City Comparison · Updated May 2026
United States
COL index 90.8
Canada
COL index 84.2
Seattle vs Vancouver — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Vancouver is 7.3% cheaper than Seattle for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Seattle | Metric | Vancouver | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90.8 | Cost of living index | 84.2 | -7.3% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €41,511 | Net at €50,000 gross | €39,971 | -3.7% |
| €3,180 | Rent — 1BR centre | €2,480 | -22.0% |
| €4,291 | Monthly COL (single) | €3,469 | -19.2% |
| €45,716 | PPP — net / COL | €47,472 | +3.8% |
| 17.0% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 20.1% | +18.1% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in United States = €3,459 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Vancouver, you would need roughly €48,152 gross in Canada (≈ €3,208 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
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Pros & cons
- −High cost of living (index 91)
- +Favourable tax rate (17.0%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (91.9%)
- +Significantly cheaper rent (€2,480)
- −High cost of living (index 84)
- +Favourable tax rate (20.1%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (74.5%)
The verdict
Across the data, Seattle delivers a higher take-home on a €50,000 gross salary; Vancouver carries a lower cost-of-living index; Seattle has the lighter effective tax burden; Vancouver wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Vancouver edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Seattle cheaper than Vancouver?+
Vancouver is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Seattle 90.8, Vancouver 84.2 — a 7.3% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Seattle and Vancouver?+
Seattle sits at 90.8 on our COL index, Vancouver at 84.2. That works out to roughly 7.3% — Vancouver being the cheaper of the two.
Is Seattle a good place to live compared to Vancouver?+
It depends on priorities. Seattle delivers €41,511 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 17.0% effective tax rate. Vancouver delivers €39,971 at 20.1%. Centre 1-bed rent: €3,180 vs €2,480.
How do salaries compare in Seattle vs Vancouver?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €41,511/year (€3,459/month) in Seattle and €39,971/year (€3,331/month) in Vancouver.
Which city has lower taxes, Seattle or Vancouver?+
United States has the lower effective rate at €50,000: United States 17.0%, Canada 20.1%.