location_city BC vs location_city ON

Nanaimo vs Ottawa Cost of Living (2026)

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

The Verdict

Living in Ottawa is 15% more expensive than living in Nanaimo overall.

Nanaimo / month

$2,310

Ottawa / month

$2,655

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 Ottawa

$115,326

Take-home $84,541 · $7,045/mo

To keep the same lifestyle in Ottawa you'd need $15,326 more a year (+15%).

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

17% more expensive

Ottawa

$2,100

shopping_cart

Monthly Basket (1 Person)

Nanaimo

$420

2% more expensive

Ottawa

$430

directions_transit

Monthly Transit Pass

Nanaimo

$90

39% more expensive

Ottawa

$125

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