location_city BC vs location_city BC

Kamloops vs Nanaimo Cost of Living (2026)

Nanaimo is about 5% more expensive than Kamloops, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $1,800 a month in Nanaimo vs $1,700 in Kamloops.

The Verdict

Living in Nanaimo is 5% more expensive than living in Kamloops overall.

Kamloops / month

$2,195

Nanaimo / month

$2,310

Rent, groceries and transit for one person.

Your salary in Kamloops $

Salary in Kamloops

$100,000

Take-home $75,373 · $6,281/mo

Needed in Nanaimo

$105,455

Take-home $79,189 · $6,599/mo

To keep the same lifestyle in Nanaimo you'd need $5,455 more 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

Kamloops

$1,700

6% more expensive

Nanaimo

$1,800

shopping_cart

Monthly Basket (1 Person)

Kamloops

$410

2% more expensive

Nanaimo

$420

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Monthly Transit Pass

Kamloops

$85

6% more expensive

Nanaimo

$90

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