Performance
Score Breakdown
Vancouver
Juneau
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Vancouver is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
19% lower compared to Juneau.
| Metric | Vancouver | Juneau | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,830 | $1,860 | -2% |
| Groceries | $352 | $400 | -12% |
| Utilities | $113 | $432 | -74% |
| Transport | $96 | $120 | -20% |
| Healthcare | $105 | $265 | -60% |
| Monthly Total | $2,496 | $3,077 | -19% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 133 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Juneau offers 32% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Juneau delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Vancouver is estimated at
$79,500 vs $74,400 in Juneau.
| Metric | Vancouver | Juneau |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $43,896 | $65,000 |
| Salary Needed | $79,500 | $74,400 |
| Purchasing Power | 46,206 idx | 48,872 idx |
| Household Income | $57,728 | $101,661 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Vancouver | Juneau |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 71.00% | 81.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Juneau has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
6,500 minutes (108 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 | Juneau |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 15 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/10 | 38.0/10 |
| Walkability | 60.0/10 | 21.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Vancouver is the larger city
— approximately 21.1x the population of Juneau.
From a growth perspective, Vancouver is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Juneau has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Vancouver | Juneau |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 662,248 | 31,454 |
| Pop. Growth | 3.10% | % |
| Median Age | 38.0 | 40.0 |
| Unemployment | 6.70% | 3.50% |
| 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.
Juneau
Advantages
Juneau boasts a median household income of $101,661 (2020-2024), significantly higher than the national average.
The city offers unparalleled access to outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing, due to its location within the Tongass National Forest.
Juneau's unemployment rate was 3.5% in April 2026, indicating a healthy job market.
The tourism industry is a major economic driver, with record cruise passenger numbers in 2025.
Construction, healthcare, and transportation sectors are projected to see job growth in 2026.
Drawbacks
The overall cost of living in Juneau is approximately 32.6% higher than the national average.
Housing costs are particularly high, being about 41.8% more expensive than the national average.
Juneau's population is currently declining at an annual rate of -0.49%.
Utilities are significantly more expensive, approximately 41.1% above national levels.
Healthcare costs, especially for long-term care, are very high, with assisted living at around $10,198 per month.
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
Juneau
#13Alaska, USA
75.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,860
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
133
Commute
15 min
Transit Score
38.0/10
Walkability
21.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.50%
Livability
80
Business
70
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