location_city BC vs location_city AB

Cost of Living: Vancouver vs Calgary

Making a move? Compare the exact 2026 data for housing, food, and transit to see exactly how your lifestyle budget will change between these two cities.

The Verdict

Living in Calgary is 37% cheaper than living in Vancouver overall.

To maintain your exact standard of living, a $100,000 salary in Vancouver is mathematically equivalent to earning $63,431 in Calgary.

Expense Breakdown

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Average Rent

1-Bed City Center

Vancouver

$2,800

39% cheaper

Calgary

$1,700

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Groceries

Monthly Basket (1 Person)

Vancouver

$460

9% cheaper

Calgary

$420

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Transportation

Monthly Transit Pass

Vancouver

$180

38% cheaper

Calgary

$112

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Calculate Your Exact Salary

Ready to see how much you'll keep after taxes in AB? Use our Canadian Income Tax Calculator to get a precise breakdown.

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