City Comparison
Pasco vs Vancouver
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Pasco scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Pasco
Vancouver
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Pasco is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
14% lower than in Vancouver.
Housing costs are a major driver: Pasco's average rent is
17% lower than Vancouver's.
| Metric | Pasco | Vancouver | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,450 | $1,750 | -17% |
| Groceries | $420 | $450 | -7% |
| Utilities | $175 | $190 | -8% |
| Transport | $110 | $130 | -15% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $260 | -8% |
| Monthly Total | $2,395 | $2,780 | -14% |
| Cost Index | 96 | 108 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Vancouver offers 5% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Pasco delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Pasco is estimated at
$52,000 vs $58,000 in Vancouver.
| Metric | Pasco | Vancouver |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $64,500 | $68,000 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $58,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 67,188 idx | 62,963 idx |
| Household Income | $74,210 | $78,000 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 2.3°F of each other.
For sunshine, Pasco comes out ahead with 51 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Vancouver sees 1.6 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Pasco | Vancouver |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 57.90°F | 55.60°F |
| Summer High | 91.70°F | 80.90°F |
| Winter Low | 32.30°F | 37.00°F |
| Rainfall | 11.90 in | 50.60 in |
| Snowfall | 6.60 in | 8.20 in |
| Sunny Days | 294 | 243 |
| Humidity | 45.00% | 72.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Pasco has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to Vancouver.
For walkability, Vancouver leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Pasco | Vancouver |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 21 min | 26 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 42.0/100 |
| Walkability | 40.0/100 | 44.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 38.00 | 52.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Vancouver is the larger city
— approximately 0.4x the population of Pasco.
From a growth perspective, Pasco is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Vancouver has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Pasco | Vancouver |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 79,493 | 197,000 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.10% | 1.40% |
| Median Age | 30.5 | 37.5 |
| Unemployment | 4.80% | 4.50% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Pasco
Advantages
Abundant sunshine with approximately 294 sunny days per year supporting an active outdoor lifestyle.
More affordable housing market and overall cost of living compared to coastal Washington cities like Seattle.
Strategic regional location along the Columbia River with robust transportation links via the Tri-Cities Airport and major highways.
Rich cultural diversity highlighted by community festivals, local markets, and a vibrant culinary scene.
Steady economic growth driven by agriculture, manufacturing, and strong regional employment opportunities.
Drawbacks
Hot and dry summer climate with temperatures frequently exceeding 90°F.
Limited public transit walkability outside of specific downtown and newly developed commercial zones.
Housing inventory constraints and rising home prices driven by rapid regional population growth.
Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to larger metropolitan hubs.
Breezy conditions and occasional high winds typical of the Columbia Basin region.
Vancouver
Advantages
No Washington state personal income tax, providing significant financial savings for residents.
Thriving waterfront district featuring award-winning dining, parks, and community spaces.
Proximity to Portland, Oregon, offering easy access to major metropolitan amenities and arts.
Abundant outdoor recreation opportunities including the Columbia River and nearby Cascade Mountains.
Strong job market growth in healthcare, technology, and manufacturing sectors.
Drawbacks
Significant traffic congestion during peak commuting hours across the I-5 and I-205 bridges.
Rising housing and rental costs driven by high regional demand and population growth.
Moderate public transit and walkability scores outside the immediate downtown core.
Higher-than-average sales tax rates compared to some neighboring states.
Overcast and rainy weather conditions during the extended autumn and winter seasons.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Pasco
#160Washington, USA
64.8 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,450
Avg Salary
$64,500
Cost Index
96
Commute
21 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
40.0/100
Sunny Days
294/yr
Avg Temp
57.90°F
Pop. Growth
2.10%
Unemployment
4.80%
Livability
74
Business
70
Vancouver
#362Washington, USA
59.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,750
Avg Salary
$68,000
Cost Index
108
Commute
26 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
44.0/100
Sunny Days
243/yr
Avg Temp
55.60°F
Pop. Growth
1.40%
Unemployment
4.50%
Livability
76
Business
71
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