location_city QC vs location_city BC

Cost of Living: Montreal vs Nanaimo

Making a move? Compare the exact 2026 data for housing, food, and transit to see exactly how your lifestyle budget will change between these two cities.

The Verdict

Living in Nanaimo is 6% more expensive than living in Montreal overall.

To maintain your exact standard of living, a $100,000 salary in Montreal is mathematically equivalent to earning $105,518 in Nanaimo.

Expense Breakdown

real_estate_agent

Average Rent

1-Bed City Center

Montreal

$1,700

6% more expensive

Nanaimo

$1,800

shopping_cart

Groceries

Monthly Basket (1 Person)

Montreal

$400

5% more expensive

Nanaimo

$420

directions_transit

Transportation

Monthly Transit Pass

Montreal

$97

7% cheaper

Nanaimo

$90

calculate

Calculate Your Exact Salary

Ready to see how much you'll keep after taxes in BC? Use our Canadian Income Tax Calculator to get a precise breakdown.

Open Tax Calculator Open Budget Tracker