BC
vs
NB
Nanaimo vs Saint John Cost of Living (2026)
Nanaimo is about 54% more expensive than Saint John, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $1,800 a month in Nanaimo vs $1,100 in Saint John.
The Verdict
Living in Saint John is 35% cheaper than living in Nanaimo overall.
Nanaimo / month
$2,310
Saint John / month
$1,555
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 Saint John
$65,038
Take-home $49,061 · $4,088/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Saint John you'd need $34,962 less a year (−35%).
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
39% cheaper
Saint John
$1,100
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Nanaimo
$420
10% cheaper
Saint John
$380
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Nanaimo
$90
17% cheaper
Saint John
$75
Advertisement
Plan your move
Advertisement