location_city BC vs location_city ON

Nanaimo vs Oshawa Cost of Living (2026)

Oshawa is about 8% more expensive than Nanaimo, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $1,950 a month in Oshawa vs $1,800 in Nanaimo.

The Verdict

Living in Oshawa is 8% more expensive than living in Nanaimo overall.

Nanaimo / month

$2,310

Oshawa / month

$2,500

Rent, groceries and transit for one person.

Your salary in Nanaimo $

Salary in Nanaimo

$100,000

Take-home $75,373 · $6,281/mo

Needed in Oshawa

$107,950

Take-home $79,653 · $6,638/mo

To keep the same lifestyle in Oshawa you'd need $7,950 more a year (+8%).

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

Nanaimo

$1,800

8% more expensive

Oshawa

$1,950

shopping_cart

Monthly Basket (1 Person)

Nanaimo

$420

0% more expensive

Oshawa

$420

directions_transit

Monthly Transit Pass

Nanaimo

$90

44% more expensive

Oshawa

$130

Keep going