Cost of Living in Ottawa, Canada

Are you considering a move to Ottawa, Canada, and wondering about the cost of living? Ottawa is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Ottawa and help you understand whether $3331 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $3073.98.

Restaurants
Markets
Transportation
Childcare
Clothing
Rent Per Month
Buy Apartment
Salaries
Ottawa, Canada
restaurant

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

22.16 $

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

88.65 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

9.79 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

5.91 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

6.65 $

Cappuccino (regular)

4.13 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

2.47 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

1.7 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

2.36 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

2.9 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

3.68 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

3.26 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

12.64 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

12.48 $

Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

15.26 $

Apples (1 lb)

3.76 $

Banana (1 lb)

1.32 $

Oranges (1 lb)

3.12 $

Tomato (1 lb)

3.6 $

Potato (1 lb)

2.32 $

Onion (1 lb)

2.2 $

Lettuce (1 head)

2.29 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

1.63 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

12.56 $

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

2.6 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

2.54 $

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

11.08 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

2.77 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

92.71 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

3.32 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

2.07 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

36.94 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

1.24 $

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

19945.75 $

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

19165.4 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment

191.78 $

1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)

--

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

66.4 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

59.61 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

28.32 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

12.0 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

1128.97 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

20267.52 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

66.1 $

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

56.47 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

120.64 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

147.83 $

night_shelter

Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

1446.87 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

1296.16 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

2276.3 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

1818.1 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

6722.8 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

6079.87 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

3073.98 $

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

7.28 %

Cost of Living in Ottawa, Canada

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the monthly cost of living in Ottawa?

The monthly expenses for living in Ottawa come to a total of approximately $3331. This includes an average monthly rent of around $1446 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $224 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $935 per month.

How affordable is living in Ottawa?

Living in Ottawa appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $3073.98. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Ottawa, you would likely need an income exceeding $3073.98.

What is the average salary in Ottawa?

In Ottawa, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $3073.98, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.

What is the average rent in Ottawa?

The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Ottawa is approximately $1446. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $1296.16 for such an apartment.

What is the cost of groceries in Ottawa?

The expense for groceries in Ottawa can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $671 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.

What is the cost of living in Canada?

The cost of living in Canada can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout Canada.

Ottawa, Canada

How Safe Is Ottawa, Canada for Travel?
Warnings & Dangers in Ottawa, Canada

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Scams in Ottawa are very rare. However, safety precautions are always advisable.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

The threat of terrorism is unlikely here. But anyone should be watchful and cautioned.

OVERALL RISK: LOW

Ottawa is one of the safest places on the planet, however, minor robberies are possible. You must be especially careful if traveling in winter - the cold here is really an issue.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Taxis are completely safe, at night it is better to use this particular mode of transport. Public transport is quite convenient and safe, but there are cases of robbery. Be careful.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

Pickpocket risk happens in public transport and in tourist places. Keep track of your pockets.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

This region has a high risk of avalanches, earthquakes, hurricanes, and landslides. Discover information about the current situation before your visit.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

In some neighborhood areas of the city, the possibilities of mugging exist, so tourists are advised not to walk through certain risky zones, especially after midnight.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Normally, women are generally safe in Ottawa. Be cautioned in public transport at night. Use common sense while getting around Ottawa.

Useful Information & Tips
credit_card

Visas

A visa to enter Canada for tourists that stay less than 180 days is not obligatory for certain nationalities and that can be checked online. A valid passport is a must.

currency_exchange

Currency

The official currency in Canada is the Canadian dollar. The Canadian dollar has a symbol: $ and code: CAD. It is divided into 100 cents.

cloudy_snowing

Weather

The best times to visit Ottawa for ideal weather are from mid-May to October. The average temperatures in Ottawa vary great. The weather feels cold for about half of the year and otherwise nice with a chance of rain or snow throughout most of the year.

flight_takeoff

Airports

Ottawa/Macdonald–Cartier International Airport is an international airport named after the Canadian statesmen and two of the "founding fathers of Canada", Sir John A. Macdonald and Sir George-Étienne Cartier. Located in 10 km south of downtown Ottawa.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

The travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country. Make sure you got it before starting your journey, the customs officer may ask for it.

Ottawa, Canada

What about weather in Ottawa, Canada ?
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 23°F 26°F 37°F 53°F 67°F 75°F 79°F 77°F 68°F 55°F 41°F 28°F
Temp 14°F 17°F 28°F 43°F 57°F 65°F 70°F 68°F 59°F 47°F 35°F 22°F
Low 7°F 10°F 21°F 35°F 47°F 56°F 60°F 58°F 50°F 39°F 28°F 15°F
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High -5°C -3°C 2°C 11°C 19°C 23°C 26°C 25°C 20°C 12°C 5°C -2°C
Temp -10°C -8°C -2°C 6°C 13°C 18°C 21°C 20°C 15°C 8°C 1°C -5°C
Low -13°C -12°C -6°C 1°C 8°C 13°C 15°C 14°C 10°C 3°C -2°C -9°C

Comparison Cost of living in other cities in Canada with Ottawa

Comparison Cost of living in other cities

Cost of living in countries