North America Updated
Average Cost of Living in Nanaimo
The average cost of living in Nanaimo, Canada is $1,776 per month for a single person, and $3,287 per month for a family of four. A one-bedroom apartment rents for around $1,429 per month. The local average net salary is $3,144 per month.
Affordable
Updated today
Index 40.4 · NYC = 100
Estimated monthly cost
- Single person
- $1,776 / month
- Family of 4
- $3,287 / mo
- Student
- $1,033 / mo
Includes rent, food, utilities, transport, and dining out. Excludes healthcare, taxes, and discretionary travel.
Salary that covers life in Nanaimo
Adjust the household and see the gap or surplus vs. typical local pay.
Interactive
You need at least
$0 / month
Annual gross (25% tax)
$0
vs. local average net salary
$3,143.98 / month
On this page 11 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary calculator for Nanaimo | Find out the monthly salary needed for a single, family, or student lifestyle. |
| Rent & Property Prices in Nanaimo | Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter. |
| Grocery Prices in Nanaimo | Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat. |
| Public Transport & Car Costs in Nanaimo | Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices. |
| Utility & Internet Costs in Nanaimo | Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills. |
| Childcare & Preschool in Nanaimo | Preschool fees and international school tuition. |
| Clothing Prices in Nanaimo | Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores. |
| Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Nanaimo | Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets. |
| Restaurant Prices in Nanaimo | Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks. |
| Salaries & Mortgages in Nanaimo | Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates. |
| Nanaimo FAQs | Common questions about rent, salaries, food, and transport in Nanaimo. |
Rent & Property Prices in Nanaimo
Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $1,429 | $1,309 – $1,828 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $1,216 | $1,024 – $1,317 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $2,093 | $1,828 – $2,560 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $1,867 | $1,646 – $2,194 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $3,936 | $3,936 – $4,173 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $3,543 | $3,543 – $3,936 |
- 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $1,429$1,309 – $1,828
- 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $1,216$1,024 – $1,317
- 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $2,093$1,828 – $2,560
- 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $1,867$1,646 – $2,194
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre $3,936$3,936 – $4,173
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre $3,543$3,543 – $3,936
Grocery Prices in Nanaimo
Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) | $1.69 | $1.16 – $2.21 |
| Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) | $3.14 | $2.18 – $4.66 |
| White Rice (1 kg) | $3.16 | $1.83 – $7.53 |
| Eggs (12, Large Size) | $4.40 | $2.77 – $5.12 |
| Local Cheese (1 kg) | $11 | $6.51 – $15 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | $13 | $8.73 – $18 |
| Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) | $17 | $5.12 – $22 |
| Apples (1 kg) | $4.53 | $2.93 – $5.63 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | $1.27 | $1.13 – $2.93 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | $4.44 | $3.07 – $6.43 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | $4.77 | $1.46 – $8.06 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | $2.79 | $1.46 – $4.82 |
| Onions (1 kg) | $2.98 | $1.46 – $4.02 |
| Lettuce (1 Head) | $2.92 | $2.19 – $2.93 |
| Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) | $1.74 | $0.73 – $2.93 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $13 | $10 – $18 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) | $2.66 | $2.19 – $3.66 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $3.29 | $1.83 – $5.12 |
| Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) | $13 | $11 – $15 |
- Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) $1.69$1.16 – $2.21
- Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) $3.14$2.18 – $4.66
- White Rice (1 kg) $3.16$1.83 – $7.53
- Eggs (12, Large Size) $4.40$2.77 – $5.12
- Local Cheese (1 kg) $11$6.51 – $15
- Chicken Fillets (1 kg) $13$8.73 – $18
- Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) $17$5.12 – $22
- Apples (1 kg) $4.53$2.93 – $5.63
- Bananas (1 kg) $1.27$1.13 – $2.93
- Oranges (1 kg) $4.44$3.07 – $6.43
- Tomatoes (1 kg) $4.77$1.46 – $8.06
- Potatoes (1 kg) $2.79$1.46 – $4.82
- Onions (1 kg) $2.98$1.46 – $4.02
- Lettuce (1 Head) $2.92$2.19 – $2.93
- Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) $1.74$0.73 – $2.93
- Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) $13$10 – $18
- Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) $2.66$2.19 – $3.66
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $3.29$1.83 – $5.12
- Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) $13$11 – $15
Public Transport & Car Costs in Nanaimo
Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | $2.01 | $1.83 – $2.19 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) | $48 | $37 – $66 |
| Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) | $2.93 | $2.89 – $3.36 |
| Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) | $2.19 | $1.99 – $4.39 |
| Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) | $29 | $23 – $36 |
| Gasoline (1 Liter) | $1.24 | $1.10 – $1.46 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) | $28,949 | $28,949 – $28,949 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) | $19,795 | $19,795 – $20,027 |
- One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) $2.01$1.83 – $2.19
- Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) $48$37 – $66
- Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) $2.93$2.89 – $3.36
- Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) $2.19$1.99 – $4.39
- Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) $29$23 – $36
- Gasoline (1 Liter) $1.24$1.10 – $1.46
- Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) $28,949$28,949 – $28,949
- Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) $19,795$19,795 – $20,027
Utility & Internet Costs in Nanaimo
Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | $171 | $110 – $219 |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) | $38 | $23 – $55 |
| Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) | $72 | $55 – $95 |
- Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) $171$110 – $219
- Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) $38$23 – $55
- Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) $72$55 – $95
Childcare & Preschool in Nanaimo
Preschool fees and international school tuition.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child | $780 | $622 – $1,097 |
| International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child | $11,946 | $8,777 – $16,091 |
- Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child $780$622 – $1,097
- International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child $11,946$8,777 – $16,091
Clothing Prices in Nanaimo
Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | $46 | $15 – $73 |
| Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) | $34 | $15 – $44 |
| Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | $108 | $51 – $146 |
| Men's Leather Business Shoes | $111 | $88 – $128 |
- Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) $46$15 – $73
- Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) $34$15 – $44
- Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) $108$51 – $146
- Men's Leather Business Shoes $111$88 – $128
Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Nanaimo
Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fitness Club Membership | $26 | $11 – $55 |
| Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) | $20 | $20 – $20 |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) | $11 | $11 – $12 |
- Monthly Fitness Club Membership $26$11 – $55
- Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) $20$20 – $20
- Cinema Ticket (International Release) $11$11 – $12
Restaurant Prices in Nanaimo
Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $18 | $15 – $20 |
| Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) | $73 | $57 – $95 |
| Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) | $12 | $8.78 – $13 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) | $5.85 | $3.28 – $6.58 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $5.85 | $5.49 – $6.58 |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | $3.70 | $2.93 – $4.39 |
| Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) | $2.39 | $2.19 – $2.93 |
| Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) | $1.65 | $1.46 – $1.83 |
- Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant $18$15 – $20
- Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) $73$57 – $95
- Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) $12$8.78 – $13
- Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) $5.85$3.28 – $6.58
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $5.85$5.49 – $6.58
- Cappuccino (Regular Size) $3.70$2.93 – $4.39
- Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) $2.39$2.19 – $2.93
- Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) $1.65$1.46 – $1.83
Salaries & Mortgages in Nanaimo
Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $3,144 | — |
| Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) | 4.83% | — |
- Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) $3,144
- Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) 4.83%
Compare Nanaimo with…
Pick any city to see costs side by side.
Related cities
Similar cost tier, nearby, or in the same country.
Canada
Kelowna
Monthly / 1 person
$1,783
vs NYC
40.5/100
Canada
Windsor
Monthly / 1 person
$1,766
vs NYC
40.1/100
Canada
Surrey
Monthly / 1 person
$1,759
vs NYC
40/100
Canada
Hamilton
Monthly / 1 person
$1,758
vs NYC
40/100
Canada
Calgary
Monthly / 1 person
$1,748
vs NYC
39.7/100
Canada
Kingston
Monthly / 1 person
$1,742
vs NYC
39.6/100
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to live in Nanaimo?
- An estimated $1,776 per month covers rent, food, utilities, and transport for one person in Nanaimo. A family of four needs around $3,287 per month, while students living shared accommodation manage on roughly $1,033.
- How much money do I need to live in Nanaimo?
- Plan for at least $1,776 per month as a single person, $3,287 per month for a family of four, or $1,033 per month as a student in shared accommodation. Add 15–25% on top for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending — that's the salary you should be targeting before relocating to Nanaimo.
- What is the average rent in Nanaimo?
- A one-bedroom apartment in Nanaimo rents for around $1,429 per month, with three-bedroom apartments in the city centre around $2,093 per month. Prices vary depending on neighbourhood, building age, and furnishings.
- What is the average salary in Nanaimo?
- The average monthly net salary in Nanaimo is around $3,144. Whether that's enough to live comfortably depends on housing choice — rent typically claims 45% of a single-person paycheck.
- How much does food cost in Nanaimo?
- A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Nanaimo costs around $18. Cooking at home, a single person spends roughly $93 per month on groceries. Staples like milk ($1.69/L) and bread ($3.14/500g) are typical.
- What is public transport like in Nanaimo?
- A monthly public transport pass in Nanaimo costs around $48. Cities with extensive metro and bus networks generally let residents skip car ownership entirely, particularly when commuting from areas outside the city centre.
- Is the internet expensive in Nanaimo?
- Unlimited broadband at 60 Mbps or higher in Nanaimo costs around $72 per month — useful context for remote workers comparing locations.