I grew up in Vancouver and lived in Toronto more recently, so it's possible things changed significantly. You're probably right about real estate, but that's generally not a factor for startups. Food is definitely not more expensive (unless you're shopping in Yaletown). You can find all you can eat sushi for $10 (that's decent) and for $13 that's better than the $20 places in Toronto (and Montreal). Also, there's japadog and delicious korean / indian food.
There are other factors at play: you can bike regularly because it's much more prevalent and safer in Vancouver. In Toronto, you need to have a car or at least a TTC pass ($121.00 vs $81 in Vancouver, $70 in Montreal).
There are other factors at play: you can bike regularly because it's much more prevalent and safer in Vancouver. In Toronto, you need to have a car or at least a TTC pass ($121.00 vs $81 in Vancouver, $70 in Montreal).