Today I will be exploring the differences between living in The Comox Valley and living in Nanaimo. I want to start off by saying that in no way is this intended to say one is better than the other but is to simply highlight aspects that might make one location more desirable if you’re considering a move to Vancouver Island.
The Comox Valley is a picturesque region encompassing Courtenay, Comox, and Cumberland, about an hour's drive north of Nanaimo. It boasts a warm community vibe with a population of around 75,000 and a population density of 44.40/km².
In comparison, As of 2022, the City of Nanaimo has a population density of 1,147/km² and a population of just under 105,000 people. Keeping in mind that this is for the city of Nanaimo proper and The Comox Valley includes 3 regions, the Comox valley offers a more intimate setting compared to the hustle of the larger city of Nanaimo. If you're after that tight-knit feel, the Comox Valley might be calling your name.
Now, let's talk amenities!
While the Comox Valley provides all the essentials, the larger population in Nanaimo means a broader array of shopping, dining, and cultural experiences. However, don't count the Comox Valley out! It's got everything you truly need, including a Costco for shopping, often with shorter travel times. And while Nanaimo might have more activities for you to do on a night out, Comox also has plenty of festivals and music events throughout the year, especially in the warm summer months such as the BC Seafood festival and Vancouver Island Musicfest.
Housing Costs and Taxes
Ah, the big question: housing costs. In the Comox Valley, the median price for a 3-bedroom home hovers around $630,000. It's an attractive option for those seeking affordability without sacrificing quality. Property taxes in 2023 in Comox is 0.409651%. Now, compare that to Nanaimo's median home price of $749,950, and a property tax rate of 0.600870%. If you meet in the middle and consider a $700,000 property, that home in the Comox will cost you $2868 in property taxes whereas in Nanaimo that same home will cost you $4,206 in property taxes and remember -Nanaimo is also ranked number 3 in third highest property taxes in BC.
If you’re in the rental market, The Comox Valley offers a variety of options, with a vacancy rate of around 3%. The average cost for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,300. In Nanaimo, the vacancy rate is slightly lower at 2.2%, with an average rental cost of $1,450 for a 1-bedroom unit.
Outdoor Paradise
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast like myself, you’ll love both the Comox Valley and Nanaimo which grant easy access to stunning outdoor activities.
The Comox Valley has become a meca for mountain bikers, particularly in Cumberland which has become what they call the “Squamish” of Vancouver Island with many young active families are relocating to take advantage of the outdoor living. Cumberland was ranked number 1 in the country for mountain biking, according to Osprey.com. Many of these trails surround Puntledge River. It also has proximity to Mount Washington for skiing. Also check out breathtaking Brown’s River Falls which we had the privilege to visit a couple of times this summer, my dogs, especially Tika, and Simon had a blast!
Nanaimo offers majestic Mount Benson and there are no shortage of Mountain Biking Trails. It’s central location makes it a great starting point for exploring all of Vancouver Island’s beauty so you can take advantage of what other areas have to offer a little easier. Which leads me to my next point…
Travel
For jet-setters, the Comox Valley Airport offers convenient regional connections. Nanaimo Airport provides similar options, and both cities have BC Ferries terminals, however the Comox terminal in Little River only provides service to Powell River on the sunshine coast. Nanaimo has two terminals in Departure Bay and Duke point which connect you to either West Vancouver or Tswassen and with Nanaimo’s new Hullo Ferries service, you can be in downtown Vancouver in only 70 minutes. I think when you compare the Comox Valley to Nanaimo, Nanaimo is simply a more convenient place to live for travel due to it’s central location and transportation options.
Weather
When it comes to Vancouver Island cities, Nanaimo and Comox, Courtenay and Cumberland are very similar. Both are located on the east coast of the island and experience moderate winters and summers. The coldest month is December, with average temperatures of between 2-6 degrees C. During this month In terms of snow, Comox wins with a slightly higher snowfall than Nanaimo in terms of quantity. Comox Valley will accumulate on average 45 millimetres of snow on average compared to Nanaimo’s 31 millimetres of snow. Both areas are also similar for “wet days” or days with precipitation with at least 1 millimetre of rain. Both regions experience an over 55% chance of rain during the month of November. So if you’re trying to pick based on weather, it’s safe to say you’ll be getting about the same in both areas.
So, which one's your dream destination? The Comox Valley invites you to its warm, tight-knit community, while Nanaimo dazzles with a broader array of amenities. No matter your choice, you'll be embraced by breathtaking landscapes and the charm of Vancouver Island.
