location_city ON vs location_city BC

Hamilton vs Nanaimo Cost of Living (2026)

Hamilton and Nanaimo cost about the same once you weigh rent, groceries and transit.

The Verdict

Living in Nanaimo is 0% cheaper than living in Hamilton overall.

Hamilton / month

$2,330

Nanaimo / month

$2,310

Rent, groceries and transit for one person.

Your salary in Hamilton $

Salary in Hamilton

$100,000

Take-home $74,206 · $6,184/mo

Needed in Nanaimo

$99,618

Take-home $75,099 · $6,258/mo

To keep the same lifestyle in Nanaimo you'd need $382 less a year (−0%).

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

Hamilton

$1,800

0% more expensive

Nanaimo

$1,800

shopping_cart

Monthly Basket (1 Person)

Hamilton

$420

0% more expensive

Nanaimo

$420

directions_transit

Monthly Transit Pass

Hamilton

$110

18% cheaper

Nanaimo

$90

Keep going