Performance
Score Breakdown
Vancouver
Juneau
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Juneau is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
7% higher compared to Vancouver.
Housing costs are a major driver: Vancouver's average rent is
57% higher than Juneau's.
| Metric | Vancouver | Juneau | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,850 | $1,820 | +57% |
| Groceries | $450 | $690 | -35% |
| Utilities | $180 | $325 | -45% |
| Transport | $120 | $230 | -48% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $535 | -53% |
| Monthly Total | $3,850 | $3,600 | +7% |
| Cost Index | 133 | 127 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Juneau offers 16% 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
$90,480 vs $81,000 in Juneau.
| Metric | Vancouver | Juneau |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $72,406 | $86,000 |
| Salary Needed | $90,480 | $81,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 54,441 idx | 67,717 idx |
| Household Income | $82,000 | $88,100 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Juneau runs warmer on average — a 42.1°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Juneau comes out ahead with 90 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Juneau sees 87 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Vancouver | Juneau |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | 42.10°F |
| Summer High | °F | 64.00°F |
| Winter Low | °F | 22.00°F |
| Rainfall | in | 62.00 in |
| Snowfall | in | 87.00 in |
| Sunny Days | 90 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 80.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Juneau 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 | Juneau |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/10 | 44.1/10 |
| Walkability | 60.0/10 | 58.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 33.40 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Vancouver is the larger city
— approximately 85.4x 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 | 2,733,000 | 32,000 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.92% | 0.40% |
| Median Age | 38.0 | 38.1 |
| Unemployment | 6.91% | 4.70% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $7.6B |
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.
Juneau
Advantages
Scenic and unique lifestyle
Drawbacks
Remote and expensive
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
Juneau
#5Alaska, USA
82.5 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,820
Avg Salary
$86,000
Cost Index
127
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
44.1/10
Walkability
58.0/10
Sunny Days
90/yr
Avg Temp
42.10°F
Pop. Growth
0.40%
Unemployment
4.70%
Livability
85
Business
80
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