What is the cost of living in Ottawa?
Ottawa's cost of living is moderate by Canadian standards — significantly lower than Toronto or Vancouver, though higher than most smaller Canadian cities. The biggest expense is housing; groceries, transit, and entertainment are comparable to other Ontario cities. Ottawa's strong public sector job market means many residents earn above the national median, making the city more affordable in practice than the raw numbers suggest.
Housing Costs
Housing is Ottawa's largest cost driver. Rough 2025–2026 averages:
- Renting: 1-bedroom apartment: $1,700–$2,200/month; 2-bedroom: $2,100–$2,800/month
- Buying: Condos from ~$400,000; detached homes from ~$650,000
Prices vary significantly by neighbourhood — Centretown and Westboro are pricier; Barrhaven, Orleans, and Vanier offer more affordable options. See the Ottawa real estate market guide for full detail.
Groceries and Food
Groceries in Ottawa are comparable to Ontario averages. A single person should budget $350–$500/month for groceries. Ottawa has Farm Boy (local premium), Loblaws, Metro, FreshCo, and No Frills for a range of price points. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant runs $18–$30/person for a main; a quick lunch is $12–$18.
Transportation
- OC Transpo monthly pass: ~$118/month (adult, unlimited zones)
- Gas/car costs: If you own a car, factor in insurance ($150–$200/month), parking ($100–$200/month downtown), and gas. Many urban residents skip car ownership.
- Cycling: Free via personal bike or ~$18/month for Bike Share Ottawa
Utilities
Average monthly utility costs for a 2-bedroom apartment or condo:
- Electricity: $80–$120/month (Ottawa uses electric heat in some buildings, hydro costs more in winter)
- Heat (gas): $80–$150/month in winter; minimal in summer
- Internet: $60–$90/month (Rogers, Bell, TekSavvy)
- Cell phone: $40–$80/month depending on plan
Entertainment and Lifestyle
Ottawa's entertainment costs are reasonable. Many major attractions are free or low-cost (museums, parks, cycling paths, free festivals). A gym membership averages $40–$70/month; a movie ticket is around $15–$18. Ottawa's restaurant scene is excellent without Toronto-level price inflation.
Rough Monthly Budget (Single Person, Urban Core)
| Category | Low | High | |---|---|---| | Rent (1BR) | $1,700 | $2,200 | | Groceries | $350 | $500 | | Transit | $0 | $118 | | Utilities | $100 | $200 | | Dining/Entertainment | $200 | $500 | | Total | $2,350 | $3,518 |
For moving and neighbourhood resources, see moving to Ottawa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ottawa more expensive than Toronto? No — Ottawa is meaningfully cheaper than Toronto, particularly for housing. Rent and purchase prices in Ottawa are typically 30–50% lower than comparable Toronto properties.
What is a good salary to live comfortably in Ottawa? A single person can live comfortably on $65,000–$80,000/year in Ottawa's urban core. A family with two incomes in the $120,000–$160,000 range can afford a home and lifestyle with some margin.
Is Ottawa affordable for students? Relatively yes — Carleton and uOttawa are in areas with lower-cost rental options. Many students find shared accommodation in Centretown, Sandy Hill, or Vanier for $800–$1,100/month per bedroom.
Does Ottawa have high property taxes? Ottawa's property tax rate is moderate — roughly 1.0–1.1% of assessed value per year. On a $700,000 home, expect around $7,000–$8,000/year in property taxes.
