Complete cost of living comparison — housing, taxes, lifestyle, and which city wins for your budget
The Vancouver vs Calgary debate is Canada's most common city comparison — and for good reason. Vancouver offers mild winters, mountains, ocean, and world-class livability; Calgary offers far more affordable housing, lower taxes (no provincial income tax advantage and no Land Transfer Tax), and a booming economy. In 2025, with remote work normalizing, more Canadians are making the move. This guide breaks down every major cost factor.
| Property Type | Vancouver (2025) | Calgary (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Detached home (average) | $1.65M | $640,000 |
| Condo (average) | $790,000 | $340,000 |
| Townhouse (average) | $1.1M | $440,000 |
| Average rent (2BR) | $3,200/month | $2,200/month |
| Property Transfer / Land Transfer Tax on $600K home | $8,000 PTT | $0 — no LTT in Alberta |
Alberta has no provincial Land Transfer Tax. BC's PTT on a $600,000 home is approximately $8,000. On a $1.65M home it exceeds $27,000.
| Tax Type | BC / Vancouver | Alberta / Calgary |
|---|---|---|
| Provincial income tax (top rate) | 20.5% (highest in Canada) | 15% flat (lowest in Canada) |
| Provincial sales tax | 7% PST | No PST |
| Land Transfer Tax | BC PTT (1%–5%) | None |
| Carbon tax (2025) | Federal carbon pricing | Federal carbon pricing |
| Property tax (est. annual on $600K home) | ~$3,000–$4,500 | ~$3,500–$5,000 |
A Calgary resident earning $150,000 pays approximately $12,000–$15,000 less in provincial income tax and PST annually than a Vancouver resident at the same income.
With a $1 million budget in Vancouver, you can typically afford a modest 1–2 bedroom condo in a central neighbourhood, or a small detached home in the outer suburbs.
With a $1 million budget in Calgary, you can buy a large detached home (4+ bedrooms, double garage) in a desirable inner-city neighbourhood like Killarney, Mount Pleasant, or Altadore — with money to spare for renovations.
The lifestyle premium you pay for Vancouver is real — and measurable. For many buyers, especially families, Calgary's value proposition in 2025 is compelling.
Enter a purchase price to see how much you save buying in Alberta vs BC
Wherever you live, KOHO works — no monthly fees, up to 5% cash back, and competitive savings. A great way to offset higher costs in Vancouver or maximize savings in Calgary.
Referral code 45ET55JSYA unlocks a welcome bonus.
Get KOHO Free