PE
vs
BC
Charlottetown vs Nanaimo Cost of Living (2026)
Nanaimo is about 20% more expensive than Charlottetown, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $1,800 a month in Nanaimo vs $1,450 in Charlottetown.
The Verdict
Living in Nanaimo is 20% more expensive than living in Charlottetown overall.
Charlottetown / month
$1,950
Nanaimo / month
$2,310
Rent, groceries and transit for one person.
Salary match: what you'd need to earn
Salary in Charlottetown
$100,000
Take-home $69,789 · $5,816/mo
Needed in Nanaimo
$120,276
Take-home $89,237 · $7,436/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Nanaimo you'd need $20,276 more a year (+20%).
Take-home is after 2026 federal and provincial income tax, CPP/QPP and EI for an employee. Cost of living weighs rent, groceries and transit.
Expense Breakdown
Average Rent
1-Bed City Center
Charlottetown
$1,450
24% more expensive
Nanaimo
$1,800
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Charlottetown
$430
2% cheaper
Nanaimo
$420
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Charlottetown
$70
29% more expensive
Nanaimo
$90
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