Cost Comparison 2025

VancouvervsIstanbul

Canada
Turkey

Overall

💰

-40.0%

Vancouver is 40.0%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-65.0%

Housing is 65.0% lower

Dining

🍽️

-40.0%

Restaurants 40.0% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-47.5%

Food shopping 47.5% less

Comparing the cost of living between Vancouver, Canada and Istanbul, Turkey reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Vancouver is more affordable than Istanbul by approximately 40.0%. 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 Istanbul by 186%. A one-bedroom apartment in Vancouver's city center costs around CA$2,600, while the same in Istanbul is approximately TRY 25,000.

Dining out in Vancouver is notably more expensive compared to Istanbul. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs CA$20 in Vancouver versus TRY 150 in Istanbul.

Public transportation in Vancouver is more affordable, with monthly passes at CA$131 compared to TRY 1,100 in Istanbul.

Purchasing power in Vancouver is notably stronger, meaning residents can afford more goods and services with their local salaries compared to Istanbul.

Grocery shopping in Vancouver is more expensive by approximately 90%. 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 Istanbul, the same lifestyle would cost around TRY 7,060. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about CA$2,443 monthly in Vancouver versus TRY 24,710 in Istanbul. 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
Istanbul, Turkey

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
CA$2,600
TRY 25,000
1BR Outside Center
CA$2,100
TRY 15,000
3BR City Center
CA$4,500
TRY 50,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
CA$20
TRY 150
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
CA$100
TRY 700
Cappuccino
CA$6
TRY 80
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
CA$7
TRY 100

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
CA$2
TRY 35
Bread (500g)
CA$4
TRY 10
Eggs (12)
CA$5
TRY 50
Cheese (1kg)
CA$18
TRY 200

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
CA$3
TRY 18
Monthly Pass
CA$131
TRY 1,100
Taxi Start
CA$4
TRY 30
Gasoline (1L)
CA$2
TRY 40

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
CA$120
TRY 2,000
Internet (60 Mbps)
CA$85
TRY 300
Mobile Minute
CA$0
TRY 2

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Istanbul 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 Istanbul 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

Istanbul

Cost of Living Index48
Rent Index28
Purchasing Power Index40

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vancouver more expensive than Istanbul?

No, Vancouver is approximately 40.0% cheaper than Istanbul. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 71% of your Istanbul salary when living in Vancouver. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Istanbul, you'd need about $35,714 in Vancouver for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Vancouver and Istanbul?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 186%, 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?

Vancouver 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 earning potential, or Istanbul for affordability.

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

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 Istanbul, these figures are TRY 22,060 for singles and TRY 54,710 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Vancouver and Istanbul in 2025 shows significant 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 Istanbul to maintain your lifestyle from Vancouver

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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