location_city BC vs location_city MB

Nanaimo vs Winnipeg Cost of Living (2026)

Nanaimo is about 25% more expensive than Winnipeg, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $1,800 a month in Nanaimo vs $1,400 in Winnipeg.

The Verdict

Living in Winnipeg is 20% cheaper than living in Nanaimo overall.

Nanaimo / month

$2,310

Winnipeg / month

$1,888

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 Winnipeg

$80,038

Take-home $58,253 · $4,854/mo

To keep the same lifestyle in Winnipeg you'd need $19,962 less 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% cheaper

Winnipeg

$1,400

shopping_cart

Monthly Basket (1 Person)

Nanaimo

$420

10% cheaper

Winnipeg

$380

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Monthly Transit Pass

Nanaimo

$90

20% more expensive

Winnipeg

$108

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