Living in Victoria vs Nanaimo, what's the difference?

Nanaimo is a little cheaper than Victoria. The cost of living in Nanaimo is about 8 -12% lower than in Victoria. Nanaimo is less crowded and has a population of greater Nanaimo of about 170,367 people, while greater Victoria's population is about 397,237people.

Homes for sale in Nanaimo BC are also a bit less expensive than homes for sale in Victoria, and experts say that real estate in Nanaimo is a very good investment given the current Affordable Housing Crisis in Vancouver BC and the housing crunch in Victoria. To assist home buyers The Neal Estate Group has The top Nanaimo realtors ready to help in Nanaimo, Victoria and other location on Vancouver Island. 

Nanaimo also has a lower crime rate than Victoria. Since 2012, the crime rate in Nanaimo has been lower than in Victoria. In 2016, Nanaimo's crime rate was about 20%  lower than Victoria's. The crime rate now in Nanaimo is about 40% lower than the crime rate in Victoria. There are petty crimes in Nanaimo, but violent crime is relatively  rare.

Nanaimo's cost of living is higher than it used to be. Like in many other places across the world, costs have risen sharply in the last few years, and Nanaimo is no different.

Prices for necessities like food and accommodation have increased but are less expensive compared to Vancouver or Toronto.

The average monthly rent for an apartment in Nanaimo is around $1,000 and up, which is expensive when compared to other non-coastal cities in Canada. But less expensive when compared to Victoria, and Vancouver.

Groceries and other essential items are not as cheap as they use to be either, and dining out can be a pricey endeavor, (but isn't it everywhere?) however access to locally grown produce, poultry, dairy and meat make the purchases a much better and healthier option, and as mentioned prices are comparable to many other locations across Canada.

Despite the increased cost of living, Nanaimo remains an attractive city to live in. It offers a great lifestyle and a wide range of amenities and facilities, making it a great place to call home and an outstanding location to raise a family or have a fun, active retirement.

Nanaimo is a beautiful city on Vancouver Island with many opportunities for people looking to find their perfect home.

Featuring an array of detached houses, townhouses and condos, there is something for everyone in the city of Nanaimo and the surrounding area. There are many waterfront and countryside properties available with ocean and mountain views as well as lots and land packages for those who want to build their dream home from the ground up.

 The average price for a home in Nanaimo is starting at $528,000, while the average   price for a condo is $349,000. With prices being 12-20% higher in Victoria. Keep in   mind real estate prices in the last 2 years have been fluid, they can and will change at   any time.

 Some good news for home buyers, due to a few different factors, the real estate   market in Nanaimo throughout April 2022 and into May 2022 seems to be going   through a bit of a transition with some slowing in the market and there is speculation   there will be more in the coming weeks and months leading into winter.

 Many different industries contribute to the economy in Nanaimo, but some of the   most important ones include forestry, fishing, tourism, and mining. Timber is still the largest producer in Nanaimo and is shipped to post all over the world. Along with commercial fishing, the Department of Defence, Research Companies, local Credit Unions, and Health Care are just some of the industries contributing to Nanaimo’s economic development.

Vancouver Island is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, and there are plenty of options for outdoor activities in very close proximity to Nanaimo compared to what is available in Victoria.

If you want to get your heart rate up, try mountain biking at one of the many trails in town, go for a hike up Mount Benson, or try scuba diving, this area and other parts of Vancouver Island have some of the best scuba ecosystems in the world with ample support from local PADI Dive Shops from Victoria to Port Hardy.

For something a little more relaxed, take a stroll through Bowen Park or Maffeo Sutton Park. And if you're looking for some adrenaline-pumping fun, head to Thrifty Foods Adventure Zone for Zip-lining and rock climbing.

In the summer months, Nanaimo is also home to many festivals and events, including the Vancouver Island Music Festival and the Nanaimo Marine Festival.

If you’re considering living in this beautiful area or simply looking for great food, nightlife and activities close by Vancouver Island have something for every lifestyle; parks and trails like Strathcona Park neighboring Port Alberni, along with Parksville, Tofino, and the northern gulf islands, allow residents to enjoy pristine lakeside mountain views, and ocean vistas, among other fantastic amenities.