Performance
Score Breakdown
Vancouver
Los Angeles
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Vancouver is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
1% lower compared to Los Angeles.
| Metric | Vancouver | Los Angeles | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,850 | $2,656 | +7% |
| Groceries | $450 | $550 | -18% |
| Utilities | $180 | $320 | -44% |
| Transport | $120 | $150 | -20% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $200 | +25% |
| Monthly Total | $3,850 | $3,876 | -1% |
| Cost Index | 133 | 152 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Los Angeles offers 3% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Vancouver delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Vancouver is estimated at
$90,480 vs $100,000 in Los Angeles.
| Metric | Vancouver | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $72,406 | $75,000 |
| Salary Needed | $90,480 | $100,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 54,441 idx | 49,342 idx |
| Household Income | $82,000 | $90,757 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Vancouver | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 65.00% | 69.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Vancouver has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Los Angeles.
Vancouver scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Los Angeles leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Vancouver | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 32 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/10 | 50.0/10 |
| Walkability | 60.0/10 | 68.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 75.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Los Angeles is the larger city
— approximately 0.7x the population of Vancouver.
From a growth perspective, Vancouver is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Los Angeles has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Vancouver | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,733,000 | 3,869,089 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.92% | % |
| Median Age | 38.0 | 37.0 |
| Unemployment | 6.91% | 5.60% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $760.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Vancouver
Advantages
Vancouver offers a high quality of life due to its natural beauty and urban amenities.
The city has a diverse and growing economy, particularly in technology and trade.
Public transportation is extensive and efficient, reducing the need for car ownership.
Vancouver's mild climate allows for year-round outdoor activities.
The city is highly walkable and bike-friendly, promoting an active lifestyle.
Drawbacks
The cost of living, especially housing, is exceptionally high.
Average rent in Vancouver is 33% above the national average.
Median home prices often outstrip median household incomes, making homeownership challenging.
Winters are characterized by frequent rain and cloudy skies.
Traffic congestion can be a significant issue during peak hours.
Los Angeles
Advantages
Los Angeles boasts a diverse and robust economy, with strong sectors in healthcare, trade, and entertainment.
The city offers a vibrant cultural scene, including world-class museums, theaters, and a diverse culinary landscape.
Residents enjoy a Mediterranean climate with abundant sunshine and mild winters, ideal for outdoor activities.
Los Angeles is a global hub for innovation and technology, attracting talent and fostering new businesses.
The metropolitan area provides access to numerous educational institutions, from community colleges to top-tier universities.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Los Angeles is significantly higher than the national average, primarily driven by expensive housing.
Los Angeles experiences considerable traffic congestion, leading to long commute times and high car dependency.
Housing affordability remains a major challenge, with median home prices exceeding $1.0 million as of April 2026.
The city has experienced population decline in recent years, with Los Angeles County losing over 53,000 residents between July 2024 and July 2025.
The unemployment rate in Los Angeles County, at 5.6% in December 2025, is higher than the national average.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Vancouver
#4British Columbia, Canada
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,850
Avg Salary
$72,406
Cost Index
133
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.92%
Unemployment
6.91%
Livability
74
Business
68
Los Angeles
#8California, USA
78.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,656
Avg Salary
$75,000
Cost Index
152
Commute
32 min
Transit Score
50.0/10
Walkability
68.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
5.60%
Livability
80
Business
75
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