Calgary logs 181 frost days a year to Vancouver's 22 — Vancouver wins by 159. Vancouver also leads on hot days by 7.

Calgary runs about $2,741/mo for a balanced lifestyle against Vancouver's $3,261/mo — Calgary comes in $520 cheaper each month, roughly 19% less.

On mobility, Vancouver scores 3.4 vs Calgary's 2.4 (0–5 scale), with the biggest gap on walkability. Calgary still holds an edge on car efficiency.

Vancouver's culture score of 2.6 sits well above Calgary's 2.2, with the biggest gap on live music venues.

Vancouver's nature & outdoors score of 5.0 sits well above Calgary's 4.2, with the biggest gap on sea access.

Calgary's safety score is ~1.4× Vancouver's — in the upper band, while Vancouver lands in the middle of the scale, with the biggest gap on property crime safety. Vancouver still holds an edge on flooding safety.

Vancouver's career score of 3.8 sits well above Calgary's 2.9, with the biggest gap on career opportunities.

Vancouver's social & community score of 3.9 sits well above Calgary's 3.4, with the biggest gap on street atmosphere.

On food & dining, Vancouver scores 4.6 vs Calgary's 3.2 (0–5 scale), with the biggest gap on vegan & vegetarian options.

On family, Vancouver scores 3.9 vs Calgary's 3.2 (0–5 scale), with the biggest gap on international schools.

Calgary and Vancouver score neck-and-neck on healthcare (2.0 vs 2.0, 0–5 scale).

Calgary averages 8.1 µg/m³ (good) PM2.5 annually versus Vancouver's 6.0 µg/m³ (good) — Vancouver breathes ~25% cleaner air (2.0 µg/m³ lower).

Who Thrives Here