North America Updated
Average Cost of Living in Ottawa
The average cost of living in Ottawa, Canada is $1,829 per month for a single person, and $3,581 per month for a family of four. A one-bedroom apartment rents for around $1,493 per month. The local average net salary is $3,841 per month.
Affordable
Updated today
Index 41.6 · NYC = 100
Estimated monthly cost
- Single person
- $1,829 / month
- Family of 4
- $3,581 / mo
- Student
- $1,083 / mo
Includes rent, food, utilities, transport, and dining out. Excludes healthcare, taxes, and discretionary travel.
Salary that covers life in Ottawa
Adjust the household and see the gap or surplus vs. typical local pay.
Interactive
You need at least
$0 / month
Annual gross (25% tax)
$0
vs. local average net salary
$3,840.92 / month
On this page 11 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary calculator for Ottawa | Find out the monthly salary needed for a single, family, or student lifestyle. |
| Rent & Property Prices in Ottawa | Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter. |
| Grocery Prices in Ottawa | Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat. |
| Public Transport & Car Costs in Ottawa | Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices. |
| Utility & Internet Costs in Ottawa | Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills. |
| Childcare & Preschool in Ottawa | Preschool fees and international school tuition. |
| Clothing Prices in Ottawa | Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores. |
| Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Ottawa | Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets. |
| Restaurant Prices in Ottawa | Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks. |
| Salaries & Mortgages in Ottawa | Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates. |
| Ottawa FAQs | Common questions about rent, salaries, food, and transport in Ottawa. |
Rent & Property Prices in Ottawa
Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $1,493 | $1,317 – $1,763 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $1,265 | $1,097 – $1,463 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $2,332 | $2,048 – $2,706 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $1,955 | $1,719 – $2,194 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $4,438 | $3,657 – $4,865 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $4,371 | $2,852 – $4,973 |
- 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $1,493$1,317 – $1,763
- 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $1,265$1,097 – $1,463
- 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $2,332$2,048 – $2,706
- 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $1,955$1,719 – $2,194
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre $4,438$3,657 – $4,865
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre $4,371$2,852 – $4,973
Grocery Prices in Ottawa
Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) | $2.38 | $1.16 – $4.02 |
| Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) | $2.95 | $1.46 – $5.12 |
| White Rice (1 kg) | $3.15 | $1.76 – $5.12 |
| Eggs (12, Large Size) | $3.26 | $2.04 – $4.39 |
| Local Cheese (1 kg) | $9.48 | $5.11 – $24 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | $12 | $7.31 – $20 |
| Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) | $16 | $11 – $23 |
| Apples (1 kg) | $4.29 | $2.19 – $5.85 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | $1.40 | $1.02 – $3.22 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | $3.99 | $2.19 – $5.49 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | $3.74 | $1.46 – $5.85 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | $2.43 | $1.02 – $4.39 |
| Onions (1 kg) | $2.83 | $1.46 – $4.82 |
| Lettuce (1 Head) | $2.69 | $1.46 – $3.66 |
| Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) | $1.59 | $0.71 – $2.56 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $11 | $11 – $18 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) | $2.69 | $2.19 – $3.10 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $3.35 | $2.19 – $5.85 |
| Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) | $15 | $14 – $18 |
- Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) $2.38$1.16 – $4.02
- Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) $2.95$1.46 – $5.12
- White Rice (1 kg) $3.15$1.76 – $5.12
- Eggs (12, Large Size) $3.26$2.04 – $4.39
- Local Cheese (1 kg) $9.48$5.11 – $24
- Chicken Fillets (1 kg) $12$7.31 – $20
- Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) $16$11 – $23
- Apples (1 kg) $4.29$2.19 – $5.85
- Bananas (1 kg) $1.40$1.02 – $3.22
- Oranges (1 kg) $3.99$2.19 – $5.49
- Tomatoes (1 kg) $3.74$1.46 – $5.85
- Potatoes (1 kg) $2.43$1.02 – $4.39
- Onions (1 kg) $2.83$1.46 – $4.82
- Lettuce (1 Head) $2.69$1.46 – $3.66
- Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) $1.59$0.71 – $2.56
- Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) $11$11 – $18
- Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) $2.69$2.19 – $3.10
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $3.35$2.19 – $5.85
- Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) $15$14 – $18
Public Transport & Car Costs in Ottawa
Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | $2.94 | $2.93 – $3.04 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) | $99 | $80 – $102 |
| Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) | $2.78 | $2.78 – $4.07 |
| Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) | $1.54 | $1.53 – $1.54 |
| Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) | $20 | $20 – $26 |
| Gasoline (1 Liter) | $1.05 | $0.87 – $1.32 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) | $28,949 | $24,851 – $28,949 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) | $21,873 | $18,402 – $25,226 |
- One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) $2.94$2.93 – $3.04
- Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) $99$80 – $102
- Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) $2.78$2.78 – $4.07
- Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) $1.54$1.53 – $1.54
- Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) $20$20 – $26
- Gasoline (1 Liter) $1.05$0.87 – $1.32
- Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) $28,949$24,851 – $28,949
- Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) $21,873$18,402 – $25,226
Utility & Internet Costs in Ottawa
Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | $153 | $95 – $219 |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) | $37 | $26 – $44 |
| Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) | $47 | $32 – $73 |
- Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) $153$95 – $219
- Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) $37$26 – $44
- Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) $47$32 – $73
Childcare & Preschool in Ottawa
Preschool fees and international school tuition.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child | $910 | $585 – $1,097 |
| International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child | $17,449 | $16,091 – $18,285 |
- Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child $910$585 – $1,097
- International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child $17,449$16,091 – $18,285
Clothing Prices in Ottawa
Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | $55 | $26 – $88 |
| Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) | $37 | $22 – $59 |
| Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | $92 | $50 – $128 |
| Men's Leather Business Shoes | $96 | $69 – $146 |
- Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) $55$26 – $88
- Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) $37$22 – $59
- Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) $92$50 – $128
- Men's Leather Business Shoes $96$69 – $146
Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Ottawa
Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fitness Club Membership | $49 | $22 – $73 |
| Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) | $27 | $16 – $37 |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) | $12 | $11 – $15 |
- Monthly Fitness Club Membership $49$22 – $73
- Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) $27$16 – $37
- Cinema Ticket (International Release) $12$11 – $15
Restaurant Prices in Ottawa
Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $18 | $11 – $29 |
| Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) | $71 | $51 – $110 |
| Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) | $11 | $9.51 – $12 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) | $5.85 | $3.54 – $7.31 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $6.86 | $4.39 – $8.78 |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | $4.18 | $2.19 – $5.12 |
| Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) | $2.04 | $1.46 – $2.93 |
| Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) | $1.68 | $1.46 – $2.93 |
- Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant $18$11 – $29
- Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) $71$51 – $110
- Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) $11$9.51 – $12
- Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) $5.85$3.54 – $7.31
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $6.86$4.39 – $8.78
- Cappuccino (Regular Size) $4.18$2.19 – $5.12
- Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) $2.04$1.46 – $2.93
- Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) $1.68$1.46 – $2.93
Salaries & Mortgages in Ottawa
Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $3,841 | — |
| Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) | 4.29% | — |
- Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) $3,841
- Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) 4.29%
Compare Ottawa with…
Pick any city to see costs side by side.
Related cities
Similar cost tier, nearby, or in the same country.
Canada
Kitchener
Monthly / 1 person
$1,850
vs NYC
42/100
Canada
Halifax
Monthly / 1 person
$1,863
vs NYC
42.3/100
Canada
Brampton
Monthly / 1 person
$1,864
vs NYC
42.4/100
Canada
Kelowna
Monthly / 1 person
$1,783
vs NYC
40.5/100
Canada
Nanaimo
Monthly / 1 person
$1,776
vs NYC
40.4/100
Canada
Windsor
Monthly / 1 person
$1,766
vs NYC
40.1/100
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to live in Ottawa?
- An estimated $1,829 per month covers rent, food, utilities, and transport for one person in Ottawa. A family of four needs around $3,581 per month, while students living shared accommodation manage on roughly $1,083.
- How much money do I need to live in Ottawa?
- Plan for at least $1,829 per month as a single person, $3,581 per month for a family of four, or $1,083 per month as a student in shared accommodation. Add 15–25% on top for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending — that's the salary you should be targeting before relocating to Ottawa.
- What is the average rent in Ottawa?
- A one-bedroom apartment in Ottawa rents for around $1,493 per month, with three-bedroom apartments in the city centre around $2,332 per month. Prices vary depending on neighbourhood, building age, and furnishings.
- What is the average salary in Ottawa?
- The average monthly net salary in Ottawa is around $3,841. Whether that's enough to live comfortably depends on housing choice — rent typically claims 39% of a single-person paycheck.
- How much does food cost in Ottawa?
- A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Ottawa costs around $18. Cooking at home, a single person spends roughly $85 per month on groceries. Staples like milk ($2.38/L) and bread ($2.95/500g) are typical.
- What is public transport like in Ottawa?
- A monthly public transport pass in Ottawa costs around $99. Cities with extensive metro and bus networks generally let residents skip car ownership entirely, particularly when commuting from areas outside the city centre.
- Is the internet expensive in Ottawa?
- Unlimited broadband at 60 Mbps or higher in Ottawa costs around $47 per month — useful context for remote workers comparing locations.