London vs Vancouver Cost of Living (2026)
Vancouver is about 55% more expensive than London, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $2,800 a month in Vancouver vs $1,750 in London.
The Verdict
London / month
$2,732
Vancouver / month
$4,025
Rent, groceries, transit, utilities, dining and gym for one person.
Salary match: what you'd need to earn
Salary in London
$100,000
Take-home $74,206 · $6,184/mo
Needed in Vancouver
$154,769
Take-home $110,205 · $9,184/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Vancouver you'd need $54,769 more a year (+55%).
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
London
$1,750
Vancouver
$2,800
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
London
$410
Vancouver
$460
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
London
$95
Vancouver
$180
Utilities
Electricity, Heat, Water
London
$165
Vancouver
$140
Dining Out
Est. Monthly Spend
London
$270
Vancouver
$380
Gym Membership
Monthly Fee
London
$42
Vancouver
$65
Which City Should You Choose?
London, ON: A mid-sized Southwestern Ontario city anchored by Western University, with lower rent than the GTA.
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 London?
Yes. Vancouver costs about 55% more than London for a single person, based on 2026 rent, groceries and transit. A 1-bedroom rents for about $2,800 a month in Vancouver vs $1,750 in London.
Is it cheaper to live in London or Vancouver?
London is roughly 55% cheaper overall once you weigh rent, groceries and transit, based on 2026 estimates.
How much more rent will I pay in London vs Vancouver?
A typical 1-bedroom city-centre rental runs $1,750/month in London versus $2,800/month in Vancouver.
What salary do I need in Vancouver to match my London lifestyle?
A $100,000 salary in London is roughly equivalent to $154,769 in Vancouver once you adjust for the local cost of living.
Is Vancouver a good place to move to from London?
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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