Performance
Score Breakdown
Vancouver
Dallas
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Dallas is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
4% higher compared to Vancouver.
Housing costs are a major driver: Vancouver's average rent is
30% higher than Dallas's.
| Metric | Vancouver | Dallas | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,830 | $1,412 | +30% |
| Groceries | $352 | $450 | -22% |
| Utilities | $113 | $281 | -60% |
| Transport | $96 | $126 | -24% |
| Healthcare | $105 | $135 | -22% |
| Monthly Total | $2,496 | $2,404 | +4% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 101 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Dallas offers 28% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Dallas delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Vancouver is estimated at
$79,500 vs $96,970 in Dallas.
| Metric | Vancouver | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $43,896 | $60,900 |
| Salary Needed | $79,500 | $96,970 |
| Purchasing Power | 46,206 idx | 60,297 idx |
| Household Income | $57,728 | $70,518 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Vancouver | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 71.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
| Metric | Vancouver | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 26 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Walkability | 60.0/10 | 60.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 41.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Dallas is the larger city
— approximately 0.5x the population of Vancouver.
From a growth perspective, Vancouver is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Dallas has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Vancouver | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 662,248 | 1,336,440 |
| Pop. Growth | 3.10% | 0.52% |
| Median Age | 38.0 | 33.4 |
| Unemployment | 6.70% | 4.30% |
| GDP | $158.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Vancouver
Advantages
Vancouver boasts a high quality of life, consistently ranking among the most livable cities globally due to its natural beauty and urban amenities.
The city has a diverse and growing economy, with strong sectors in technology, film, and tourism, offering various job opportunities.
Vancouver offers extensive outdoor recreational opportunities, including access to mountains, beaches, and parks for hiking, skiing, and water sports.
The public transportation system is comprehensive and efficient, making it possible to navigate the city without a car.
The city is highly walkable and bike-friendly, promoting an active and healthy lifestyle.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Vancouver is exceptionally high, particularly for housing, making it one of the least affordable cities.
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Vancouver is around $2,399 CAD per month as of July 2026.
Traffic congestion can be a significant issue, especially during peak hours, despite good public transit options.
The median household income in Vancouver, at $82,000 CAD, may not fully offset the high cost of living for all residents.
While the job market is growing, the cost of commercial rent and high labor costs contribute to expensive dining out experiences.
Dallas
Advantages
Violent crime in Dallas dropped by 12% in 2025, indicating an improving safety landscape.
The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is a leader in economic growth, ranking highly for job creation and business investment.
Dallas is recognized as a top city for dining out, offering affordable options for mid-range meals.
Texas has no state income tax, which can lead to higher take-home pay for residents.
The city boasts a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem, ranking 27th globally for startups in 2026.
Drawbacks
Property crime remains a significant challenge in Dallas, particularly in certain neighborhoods.
Utility costs in Dallas are higher than the national average, primarily due to electricity expenses.
Dallas experiences notable traffic congestion, with commuters spending considerable time in traffic.
Despite overall metro growth, the city of Dallas experienced a slight population decline in 2025.
While public transit exists, high car dependency is a reality for navigating the sprawling Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Vancouver
#13British Columbia, Canada
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,830
Avg Salary
$43,896
Cost Index
95
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
3.10%
Unemployment
6.70%
Livability
74
Business
68
Dallas
#1Texas, USA
85.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,412
Avg Salary
$60,900
Cost Index
101
Commute
26 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.52%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
80
Business
88
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