Performance
Score Breakdown
Vancouver
Grants Pass
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Vancouver is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
3% lower compared to Grants Pass.
Housing costs are a major driver: Vancouver's average rent is
26% higher than Grants Pass's.
| Metric | Vancouver | Grants Pass | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,830 | $1,450 | +26% |
| Groceries | $352 | $450 | -22% |
| Utilities | $113 | $400 | -72% |
| Transport | $96 | $120 | -20% |
| Healthcare | $105 | $150 | -30% |
| Monthly Total | $2,496 | $2,570 | -3% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 112 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Grants Pass offers 32% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Grants Pass delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Vancouver is estimated at
$79,500 vs $58,000 in Grants Pass.
| Metric | Vancouver | Grants Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $43,896 | $64,331 |
| Salary Needed | $79,500 | $58,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 46,206 idx | 57,438 idx |
| Household Income | $57,728 | $59,646 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Vancouver | Grants Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 71.00% | 74.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Grants Pass has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
5,000 minutes (83 hours) per year compared to Vancouver.
Vancouver scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Vancouver leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Vancouver | Grants Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/10 | 27.0/10 |
| Walkability | 60.0/10 | 40.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Vancouver is the larger city
— approximately 16.5x the population of Grants Pass.
From a growth perspective, Vancouver is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Grants Pass has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Vancouver | Grants Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 662,248 | 40,051 |
| Pop. Growth | 3.10% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 38.0 | 40.8 |
| Unemployment | 6.70% | 5.60% |
| GDP | $158.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Vancouver
Advantages
Vancouver boasts a high quality of life, consistently ranking among the most livable cities globally due to its natural beauty and urban amenities.
The city has a diverse and growing economy, with strong sectors in technology, film, and tourism, offering various job opportunities.
Vancouver offers extensive outdoor recreational opportunities, including access to mountains, beaches, and parks for hiking, skiing, and water sports.
The public transportation system is comprehensive and efficient, making it possible to navigate the city without a car.
The city is highly walkable and bike-friendly, promoting an active and healthy lifestyle.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Vancouver is exceptionally high, particularly for housing, making it one of the least affordable cities.
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Vancouver is around $2,399 CAD per month as of July 2026.
Traffic congestion can be a significant issue, especially during peak hours, despite good public transit options.
The median household income in Vancouver, at $82,000 CAD, may not fully offset the high cost of living for all residents.
While the job market is growing, the cost of commercial rent and high labor costs contribute to expensive dining out experiences.
Grants Pass
Advantages
Access to world-class outdoor recreation on the Rogue River, including rafting and fishing.
More sunny days and a warmer, drier climate compared to much of western Oregon.
Housing is comparatively more affordable than larger West Coast cities and some other Oregon metros.
A growing arts and food scene in a walkable, historic downtown.
Friendly community atmosphere appealing to families and retirees.
Drawbacks
Overall crime rate is significantly higher than the national average, particularly due to property crime.
Limited high-wage job opportunities compared to larger economic centers.
Air quality can be impacted by wildfire smoke during certain seasons.
Presence of a significant homeless population in the downtown core.
High car dependency due to minimal public transportation options.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Vancouver
#13British Columbia, Canada
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,830
Avg Salary
$43,896
Cost Index
95
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
3.10%
Unemployment
6.70%
Livability
74
Business
68
Grants Pass
#68Oregon, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,450
Avg Salary
$64,331
Cost Index
112
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
27.0/10
Walkability
40.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.90%
Unemployment
5.60%
Livability
70
Business
60
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