location_city BC vs location_city BC

Kelowna vs Nanaimo Cost of Living (2026)

Kelowna is about 15% more expensive than Nanaimo, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $2,100 a month in Kelowna vs $1,800 in Nanaimo.

The Verdict

Living in Nanaimo is 13% cheaper than living in Kelowna overall.

Kelowna / month

$2,635

Nanaimo / month

$2,310

Rent, groceries and transit for one person.

Your salary in Kelowna $

Salary in Kelowna

$100,000

Take-home $75,373 · $6,281/mo

Needed in Nanaimo

$86,928

Take-home $65,988 · $5,499/mo

To keep the same lifestyle in Nanaimo you'd need $13,072 less a year (−13%).

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

Kelowna

$2,100

14% cheaper

Nanaimo

$1,800

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Monthly Basket (1 Person)

Kelowna

$440

5% cheaper

Nanaimo

$420

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Monthly Transit Pass

Kelowna

$95

5% cheaper

Nanaimo

$90

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