location_city BC vs location_city BC

Nanaimo vs Victoria Cost of Living (2026)

Victoria is about 20% more expensive than Nanaimo, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $2,200 a month in Victoria vs $1,800 in Nanaimo.

The Verdict

Living in Victoria is 20% more expensive than living in Nanaimo overall.

Nanaimo / month

$2,310

Victoria / month

$2,750

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 Victoria

$120,211

Take-home $89,197 · $7,433/mo

To keep the same lifestyle in Victoria you'd need $20,211 more a year (+20%).

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

22% more expensive

Victoria

$2,200

shopping_cart

Monthly Basket (1 Person)

Nanaimo

$420

7% more expensive

Victoria

$450

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Monthly Transit Pass

Nanaimo

$90

11% more expensive

Victoria

$100

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