- Download our Moving to Ottawa Guide (PDF)
Though Ottawa is Canada's capital, the cost of living in the city is one of the most affordable in the country. The 2023 Mercer Cost of Living Survey ranks Ottawa as 137th out of 227 cities surveyed, making it Canada's fourth most expensive city.
Cost of accommodation in Ottawa
Renting accommodation in Ottawa is far more affordable than in other major Canadian cities such as Vancouver or Toronto, depending on the areas and suburbs expats choose to live in. Property prices in Ottawa are also lower than the national median, while housing is generally of an excellent standard.
Cost of entertainment and eating out in Ottawa
Ontario's designated culinary tourism destination, Ottawa, boasts exquisite and diverse gastronomy. With myriad cuisines on offer, it's easy to see why eating out is a favourite pastime among locals, even though it doesn't always come cheap. Eating out at one of the many top restaurants in the city can be quite steep. That said, expats on a budget are sure to find great restaurants that won't break the bank.
The nightlife in Ottawa is lively, with plenty of bars and clubs in the ByWard Market District, but costs can add up quickly. Expats who enjoy a regular night out on the town can reduce their expenses by visiting the student watering holes, where prices are usually lower. Alternatively, adventure-loving expats can access the city's parks, forests and wetlands at little to no cost.
Cost of groceries in Ottawa
Although the cost of groceries in Ottawa is among the most affordable in Canada, it is rising, and residents are spending more for basic goods such as fruit and vegetables, protein and wholegrain goods. Still, expats will find that their dollars will go far in Ottawa, especially if they stick to discount stores and buy seasonal produce. Meal planning, buying directly from the store rather than online, and purchasing produce with imperfections are some other ways to save money while shopping.
Cost of transport in Ottawa
Ottawa has a relatively affordable, efficient and clean public transport system. Regular commuters can boost their savings by purchasing an integrated Presto smart card for accessing public transit across Ottawa and the Greater Toronto and Hamilton areas. Cycling is another cheap and healthy way to get around the city.
Cost of healthcare in Ottawa
Expats living and working in Ottawa are eligible for coverage under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). The public health insurance plan is funded through automatic tax deductions but does not cover prescription medicine, optometry or dentistry services.
Luckily, most expats will have employer-provided private health insurance to cover these costs. Expats who do not have this benefit should shop around for the best deal.
Cost of education in Ottawa
Public schools in Ottawa are free for all students from kindergarten to grade 12 and offer good-quality education in either English or French. Expat parents also have the option to send their children to international or private schools, but the tuition fees tend to be steep.
Cost of living in Ottawa chart
Prices may vary depending on product and service provider. The list below shows average prices for June 2023.
Accommodation (monthly) |
|
One-bedroom apartment in city centre |
CAD 1,800 |
One-bedroom apartment outside of centre |
CAD 1,600 |
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre |
CAD 3,000 |
Three-bedroom apartment outside of centre |
CAD 2,430 |
Shopping |
|
Milk (1 litre) |
CAD 2.77 |
Loaf of white bread |
CAD 2.39 |
Chicken breasts (1kg) |
CAD 15.15 |
Rice (1kg) |
CAD 5 |
Dozen eggs |
CAD 4.37 |
Pack of cigarettes |
CAD 15 |
Eating out |
|
Big Mac meal |
CAD 13 |
Coca-Cola (330ml) |
CAD 3.21 |
Cappuccino |
CAD 5.55 |
Bottle of local beer |
CAD 8 |
Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant |
CAD 100 |
Utilities |
|
Mobile phone monthly plan with data |
CAD 55 |
Internet (Uncapped ADSL or Cable – average per month) |
CAD 84 |
Basic utilities (per month for a small apartment) |
CAD 230 |
Transportation |
|
Taxi rate/km |
CAD 2.75 |
City centre bus fare/train fare |
CAD 3.75 |
Petrol/gasoline (per litre) |
CAD 1.70 |
Further reading
►For information about money matters in Canada see Banking, Money and Taxes in Canada
Expat Interviews
"I do find Canada a bit cheaper than France but expats often argue about this and there is no perfect answer—it depends on your way of life. Generally speaking, wine, dairy products, telco (phone, cable, Internet) and public transit are more expensive than in France. Housing, clothing, utilities are cheaper."
Find out more about expat life in Ottawa in our interview with French expat Juliette.
Are you an expat living in Ottawa?
Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Ottawa. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.
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