If you’ve been considering a move to Vancouver Island, Nanaimo is quickly proving it deserves serious attention — and it’s not just locals saying it. Recent national rankings place Nanaimo among the top cities in Canada for overall quality of life, reinforcing what residents already know: this city offers an exceptional balance of lifestyle, affordability, and livability.
Nanaimo Ranked Among Canada’s Best Cities to Live
According to Numbeo’s Quality of Life Index, which evaluates cities based on factors like climate, healthcare, cost of living, safety, purchasing power, and housing affordability, Nanaimo ranked second in all of Canada — ahead of major centres like Vancouver and Victoria.
This ranking was recently highlighted by CBC News, lending further credibility to the data and its implications for people considering a move.
What the Numbers Mean for Home Buyers
Quality-of-life rankings aren’t just abstract statistics — they reflect how a city feels to live in day-to-day. Here’s why Nanaimo’s high score matters for buyers:
1. Mild Climate and Outdoor Lifestyle
Nanaimo scored exceptionally high for climate, reflecting mild winters, comfortable summers, and an environment that supports year-round outdoor living. For buyers relocating from harsher climates or congested urban centres, this translates into more time spent outside and a better overall lifestyle.
2. Strong Healthcare Access
Healthcare availability is a major consideration for families, professionals, and retirees alike. Nanaimo performs well for a city its size, offering access to hospitals, clinics, and essential services — an important factor for long-term planning.
3. Balanced Cost of Living
While home prices across British Columbia have risen in recent years, Nanaimo continues to offer a more balanced cost of living compared to larger metropolitan areas. Buyers are often able to secure more space, larger lots, or newer homes than they would in Vancouver or Victoria, without sacrificing amenities.
4. Better Purchasing Power
Numbeo’s data also shows Nanaimo with a strong purchasing power index, meaning household income stretches further here. For buyers, that can mean greater flexibility, improved housing options, and a more comfortable lifestyle overall.
5. Lifestyle Without the Big-City Trade-Offs
Nanaimo combines coastal living, beaches, parks, trails, and ocean access with urban conveniences like shopping, restaurants, schools, and ferry connections to the mainland. Commute times are shorter, communities are tight-knit, and daily life feels more manageable — all factors reflected in its high quality-of-life score.
The Bottom Line
Nanaimo’s ranking isn’t just about beauty — it’s about livability. Backed by independent data from Numbeo and reported by CBC News, Nanaimo stands out as a city where buyers can enjoy a high quality of life without the pressure and price tags of larger markets.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a growing family, a retiree, or someone relocating for work or lifestyle, Nanaimo offers a compelling mix of value, comfort, and long-term appeal.
If you’re thinking about making a move and want to understand which neighborhoods, property types, or price points make the most sense for your goals, I’m happy to help.