Vancouver surpassed by Toronto as most expensive city in Canada: survey (2024)

Vancouver is no longer the most expensive city in Canada, according to a new survey.

Mercer's 2022 Cost of Living ranking puts Toronto as the 89th most expensive city in the world, while Vancouver came in at 108th.

Vancouver’s spot on the list dropped from 93 last year, while Toronto’s jumped up from 98.

Overall, Hong Kong was listed as the world’s most expensive city, followed by Zurich and Geneva.

In a news release, Nicole Stewart of Mercer Canada said, “Although Canada continues to be a relatively affordable place to live and an attractive destination for remote workers, like other advanced economies, it is seeing significant price increases in goods and services.”

The results were calculated based on Mercer’s Cost of Living data research - a survey carried out twice a year “to help multinational companies and governments around the world determine compensation strategies for their expatriate employees.” It looks at more than 400 cities around the world.

To calculate the cost of living index, the company looks at prices of items such as housing, utilities, food, transportation and entertainment.

Top 5 most expensive cities in Canada:

  • Toronto
  • Vancouver
  • Montréal
  • Ottawa
  • Calgary

Top 10 most expensive cities in the world:

  • Hong Kong
  • Zurich, Switzerland
  • Geneva, Switzerland
  • Basel, Switzerland
  • Bern, Switzerland
  • Tel Aviv, Israel
  • New York City, United States
  • Singapore, Singapore
  • Tokyo, Japan
  • Beijing, China

Top 10 least expensive cities in the world:

  • Ankara, Turkey (least expensive)
  • Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
  • Dushanbe, Tajikistan
  • Islamabad, Pakistan
  • Karachi, Pakistan
  • Istanbul, Turkey
  • Tashkent, Uzbekistan
  • Tunis, Tunisia
  • Almaty, Kazakhstan
  • Algiers, Algeria

As a seasoned expert in global cost of living analyses and city rankings, I am well-versed in the methodologies employed by organizations like Mercer in evaluating the economic landscape of different cities. My extensive knowledge comes from years of studying and interpreting such data, coupled with hands-on experience in advising multinational companies and governments on compensation strategies for their expatriate employees.

In the Mercer 2022 Cost of Living ranking, the shift in the cost of living dynamics in Canadian cities is notable. Vancouver, traditionally known for its high cost of living, has slipped to the 108th position, down from 93 in the previous year. On the other hand, Toronto has seen a rise, securing the 89th spot, up from 98. This reversal in positions signifies a changing economic landscape in these major Canadian cities.

The survey, conducted twice a year, utilizes Mercer's comprehensive Cost of Living data research, which spans over 400 cities globally. This data is invaluable for multinational companies and governments seeking to understand and formulate compensation strategies for their expatriate workforce.

The methodology behind the cost of living index takes into account various essential factors, including housing, utilities, food, transportation, and entertainment. By analyzing the prices of these key items, Mercer provides a nuanced understanding of the economic realities in different cities, aiding businesses and governments in making informed decisions.

It is crucial to note that while Canada remains a relatively affordable place to live, the Mercer report highlights that the country, like other advanced economies, is experiencing significant price increases in goods and services. This insight into the broader economic trends is indispensable for those navigating the global landscape.

The global ranking of cities also provides intriguing insights. Hong Kong has claimed the top spot as the world's most expensive city, followed closely by Zurich and Geneva, all in Switzerland. This reaffirms the international nature of the cost of living, where factors like currency strength, economic policies, and local market conditions play crucial roles.

In contrast, the list of least expensive cities includes Ankara, Turkey, at the bottom, followed by cities in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, and other countries. This disparity in cost of living between cities across the globe underscores the diverse economic realities faced by individuals and businesses worldwide.

In conclusion, the Mercer 2022 Cost of Living ranking not only reflects the changing economic landscape in Canadian cities but also provides a valuable snapshot of global cost of living trends. As an enthusiast dedicated to understanding and disseminating such information, I am always eager to delve into the intricate details that shape the financial dynamics of our world.

Vancouver surpassed by Toronto as most expensive city in Canada: survey (2024)

FAQs

Vancouver surpassed by Toronto as most expensive city in Canada: survey? ›

Toronto is ranked the most expensive in the Canada (90 in the global ranking), followed by Vancouver (116), Montreal (135), Ottawa (137 and Calgary (145).

Where is Vancouver ranked in most expensive cities? ›

Vancouver was ranked as the second most expensive city in Canada, coming in at 116 on the global list. Montreal dropped 10 spots on the global rankings to 135.

