Ottawa, Canada
Cost of living · 2026 · Americas · Rent +2.6% vs 2025
Rent trend in Ottawa (2022–2026)
Cost breakdown in Ottawa (2026)
Estimated monthly budget in Ottawa
Based on 2026 data. Includes rent, groceries, transport, utilities and occasional dining out.
Cost comparison — cities in Canada (2026)
| City | 1-Bed Rent | Groceries | Transport | Utilities | vs Ottawa |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ottawa | CAD 2,124 | CAD 520 | CAD 136 | CAD 175 | — |
| Calgary | CAD 2,018 | CAD 536 | CAD 122 | CAD 186 | -5% |
| Edmonton | CAD 1,805 | CAD 510 | CAD 106 | CAD 178 | -15% |
| Montreal | CAD 1,911 | CAD 526 | CAD 102 | CAD 181 | -10% |
| Toronto | CAD 2,761 | CAD 552 | CAD 175 | CAD 196 | +30% |
| Vancouver | CAD 2,973 | CAD 568 | CAD 122 | CAD 202 | +40% |
Other Americas cities (2026)
Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of living in Ottawa in 2026?
In 2026, a single person living in Ottawa needs approximately CAD 3,117/month, covering rent, groceries, transport and utilities. A family of 3–4 typically spends around CAD 5,972/month. Ottawa is considered a relatively expensive city by global standards.
How much is rent in Ottawa in 2026?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Ottawa costs approximately CAD 2,124/month in 2026. A 3-bedroom apartment runs around CAD 3,929/month. Rent has changed +2.6% vs 2025.
How much do groceries cost in Ottawa?
Monthly grocery costs for one person in Ottawa are approximately CAD 520 in 2026. This covers basic supermarket shopping including food and household essentials.
What does public transport cost in Ottawa?
A monthly public transport pass in Ottawa costs CAD 136 in 2026, covering unlimited bus, metro and tram travel within the city.
How much are utilities in Ottawa?
Monthly utility costs in Ottawa average CAD 175 in 2026, covering electricity, heating/cooling, water and internet for a standard apartment.
Is Ottawa expensive to live in?
Ottawa is located in Canada (Americas). With a 1-bed rent of CAD 2,124/month and total single-person expenses around CAD 3,117/month, it is relatively expensive by global standards.
How much does eating out cost in Ottawa?
A typical restaurant meal for one person in Ottawa costs approximately CAD 20 in 2026. Budget around CAD 161/month if dining out a few times a week.
How have living costs in Ottawa changed over time?
LifeIndexed tracks cost of living data for Ottawa from 2022 to 2026. 1-bed rent has increased by 20.7% over this period (from CAD 1,760 in 2022 to CAD 2,124 in 2026). Use the year tabs above to compare costs across years.
What is the monthly budget needed to live comfortably in Ottawa?
To live comfortably in Ottawa in 2026, a single person needs approximately CAD 3,117/month. This covers rent (CAD 2,124), groceries (CAD 520), transport (CAD 136), utilities (CAD 175) and dining out occasionally. A family of 3–4 should budget around CAD 5,972/month.