If you’re weighing moving to Victoria vs. Nanaimo, the extra cost of Victoria can be worth it when you prioritize walkability, top-tier amenities, shorter access to specialized healthcare, and a “close-in” lifestyle in neighbourhoods like Oak Bay, Fairfield, James Bay, and Broadmead. Nanaimo often offers more space for the dollar and easier access to mid-Island recreation, with great options in North Nanaimo, Hammond Bay, and Departure Bay. The best choice depends on your daily routine, support network, and housing needs—especially if you’re downsizing, planning for aging-in-place, or buying with family in mind.
Why does Victoria cost more than Nanaimo?
Victoria’s pricing tends to reflect a mix of land scarcity, employment concentration, institutional stability, and high demand for close-to-core neighbourhoods.
Key drivers we see in Victoria BC real estate:
Limited inventory in established areas like Oak Bay and Fairfield
Strong demand for walkable, amenity-rich living near the Inner Harbour
Proximity to major employers (government, healthcare, education)
Lifestyle pull: beaches, parks, dining, arts, and year-round activity
Neighbourhood character: mature streetscapes, heritage homes, and coastal micro-locations
Nanaimo can still be highly desirable, but it often has:
More developable land and broader suburban options
More “space-per-dollar” potential in many segments
A different balance of commute patterns and amenity concentration
Is the extra cost worth it for seniors and downsizers?
Often, yes—when the move is about simplicity, proximity, and predictability rather than square footage.
When Victoria usually feels “worth it”
Victoria can make sense if you want:
Walkability to groceries, clinics, cafés, and waterfront paths
Less driving, especially if you plan to scale back car use
Shorter access to specialized services and major medical facilities
Condos and townhomes in established neighbourhoods with strong day-to-day convenience
A “lock-and-leave” lifestyle for travel or visiting family
Neighbourhoods many downsizers explore:
James Bay (flat walking, near the Inner Harbour and Dallas Road)
Fairfield (quiet streets, beaches, and parks nearby)
Oak Bay (village feel, local shops, strong community fabric)
Saanich options like Broadmead (quiet, established, easy access to shopping)
When Nanaimo can be the better fit
Nanaimo is often a strong choice if you want:
A newer home or more interior space without stretching the budget
Lower density living while still being near essentials
A home that supports multigenerational living, guests, or hobbies
A location that aligns with work or family ties mid-Island
Neighbourhoods commonly considered:
North Nanaimo / Hammond Bay (often quieter, many ocean-view pockets)
Departure Bay (ferry access and coastal feel)
Central Nanaimo (some walkability and services depending on micro-location)
What’s the lifestyle difference day to day?
For most people, the “worth it” question comes down to what you do on a regular Tuesday—not just weekend plans.
Victoria: compact, walkable, amenity-dense
Victoria tends to offer:
More walkable neighbourhoods and “errand convenience”
A larger concentration of restaurants, arts, and events
Easy access to waterfront paths, parks, and community centres
A stronger “close-in” living option if you prefer to avoid highway driving
Local perspective: there’s a meaningful difference between being able to walk to a café in Cook Street Village or Oak Bay Village versus needing to drive for most errands.
Nanaimo: more spread out, outdoor access, mid-Island launchpad
Nanaimo often offers:
Faster access to mid-Island recreation and weekend escapes
A pace that can feel less crowded
More house options at various price points
Practical ferry access (especially if your travel patterns align)
How do healthcare access and aging-in-place considerations compare?
Healthcare needs vary significantly by person, but planning ahead is prudent for downsizers and families.
Victoria strengths
Victoria generally offers:
More specialist availability and larger healthcare institutions
More neighbourhoods where you can reduce driving
More options for support services close by (depending on location)
Nanaimo strengths
Nanaimo can be a fit if:
Your care team and support network are already mid-Island
You prefer a home layout that supports main-floor living
You’re comfortable driving to services, or choosing a location near essentials
Practical “aging-in-place” checklist (either city):
Primary bedroom on the main level (or elevator-ready strata)
Minimal stairs, or ability to add safety features
Proximity to groceries, pharmacy, and a trusted clinic
Building features: secure entry, good lighting, storage, and accessible parking
What about transportation: airports, ferries, and getting around?
This is a quiet deal-breaker for many households.
Victoria transportation realities
YYJ (Victoria International Airport) is convenient if you’re on the Saanich Peninsula (Sidney, North Saanich, Brentwood Bay)
Downtown Victoria is well-served by transit and walkability in certain areas
If you travel frequently to Vancouver, you’ll weigh ferry access (Swartz Bay for the Tsawwassen route)
Nanaimo transportation realities
Nanaimo can be strong for:
Ferry access for certain routes
Being mid-Island if your life pulls north and south
Getting around is often more car-dependent, depending on neighbourhood
Tip: match your location to your real routine. If you expect to ferry often, map the drive times at the hours you’ll actually travel.
Is Victoria “safer” or “better” than Nanaimo?
Both communities have areas that feel quieter and areas that feel more active. Instead of broad labels, focus on micro-location.
