City Comparison
Nanaimo vs Toledo
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Nanaimo scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Nanaimo
Toledo
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Toledo is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
23% lower than in Nanaimo.
Housing costs are a major driver: Nanaimo's average rent is
74% higher than Toledo's.
| Metric | Nanaimo | Toledo | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,650 | $950 | +74% |
| Groceries | $420 | $342 | +23% |
| Utilities | $160 | $295 | -46% |
| Transport | $110 | $180 | -39% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $200 | +10% |
| Monthly Total | $2,560 | $1,967 | +30% |
| Cost Index | 102 | 95 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Toledo offers 18% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Toledo delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Nanaimo is estimated at
$52,000 vs $52,000 in Toledo.
| Metric | Nanaimo | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $58,000 | $71,000 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $52,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 56,863 idx | 74,737 idx |
| Household Income | $68,500 | $49,724 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Nanaimo runs warmer on average — a 51.5°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Nanaimo comes out ahead with 235 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Nanaimo sees 12.1 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Nanaimo | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 51.50°F | °F |
| Summer High | 72.90°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 34.80°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 49.20 in | in |
| Snowfall | 12.10 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 235 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Toledo has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Nanaimo.
For walkability, Nanaimo leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Nanaimo | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 23 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 45.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 52.0/100 | 46.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 42.00 | 50.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Toledo is the larger city
— approximately 0.4x the population of Nanaimo.
From a growth perspective, Nanaimo is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Toledo has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Nanaimo | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 99,863 | 267,463 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.10% | — |
| Median Age | 44.0 | 35.8 |
| Unemployment | 5.20% | 4.40% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Nanaimo
Advantages
Stunning coastal setting with immediate access to marine parks, hiking trails, and ocean recreation.
Mild coastal climate featuring warm summers and some of the mildest winters in Canada.
Presence of Vancouver Island University brings cultural vitality, educational programs, and economic stability.
Convenient transportation links including major ferry routes to the Vancouver mainland and Nanaimo Airport.
More attainable cost of living and housing compared to major metropolitan centers like Vancouver and Victoria.
Drawbacks
Housing and rental costs have risen significantly over recent years due to high regional demand.
Property crime rates, particularly theft and property offenses, remain a localized challenge in certain areas.
Reliance on personal vehicles is high, as public transit coverage outside main corridors is limited.
Access to primary care physicians can be constrained by broader provincial healthcare shortages.
Island logistics and shipping can occasionally result in higher prices for certain goods compared to the mainland.
Toledo
Advantages
Toledo offers a significantly affordable cost of living, approximately 5% lower than the national average.
The city boasts a thriving arts and cultural scene, highlighted by the world-class Toledo Museum of Art.
Residents have excellent access to nature and outdoor recreation through the extensive Metroparks system, the Maumee River, and Lake Erie.
Toledo has seen significant economic development and business investment, ranking among the top 10 nationally in 2024.
The average commute time in Toledo is relatively short at 19.8 minutes, easing daily travel for residents.
Drawbacks
Toledo has a high violent crime rate, which is significantly above the national average.
The city experiences harsh winters with cold temperatures and notable snowfall.
Toledo's infrastructure, particularly its roads, is often cited as being in poor condition.
Job opportunities in some high-growth sectors may be limited compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Public transportation options in Toledo are considered limited, leading to high car dependency for most errands.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Nanaimo
#48British Columbia, Canada
61.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,650
Avg Salary
$58,000
Cost Index
102
Commute
23 min
Transit Score
45.0/100
Walkability
52.0/100
Sunny Days
235/yr
Avg Temp
51.50°F
Pop. Growth
2.10%
Unemployment
5.20%
Livability
76
Business
69
Toledo
#590Ohio, USA
43.5 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$950
Avg Salary
$71,000
Cost Index
95
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
45.0/100
Walkability
46.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.40%
Livability
68
Business
75
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