BC
vs
QC
Nanaimo vs Quebec City Cost of Living (2026)
Nanaimo is about 42% more expensive than Quebec City, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $1,800 a month in Nanaimo vs $1,200 in Quebec City.
The Verdict
Living in Quebec City is 30% cheaper than living in Nanaimo overall.
Nanaimo / month
$2,310
Quebec City / month
$1,680
Rent, groceries and transit for one person.
Salary match: what you'd need to earn
Salary in Nanaimo
$100,000
Take-home $75,373 · $6,281/mo
Needed in Quebec City
$70,402
Take-home $51,279 · $4,273/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Quebec City you'd need $29,598 less a year (−30%).
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
Nanaimo
$1,800
33% cheaper
Quebec City
$1,200
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Nanaimo
$420
7% cheaper
Quebec City
$390
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Nanaimo
$90
0% more expensive
Quebec City
$90
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