Performance
Score Breakdown
Toronto
Vancouver
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Toronto is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
15% lower compared to Vancouver.
Housing costs are a major driver: Toronto's average rent is
17% lower than Vancouver's.
| Metric | Toronto | Vancouver | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,375 | $2,850 | -17% |
| Groceries | $450 | $450 | 0% |
| Utilities | $220 | $180 | +22% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $100 | $250 | -60% |
| Monthly Total | $3,265 | $3,850 | -15% |
| Cost Index | 65 | 133 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Vancouver offers 3% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Toronto delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Toronto is estimated at
$75,000 vs $90,480 in Vancouver.
| Metric | Toronto | Vancouver |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $70,205 | $72,406 |
| Salary Needed | $75,000 | $90,480 |
| Purchasing Power | 108,008 idx | 54,441 idx |
| Household Income | $70,325 | $82,000 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Toronto | Vancouver |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Vancouver has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,500 minutes (58 hours) per year compared to Toronto.
Toronto scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Toronto leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Toronto | Vancouver |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 35 min | 28 min |
| Transit Score | 90.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Walkability | 61.0/10 | 60.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 70.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Toronto is the larger city
— approximately 1.2x the population of Vancouver.
From a growth perspective, Toronto is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Vancouver has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Toronto | Vancouver |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,358,275 | 2,733,000 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.64% | 0.92% |
| Median Age | 38.0 | |
| Unemployment | 8.20% | 6.91% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Toronto
Advantages
Toronto General Hospital ranked as the second-best hospital globally in 2026, highlighting world-class healthcare.
The city boasts a high transit score of 90 and is ranked #1 in Canada for public transportation, with fare capping coming in September 2026.
Homicides in Toronto plummeted by approximately 55% in 2025, contributing to a high safety score of 84.
Toronto is a highly multicultural city, making it easy for immigrants to integrate and contributing to a vibrant community.
The city's population is projected to grow by 2.64% in 2026, indicating strong demographic momentum.
Drawbacks
Toronto has a high cost of living, with a cost of living index of 67.5 relative to New York City (100).
The unemployment rate in Toronto was 8.2% in May 2026, which is higher than the national average.
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $2,097 USD and a 2-bedroom is $2,700 USD as of May 2026, indicating high housing costs.
The average commute time is around 35 minutes, and the city experiences chronic traffic congestion.
Childcare costs are very expensive, posing a significant financial burden for families.
Vancouver
Advantages
Vancouver offers a high quality of life due to its natural beauty and urban amenities.
The city has a diverse and growing economy, particularly in technology and trade.
Public transportation is extensive and efficient, reducing the need for car ownership.
Vancouver's mild climate allows for year-round outdoor activities.
The city is highly walkable and bike-friendly, promoting an active lifestyle.
Drawbacks
The cost of living, especially housing, is exceptionally high.
Average rent in Vancouver is 33% above the national average.
Median home prices often outstrip median household incomes, making homeownership challenging.
Winters are characterized by frequent rain and cloudy skies.
Traffic congestion can be a significant issue during peak hours.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Toronto
#1Ontario, Canada
83.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,375
Avg Salary
$70,205
Cost Index
65
Commute
35 min
Transit Score
90.0/10
Walkability
61.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.64%
Unemployment
8.20%
Livability
75
Business
70
Vancouver
#2British Columbia, Canada
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,850
Avg Salary
$72,406
Cost Index
133
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.92%
Unemployment
6.91%
Livability
74
Business
68
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Toronto and Vancouver.
Open Cost Calculator