Cost of Living: Vancouver, WA vs Ontario, CA (2026)

Vancouver

Washington
123
VS

Ontario

California
152

Vancouver is 19% cheaper than Ontario.

$1,632/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↑ 17%
$78,156/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↑ 6%
$440,300 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$568,000 ↑ 29%
$1,607/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↑ 22%
192,696
Population
178,347

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Vancouver, WA and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 123 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $284/month cheaper in Vancouver, saving renters about $3,408/year.

Median household income is $4,650/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Vancouver is $440,300 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Vancouver residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Vancouver vs Ontario — common questions

Is Vancouver or Ontario 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 Ontario?
Median rent in Vancouver is $1,632/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $284/month.
Which city has higher income, Vancouver or Ontario?
Median household income is $78,156 in Vancouver and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $4,650/year higher in Ontario.
How do taxes compare between Washington and California?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Vancouver or Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Vancouver has a cost index of 123 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Vancouver details → View Ontario details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Vancouver and Ontario

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