QC
vs
BC
Montreal vs Nanaimo Cost of Living (2026)
Nanaimo is about 6% more expensive than Montreal, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $1,800 a month in Nanaimo vs $1,700 in Montreal.
The Verdict
Living in Nanaimo is 6% more expensive than living in Montreal overall.
Montreal / month
$2,197
Nanaimo / month
$2,310
Rent, groceries and transit for one person.
Salary match: what you'd need to earn
Salary in Montreal
$100,000
Take-home $69,585 · $5,799/mo
Needed in Nanaimo
$105,518
Take-home $79,233 · $6,603/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Nanaimo you'd need $5,518 more a year (+6%).
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.
Expense Breakdown
Average Rent
1-Bed City Center
Montreal
$1,700
6% more expensive
Nanaimo
$1,800
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Montreal
$400
5% more expensive
Nanaimo
$420
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Montreal
$97
7% cheaper
Nanaimo
$90
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