University Place, WA vs Markham: Which City Wins for Expats in 2026?
Markham costs roughly 4% less than University Place, WA. University Place, WA leads on digital nomad infrastructure, with faster average internet speeds. Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
Markham is approximately 59% less expensive than University Place, WA based on cost of living including rent. This makes Markham a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.
Markham has a FIRE Score of 64/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The city's safety index is 88, which is relatively safe.
Recommended profile: Markham is well-suited for retirees seeking a balanced lifestyle.
University Place, WA
United StatesAbout University Place, WA
University Place is a small, safe Pacific Northwest suburb that rewards renters willing to trade a city-center address for real savings, with a 1-bedroom outside the center at $1,500/mo versus $2,500/mo in the center. The overall cost of living index of 77/100 and an average monthly net salary of $8,000/mo make it a comfortable base for remote workers, though a FIRE score of 59/100 suggests aggressive early retirement math will be tight. Mild, wet winters and dry summers plus excellent healthcare and a safety index of 78/100 seal the deal for anyone prioritizing livability over nightlife.
About United States
Best for families seeking high English proficiency and excellent air travel access, with no retiree or digital nomad visa available. Internet speed of 390.28 Mbps and a large expat community support remote work, but the cost of living index is 100 (global baseline). Key trade-off: no retirement or digital nomad visa, and a complex pathway to residency or citizenship limits long-term stays.
$543/mo
Cost of Living (Without Rent)
Rent Per Month
Attractiveness
City Details
About Markham
Markham is a suburb that quietly outperforms its reputation, with a safety index of 88/100 and an overall expat score of 81/100 that make it a serious contender for families and remote workers alike. The trade-off is cost: $1,568/mo for a one-bedroom downtown or $1,397/mo outside the centre, against an average net salary of $3,115/mo, means you will feel the squeeze unless you are earning well above the local median. The large expat community in Unionville, Cornell, and Milliken plus a 6 km hop to YYZ give it real practical pull, but do not expect Toronto's energy or a bargain.
About Canada
Canada taxes hard: expect 33% federal plus up to 21.8% provincial, a real drag on FIRE math. A retirement visa exists, so retirees do have a potential entry path, though it's not always straightforward. But remote workers and digital nomads should look past this, given a 9/10 expat friendliness score and 379.96 Mbps average internet. A 1BR apartment averaging $1,304.56/mo confirms the tax hit is the real cost center here, not rent.
$884/mo
Cost of Living (Without Rent)
Rent Per Month
Attractiveness
City Details
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| Metric | University Place, WA | Markham |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $2500 | $1567.58 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $1500 | $1397.49 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $3000 | $2700.3 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $1800 | $2281.23 |
| Safety Index | 78 | 88 |
| Internet Speed | 200Mbps | 110Mbps |
| Walkability Score | N/A | N/A |
Monthly cost by categoryOne person, computed from each city's own average prices
| Category | University Place, WA | Markham |
|---|---|---|
| Total (rent included) | $2,638/mo | $2,201/mo |
| Excluding rent | $1,138/mo | $804/mo |
| Rent | $1,500/mo | $1,397/mo |
| Groceries | $363/mo | $233/mo |
| Dining out | $250/mo | $175/mo |
| Entertainment & lifestyle | $136/mo | $108/mo |
| Utilities & connectivity | $389/mo | $197/mo |
| Transport | N/A | $91.00/mo |
Usage-based estimates from this city's own average prices. A row marked N/A means that city is missing data, so no figure is shown instead of a stale one.
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University Place, WA vs Markham -- Frequently Asked Questions
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