A better approach:
Visit the street at different times of day
Check walk routes to the places you’ll go most (groceries, parks, coffee)
Look at practical items like lighting, parking, and building security
Ask about strata policies and maintenance history if you’re buying a condo/townhome
We can help you compare neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood in Victoria, Oak Bay, Saanich, and Nanaimo without pressure or judgment—just practical insight.
Which city is better for families and multigenerational living?
For families, “worth it” is often about schools, commute patterns, and whether the home supports evolving needs.
Victoria area family advantages
Strong demand for family-friendly neighbourhoods across:
Saanich (Broadmead, Gordon Head)
Oak Bay (walkable community feel)
Vic West / Esquimalt edge depending on lifestyle priorities
Access to recreation, programs, and community amenities
A wide range of housing types, though prices can be higher in many pockets
Nanaimo family advantages
More options where you may find:
Additional bedrooms
Larger yards
Newer construction or more flexible layouts
Easier “space planning” for:
A parent moving in
A home office
Teens needing room to spread out
Could Saanich Peninsula homes be the “best of both” option?
If Victoria feels pricey and Nanaimo feels far, the Saanich Peninsula can be a smart middle ground for many downsizers and families.
Areas to explore:
Sidney: walkable, seaside energy, easy errands
Brentwood Bay: village feel with a calmer pace
Cordova Bay: coastal pockets and established homes
North Saanich: more space, often a quieter lifestyle
This can keep you close to Victoria amenities while avoiding some of the tightest price pressure in the core.
Explore options here:
How should you think about resale and long-term value—without guessing the market?
No one can promise future performance. That said, market trends suggest that homes with enduring livability tend to hold demand better over time.
Features that often support long-term appeal (Victoria or Nanaimo):
Walkability or strong proximity to services
Efficient, functional floorplans
Quality building maintenance (especially in strata)
Quiet micro-locations away from persistent noise or traffic issues
Practical parking, storage, and accessible entry
Rather than trying to “time” the market, we usually encourage clients to choose a home that fits:
Your 5–10 year lifestyle horizon
Your mobility and maintenance preferences
Your support network and day-to-day needs
Taxes, legal considerations, and estates: what you should know before deciding
A move often intersects with big life logistics—especially for downsizers or estate-related sales.
Common topics we see:
Property Transfer Tax (PTT) when buying in BC
Capital gains considerations for non-principal residences
Probate and estate timelines when a property is sold as part of an estate
Strata document review, depreciation reports, and bylaws
Please consult a qualified accountant or lawyer for specific advice.
We’re happy to coordinate with your professional advisors so you feel supported and informed throughout the process.
A practical decision framework: Victoria vs. Nanaimo
If you want a grounded way to decide, score each city against what matters most to you.
Step 1: Define your “non-negotiables”
Examples:
Walk to groceries and coffee in under 15 minutes
Minimal stairs / elevator building
Space for visiting family
Ocean proximity
Short drive to the airport or ferry
Quiet street and easy parking
Step 2: Choose your top 3 lifestyle priorities
For many clients, it’s one of these combinations:
Convenience + walkability + services (often points to Victoria/Oak Bay/Saanich)
Space + flexibility + value (often points to Nanaimo)
Balanced access (often points to Sidney/Brentwood Bay/Cordova Bay)
Step 3: Compare housing options with a realistic budget
Instead of focusing only on price, compare:
Monthly costs (including strata fees if applicable)
Maintenance expectations (yard, exterior, stairs)
Renovation tolerance (move-in ready vs. projects)
Step 4: Run a “future you” test
Ask:
Will this home still work if driving becomes less appealing?
Can friends and family visit easily?
Does the layout support changing needs?
Common scenarios we see—and what often fits best
“We want to downsize but stay close to culture and walkability.”
Often fits:
Victoria, James Bay, Fairfield, Oak Bay, parts of Saanich
“We want more space for family visits and hobbies.”
Often fits:
Nanaimo, especially neighbourhoods with larger lots or newer layouts
“We want ocean vibe without downtown intensity.”
Often fits:
Cordova Bay, Sidney, select Nanaimo coastal pockets like Departure Bay or Hammond Bay (micro-location matters)
“We’re helping a parent move closer—but need good access and easy living.”
Often fits:
Saanich and Victoria areas with strong services and simpler mobility
How The Webbers can help you compare—without pressure
A smart move is rarely about one headline number. It’s about fit, comfort, and clarity.
When you’re ready, we can help you:
Compare neighbourhoods in Victoria, Oak Bay, Saanich, and Nanaimo
Build a shortlist that matches your real lifestyle and future planning
Evaluate strata documents and building history (with appropriate professional support)
Navigate timelines and logistics with care and discretion
Reading this post does not create an agency relationship. Agency relationships in BC are created through a written agreement.
Next Step
Thinking about moving to Victoria vs. Nanaimo? Reach out to The Webbers for a no-pressure conversation. We’ll help you weigh the lifestyle, neighbourhood, and housing options so you can make a confident decision, when you are ready.