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Canada vs United States · Cost of Living 2025
Cost of Living Comparison · 2025

Canada vs United States
Cost of Living Comparison 2025

Canada is approximately 8% cheaper than United States, with a cost of living index of 66 vs 72 (NYC = 100 baseline, 2025 data).

World Bank 2025GlobalCostData Research Updated April 2026NYC Index = 100
🇨🇦
Canada
66.4
CoL Index (NYC=100)
Cheaper option
vs
🇺🇸
United States
71.8
CoL Index (NYC=100)
Cheaper country
Canada
8% less expensive
Canada GNI
$63.6k
per capita
United States GNI
$86.0k
per capita
Canada Inflation
2.4%
annual rate
United States Inflation
3.0%
annual rate
Expat Score A
1.1
/ 10
Expat Score B
0.9
/ 10

Side-by-Side Comparison

All indices: NYC = 100 baseline · Lower cost index = cheaper · ✓ = winner per metric

Canada Metric United States
66.4 ✓
CoL Index ↓ lower = cheaper
71.8
32.1 ✓
Rent Index ↓ lower = cheaper
43.2
49.8 ✓
Groceries ↓ lower = cheaper
55.1
62.7 ✓
Restaurants ↓ lower = cheaper
67.3
$63.6k
GNI / Capita ↑ higher = wealthier
$86.0k ✓
2.4% ✓
Inflation Rate ↓ lower = more stable
3.0%
1.1 ✓
Expat Score ↑ higher = better
0.9
Full profile
Cost of Living in Canada →
Full profile
Cost of Living in United States →

Budget Equivalency Calculator

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Frequently Asked Questions

Canada vs United States cost of living

Is Canada cheaper than United States?
Yes, Canada is approximately 8% cheaper than United States based on the Cost of Living Index (NYC = 100). Canada scores 66 vs United States at 72. Actual costs vary by city, lifestyle, and housing choice.
How much cheaper is Canada than United States?
Canada is about 8% cheaper than United States overall. This means a $3,000/month budget in United States is roughly equivalent to $2774/month in Canada in terms of purchasing power. Housing, food, and transport all tend to cost less in Canada.
How do rent costs compare between Canada and United States?
Canada has lower average rent costs. Rent Index: Canada = 32.1, United States = 43.2 (NYC = 100). City centres are significantly pricier than suburban areas in both countries. Expats typically find the best value by living slightly outside major urban cores.
Which country is better for expats, Canada or United States?
Both Canada and United States have merits for expats. Canada edges ahead on Expat Score. The best choice depends on your priorities: Canada offers lower daily costs, while lifestyle, climate, visa requirements, language, and community size are equally important factors for long-term relocation decisions.
Can I live comfortably in Canada on $2,000/month?
With a cost of living index of 66 (NYC=100), Canada is a moderately priced destination. A $2,000/month budget can cover a comfortable lifestyle including rent, food, transport, and leisure in most cities — though major capitals may require more. See the full Canada country profile for detailed monthly budget breakdowns.

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Sources: World Bank Open Data 2025 · GlobalCostData Research 2025 · OECD Statistics. Data verified April 2026. Not financial or legal advice.