Cost Comparison 2025

VancouvervsParis

Canada
France

Overall

💰

+6.3%

Vancouver is 6.3%more expensive

Rent

🏠

-12.5%

Housing is 12.5% lower

Dining

🍽️

+13.3%

Restaurants 13.3% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+12.5%

Food shopping 12.5% more

Comparing the cost of living between Vancouver, Canada and Paris, France reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Vancouver is more expensive than Paris by approximately 6.3%. 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 Paris by 14%. A one-bedroom apartment in Vancouver's city center costs around CA$2,600, while the same in Paris is approximately €1,800.

Dining out in Vancouver offers significant savings compared to Paris. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs CA$20 in Vancouver versus €15 in Paris.

Public transportation in Vancouver is more expensive, with monthly passes at CA$131 compared to €86 in Paris.

Grocery shopping in Vancouver is more affordable by approximately 11%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show lower 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 Paris, the same lifestyle would cost around €558. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about CA$2,443 monthly in Vancouver versus €1,952 in Paris. 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
Paris, France

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
CA$2,600
€1,800
1BR Outside Center
CA$2,100
€1,200
3BR City Center
CA$4,500
€4,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
CA$20
€15
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
CA$100
€70
Cappuccino
CA$6
€4
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
CA$7
€7

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
CA$2
€1
Bread (500g)
CA$4
€2
Eggs (12)
CA$5
€4
Cheese (1kg)
CA$18
€18

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
CA$3
€2
Monthly Pass
CA$131
€86
Taxi Start
CA$4
€5
Gasoline (1L)
CA$2
€2

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
CA$120
€170
Internet (60 Mbps)
CA$85
€30
Mobile Minute
CA$0
€0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Vancouver to Paris, 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 Paris to Vancouver 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

Paris

Cost of Living Index85
Rent Index70
Purchasing Power Index85

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vancouver more expensive than Paris?

Yes, Vancouver is approximately 6.3% more expensive than Paris overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.1x of your Paris salary when living in Vancouver. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Paris, you'd need about $53,125 in Vancouver for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Vancouver and Paris?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 14%, 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, Paris provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Vancouver if you prioritize earning potential, or Paris for affordability.

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

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 Paris, these figures are €1,758 for singles and €4,452 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

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

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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