NB
vs
BC
Fredericton vs Nanaimo Cost of Living (2026)
Nanaimo is about 37% more expensive than Fredericton, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $1,800 a month in Nanaimo vs $1,250 in Fredericton.
The Verdict
Living in Nanaimo is 37% more expensive than living in Fredericton overall.
Fredericton / month
$1,730
Nanaimo / month
$2,310
Rent, groceries and transit for one person.
Salary match: what you'd need to earn
Salary in Fredericton
$100,000
Take-home $71,215 · $5,935/mo
Needed in Nanaimo
$137,188
Take-home $99,674 · $8,306/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Nanaimo you'd need $37,188 more a year (+37%).
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
Fredericton
$1,250
44% more expensive
Nanaimo
$1,800
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Fredericton
$400
5% more expensive
Nanaimo
$420
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Fredericton
$80
12% more expensive
Nanaimo
$90
Advertisement
Plan your move
Advertisement