Cost Comparison 2025

VancouvervsDoha

Canada
Qatar

Overall

💰

-18.8%

Vancouver is 18.8%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-31.3%

Housing is 31.3% lower

Dining

🍽️

-13.3%

Restaurants 13.3% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-25.0%

Food shopping 25.0% less

Comparing the cost of living between Vancouver, Canada and Doha, Qatar reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Vancouver is more affordable than Doha by approximately 18.8%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in Vancouver are higher than in Doha by 45%. A one-bedroom apartment in Vancouver's city center costs around CA$2,600, while the same in Doha is approximately QAR 7,000.

Dining out in Vancouver is notably more expensive compared to Doha. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs CA$20 in Vancouver versus QAR 35 in Doha.

Public transportation in Vancouver is more affordable, with monthly passes at CA$131 compared to QAR 200 in Doha.

Grocery shopping in Vancouver is more expensive by approximately 33%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show higher prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Vancouver can expect to spend approximately CA$698 per month (excluding rent), while in Doha, the same lifestyle would cost around QAR 1,876. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about CA$2,443 monthly in Vancouver versus QAR 6,566 in Doha. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
Vancouver, Canada
Doha, Qatar

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
CA$2,600
QAR 7,000
1BR Outside Center
CA$2,100
QAR 4,500
3BR City Center
CA$4,500
QAR 14,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
CA$20
QAR 35
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
CA$100
QAR 200
Cappuccino
CA$6
QAR 20
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
CA$7
QAR 50

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
CA$2
QAR 6
Bread (500g)
CA$4
QAR 4
Eggs (12)
CA$5
QAR 10
Cheese (1kg)
CA$18
QAR 40

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
CA$3
QAR 8
Monthly Pass
CA$131
QAR 200
Taxi Start
CA$4
QAR 10
Gasoline (1L)
CA$2
QAR 2

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
CA$120
QAR 300
Internet (60 Mbps)
CA$85
QAR 350
Mobile Minute
CA$0
QAR 1

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Doha to Vancouver, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from Vancouver to Doha requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

Vancouver

Cost of Living Index80
Rent Index80
Purchasing Power Index90

Doha

Cost of Living Index65
Rent Index55
Purchasing Power Index100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vancouver more expensive than Doha?

No, Vancouver is approximately 18.8% cheaper than Doha. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

How much salary do I need in Vancouver compared to Doha?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 84% of your Doha salary when living in Vancouver. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Doha, you'd need about $42,105 in Vancouver for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Vancouver and Doha?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 45%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Doha offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, Vancouver provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Vancouver if you prioritize cultural experiences, or Doha for better value.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Vancouver vs Doha?

In Vancouver, a single person needs approximately CA$2,798 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about CA$5,943. In Doha, these figures are QAR 6,376 for singles and QAR 15,566 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Vancouver and Doha in 2025 shows notable differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Doha to maintain your lifestyle from Vancouver

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-15 • Data sourced from multiple providers