location_city AB vs location_city BC

Edmonton vs Nanaimo Cost of Living (2026)

Nanaimo is about 32% more expensive than Edmonton, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $1,800 a month in Nanaimo vs $1,300 in Edmonton.

The Verdict

Living in Nanaimo is 32% more expensive than living in Edmonton overall.

Edmonton / month

$1,800

Nanaimo / month

$2,310

Rent, groceries and transit for one person.

Your salary in Edmonton $

Salary in Edmonton

$100,000

Take-home $74,459 · $6,205/mo

Needed in Nanaimo

$132,152

Take-home $96,566 · $8,047/mo

To keep the same lifestyle in Nanaimo you'd need $32,152 more a year (+32%).

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.

real_estate_agent

1-Bed City Center

Edmonton

$1,300

38% more expensive

Nanaimo

$1,800

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Monthly Basket (1 Person)

Edmonton

$400

5% more expensive

Nanaimo

$420

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Monthly Transit Pass

Edmonton

$100

10% cheaper

Nanaimo

$90

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