Toronto vs Vancouver Cost of Living (2026)
Vancouver is about 7% more expensive than Toronto, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $2,800 a month in Vancouver vs $2,600 in Toronto.
The Verdict
Toronto / month
$3,796
Vancouver / month
$4,025
Rent, groceries, transit, utilities, dining and gym for one person.
Salary match: what you'd need to earn
Salary in Toronto
$100,000
Take-home $74,206 · $6,184/mo
Needed in Vancouver
$107,352
Take-home $80,498 · $6,708/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Vancouver you'd need $7,352 more a year (+7%).
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
Toronto
$2,600
Vancouver
$2,800
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Toronto
$450
Vancouver
$460
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Toronto
$156
Vancouver
$180
Utilities
Electricity, Heat, Water
Toronto
$180
Vancouver
$140
Dining Out
Est. Monthly Spend
Toronto
$350
Vancouver
$380
Gym Membership
Monthly Fee
Toronto
$60
Vancouver
$65
Which City Should You Choose?
Toronto, ON: Canada's largest city and financial hub — the deepest job market, but also the highest cost of living.
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 Toronto?
Yes. Vancouver costs about 7% more than Toronto for a single person, based on 2026 rent, groceries and transit. A 1-bedroom rents for about $2,800 a month in Vancouver vs $2,600 in Toronto.
Is it cheaper to live in Toronto or Vancouver?
Toronto is roughly 7% cheaper overall once you weigh rent, groceries and transit, based on 2026 estimates.
How much more rent will I pay in Toronto vs Vancouver?
A typical 1-bedroom city-centre rental runs $2,600/month in Toronto versus $2,800/month in Vancouver.
What salary do I need in Vancouver to match my Toronto lifestyle?
A $100,000 salary in Toronto is roughly equivalent to $107,352 in Vancouver once you adjust for the local cost of living.
Is Vancouver a good place to move to from Toronto?
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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