.
Expense Breakdown
Average Rent
1-Bed City Center
Calgary
$1,700
Vancouver
$2,800
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Calgary
$420
Vancouver
$460
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Calgary
$112
Vancouver
$180
Utilities
Electricity, Heat, Water
Calgary
$200
Vancouver
$140
Dining Out
Est. Monthly Spend
Calgary
$300
Vancouver
$380
Gym Membership
Monthly Fee
Calgary
$50
Vancouver
$65
Which City Should You Choose?
Calgary, AB: Alberta's energy-sector hub — no provincial sales tax, moderate rent, and a young, mobile population.
Vancouver, BC: A mild Pacific coastal city known for its outdoor lifestyle and Canada's most expensive housing market.
Estimates are based on 2026 average listings and public cost-of-living indices for a single-person household; actual costs vary by neighbourhood and lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vancouver more expensive than Calgary?
Yes. Vancouver costs about 58% more than Calgary for a single person, based on 2026 rent, groceries and transit. A 1-bedroom rents for about $2,800 a month in Vancouver vs $1,700 in Calgary.
Is it cheaper to live in Calgary or Vancouver?
Calgary is roughly 58% cheaper overall once you weigh rent, groceries and transit, based on 2026 estimates.
How much more rent will I pay in Calgary vs Vancouver?
A typical 1-bedroom city-centre rental runs $1,700/month in Calgary versus $2,800/month in Vancouver.
What salary do I need in Vancouver to match my Calgary lifestyle?
A $100,000 salary in Calgary is roughly equivalent to $157,652 in Vancouver once you adjust for the local cost of living.
Is Vancouver a good place to move to from Calgary?
A mild Pacific coastal city known for its outdoor lifestyle and Canada's most expensive housing market. Compare the category breakdown above against your own budget before deciding.
Plan your move
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