A comparison of two-bedroom rental prices showed that Vancouver, despite its reputation as one of the world’s most expensive cities, is more affordable than Seattle. In Vancouver, a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment in a good neighborhood can be found for up to 3000 Canadian dollars, while in Seattle it’s hard to find even a one-bedroom apartment for an equivalent amount.
What Vancouver offers for 2800–3000 Canadian dollars
In Vancouver, they were looking at a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment in a new building shared with another person. One of the apartments was viewed for 2800 Canadian dollars — approximately 2100 US dollars. The neighborhood is decent, close to the ocean, with good transport connections, but not downtown Vancouver itself: prices are higher there, and there’s more traffic, people, and congestion. An option slightly away from the center turned out to be more comfortable in terms of lifestyle.
How much does similar housing cost in Seattle
For the same roughly 2100 dollars in the US, you can expect at best a two-bedroom apartment in a new building with a pool, gym, barbecue area, and lounge — but 30–40 minutes’ drive from Seattle. It’s difficult to rent even a one-bedroom apartment directly for 2100 dollars.
In the case in question, rent for an apartment in a new complex three years ago cost 1700 dollars, but this was an income-restricted option — not everyone could rent it, and now there are no similar vacant offers there at all. A two-bedroom apartment in the same complex costs significantly more, and a car is practically mandatory for it.
Infrastructure and shared rental as factors in the difference
Outside of Seattle, the infrastructure is noticeably worse than in Vancouver neighborhoods where they looked at housing: it’s difficult to get around without a car. Another factor is that rent in Vancouver is shared between two people, so expenses are split in half, making the difference with the American option even more noticeable.
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