Cost of Living: Vancouver, WA vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Vancouver

Washington
123
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Vancouver is 19% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,632/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 10%
$78,156/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 45%
$440,300 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 36%
$1,607/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 21%
192,696
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Vancouver, WA and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 123 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $170/month cheaper in Vancouver, saving renters about $2,040/year.

Median household income is $35,240/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Vancouver is $440,300 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Vancouver residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Vancouver vs Arvada — common questions

Is Vancouver or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Vancouver is cheaper to live in with an index of 123 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Vancouver and Arvada?
Median rent in Vancouver is $1,632/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $170/month.
Which city has higher income, Vancouver or Arvada?
Median household income is $78,156 in Vancouver and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $35,240/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Colorado?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Vancouver or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Vancouver has a cost index of 123 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Vancouver details → View Arvada details →

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