Performance
Score Breakdown
Vancouver
Moscow
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Moscow is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
87% higher compared to Vancouver.
Housing costs are a major driver: Vancouver's average rent is
37% higher than Moscow's.
| Metric | Vancouver | Moscow | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,830 | $1,338 | +37% |
| Groceries | $352 | $0 | 0% |
| Utilities | $113 | $0 | 0% |
| Transport | $96 | $0 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $105 | $0 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,496 | $1,338 | +87% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 111 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Moscow offers 42% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Moscow delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Vancouver is estimated at
$79,500 vs $84,360 in Moscow.
| Metric | Vancouver | Moscow |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $43,896 | $76,000 |
| Salary Needed | $79,500 | $84,360 |
| Purchasing Power | 46,206 idx | 68,468 idx |
| Household Income | $57,728 | $57,022 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Vancouver | Moscow |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 71.00% | % |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Moscow has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
7,000 minutes (117 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 | Moscow |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 14 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Walkability | 60.0/10 | 48.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 40.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Vancouver is the larger city
— approximately 25.2x the population of Moscow.
From a growth perspective, Vancouver is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Moscow has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Vancouver | Moscow |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 662,248 | 26,286 |
| Pop. Growth | 3.10% | 0.80% |
| Median Age | 38.0 | 25.7 |
| Unemployment | 6.70% | 3.00% |
| 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.
Moscow
Advantages
High walkability score of 48, making many errands accessible on foot.
Short average commute time of 14.3 minutes, significantly below the national average.
Strong presence of the University of Idaho contributes to a vibrant cultural scene and job market.
Crime rates have seen a significant decrease, with violent crime rates well below the national average.
Rental prices are relatively affordable compared to national averages, despite a higher cost of living than the Idaho average.
Drawbacks
Median household income ($57,022) is below the national average.
Cost of living is 11% higher than the national average.
Limited public transit options contribute to a medium car dependency.
Job growth rate of 0.167% is modest.
Median age of 25.7 is significantly younger than the national average, which may not appeal to all demographics.
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
Moscow
#14Idaho, USA
75.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,338
Avg Salary
$76,000
Cost Index
111
Commute
14 min
Transit Score
45.0/10
Walkability
48.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.80%
Unemployment
3.00%
Livability
87
Business
65
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Vancouver and Moscow.
Open Cost Calculator