location_city NS vs location_city BC

Halifax vs Nanaimo Cost of Living (2026)

Halifax is about 5% more expensive than Nanaimo, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $1,900 a month in Halifax vs $1,800 in Nanaimo.

The Verdict

Living in Nanaimo is 5% cheaper than living in Halifax overall.

Halifax / month

$2,422

Nanaimo / month

$2,310

Rent, groceries and transit for one person.

Your salary in Halifax $

Salary in Halifax

$100,000

Take-home $68,867 · $5,739/mo

Needed in Nanaimo

$95,047

Take-home $71,817 · $5,985/mo

To keep the same lifestyle in Nanaimo you'd need $4,953 less a year (−5%).

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

Halifax

$1,900

5% cheaper

Nanaimo

$1,800

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Monthly Basket (1 Person)

Halifax

$440

5% cheaper

Nanaimo

$420

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Monthly Transit Pass

Halifax

$82

10% more expensive

Nanaimo

$90

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