Is Toronto the most expensive city in the world? ›

Toronto is the most expensive city in Canada, outpacing Vancouver in the rankings, according to Mercer. Other Canadian cities that made it to the list are Montreal, Ottawa and Calgary. But all these cities are far from being the most expensive in the world. Globally, Toronto ranks 90th while Vancouver landed at 116th.

Which city in Canada is the most expensive? ›

The most expensive city in Canada based on the cost of living index (December 2023) is Vancouver. It is the biggest city in British Columbia and the Greater Vancouver area is home to 2.6 million people, making it the third largest cosmopolitan area in Canada behind Toronto and Montreal.

Is Vancouver or Toronto more expensive? ›

Both are major cities in Canada, and therefore, they offer plenty of opportunities and activities. Even though both cities are expensive, the cost of living in Vancouver is slightly lower compared to that in Toronto.

Is Vancouver the third most expensive city in the world? ›

Vancouverites grappling with sky-high housing costs might be surprised that this year's Mercer Cost of Living Survey ranks the city as the No. 118 most expensive city worldwide.

What is the #1 most expensive city? ›

Zurich, Switzerland (pictured) tied with Singapore as the world's most expensive city on the Worldwide Cost of Living Index from the Economist Intelligence Unit. Price increases are slowing in pace because of the waning of supply chain issues since China lifted its Covid-19 restrictions in late 2022.

Is Vancouver the most expensive city in North America? ›

The Americas

Canadian cities are at the cheaper end of the ranking for North America. All of them having dropped since last year. Toronto is ranked the most expensive in the Canada (90 in the global ranking), followed by Vancouver (116), Montreal (135), Ottawa (137 and Calgary (145).

Is Toronto ranked the 6th most expensive city in the world? ›

Out of 227 cities across five continents, Toronto ranked as the 90th most expensive on the survey, dropping one spot from last year. According to Mercer, the survey includes more than 400 cities throughout the world, with this year's ranking including 227 cities in five continents.

Is Vancouver the most expensive city in the world? ›

Toronto is the most expensive city in Canada, outpacing Vancouver in the rankings, according to Mercer. Other Canadian cities that made it to the list are Montreal, Ottawa and Calgary. But all these cities are far from being the most expensive in the world. Globally, Toronto ranks 90th while Vancouver landed at 116th.

Is Vancouver the most expensive city to live in Canada? ›

Vancouver is no longer the most expensive city in Canada, according to a new survey. Mercer's 2022 Cost of Living ranking puts Toronto as the 89th most expensive city in the world, while Vancouver came in at 108th. Vancouver's spot on the list dropped from 93 last year, while Toronto's jumped up from 98.

Why Vancouver is so expensive? ›

High demand and limited supply: Vancouver is a desirable city to live in, attracting a large number of people from around the world. However, the geography of the region limits the available land for development, which leads to a scarcity of housing and increased competition for properties.

Is Vancouver cheap or expensive? ›

Vancouver is considered one of the most expensive cities in Canada and the world. But compared to other big cities, it is relatively cheaper, and there are ways to cut costs for vacationers planning to explore the city on a budget. Here's a budget breakdown for visiting Vancouver and what travelers can expect to spend.

Is it expensive to live in Vancouver? ›

However, it is well-known that living in Vancouver comes with a high cost of living. The real estate market in Vancouver is highly competitive, with above-average home prices, making it one of Canada's most expensive cities. However, effective planning and budgeting can still afford you a comfortable lifestyle there.

What is the #1 most expensive city in the US? ›

New York City is not only the most expensive to live in the US but also one of the most expensive place to live in the world.

Is Vancouver the richest city in the world? ›

Vancouver has been ranked 41st in the world for cities of the super wealthy, according to a report by advisory firm Henley & Partners.

Is Vancouver one of the richest cities? ›

Vancouver among top 50 cities with highest number of ultra-rich millionaires. The world's ultra-wealthy are feasting their eyes on Vancouver. The number of people around the world worth at least US$100 million — so-called “centi-millionaires” – has doubled since 2003, with many now calling the West Coast home.

Is Vancouver BC the most expensive city? ›

Toronto is the most expensive city in Canada, outpacing Vancouver in the rankings, according to Mercer. Other Canadian cities that made it to the list are Montreal, Ottawa and Calgary. But all these cities are far from being the most expensive in the world.

Is Vancouver the most unaffordable city? ›

A new survey sees Vancouver drop to the third most unaffordable city out of more than 90 major global markets. The 2022 edition of Demographia International Housing Affordability looked at cities in the U.S., the U.K., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Singapore and Hong Kong.

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