Last Updated: December 22, 2025
The average cost of living in Ottawa for 2025 is $3,200-$4,500 per month for a single person, or $6,500-$9,000 for a family of four. This includes rent (averaging $1,850 for a one-bedroom apartment), groceries ($300-$450/month), utilities ($150-$200), and transportation ($125 transit pass). According to Numbeo’s cost of living database, Ottawa remains 15-20% more affordable than Toronto while offering similar urban amenities.
Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or a student, knowing what to budget for rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare helps you plan ahead. This guide breaks down the major expense categories so you can build a realistic 2025 budget for living in Ottawa.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: The average cost of living in Ottawa for a single person ranges from $3,200-4,500/month including rent, while families can expect $6,500-9,000/month. Housing is the largest expense with 1BR apartments averaging $1,850 and 2BR units at $2,350. Ottawa remains more affordable than Toronto but pricier than Montreal.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 💰 Single Person Budget | $3,200-4,500/month (with rent) |
| 💰 Family Budget (4 people) | $6,500-9,000/month (with rent) |
| 🏠 Average 1BR Rent | $1,600-2,100/month |
| 🏠 Average 2BR Rent | $2,000-2,700/month |
| 🚗 Transit Pass | $125.50/month |
| 📅 Comparison | 15% cheaper than Toronto, 10% pricier than Montreal |
Housing Costs in Ottawa 2025
Housing represents the single largest expense for Ottawa residents, accounting for 35-45% of most household budgets. According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the rental market has remained competitive throughout 2024, with vacancy rates hovering around 2.5%, leading to steady price increases across all neighbourhoods.
For a one-bedroom apartment in downtown Ottawa, expect to pay between $1,600 and $2,100 per month depending on the building age, amenities, and exact location. Newer buildings in Centretown or the ByWard Market command premium prices, often exceeding $2,000 for a modern unit with in-suite laundry and gym access. Areas like Hintonburg, Old Ottawa South, and the Glebe offer slightly better value, with one-bedroom units ranging from $1,650 to $1,900.
Two-bedroom apartments average between $2,000 and $2,700 monthly, with suburban areas like Barrhaven, Kanata, and Orleans offering the lower end of this range. These family-friendly neighbourhoods provide more space for your dollar, though you’ll trade convenience for affordability. Three-bedroom units, increasingly rare in the rental market, range from $2,500 to $3,500 depending on location and condition.
For those considering purchasing, the Ottawa housing market has stabilized after the dramatic increases of 2021-2022. The average home price sits around $650,000, with condos averaging $425,000 and detached homes reaching $750,000 or more. Monthly mortgage payments on a $500,000 property with a 20% down payment would be approximately $2,800-3,200 at current interest rates, plus property taxes averaging $3,500-5,000 annually depending on the neighbourhood.
Student housing near Carleton University and the University of Ottawa ranges from $700-1,200 per month for a room in a shared house or apartment. Purpose-built student residences charge $800-1,400 monthly, often including utilities and internet, making them competitive with off-campus options when all costs are considered.
Utilities and Internet Services
Beyond rent or mortgage payments, Ottawa residents need to budget for essential utilities that can add $150-250 monthly to housing costs. Winter heating represents the largest variable, with natural gas or electric heating bills spiking from November through March.
Electricity costs through Hydro Ottawa average $60-100 per month for an apartment and $120-180 for a house, depending on size and efficiency. Time-of-use pricing means shifting heavy electricity use to off-peak hours can reduce bills by 15-20%. Natural gas heating for a house averages $80-150 monthly, with winter months potentially reaching $200-250 when temperatures drop below -20°C.
Water and sewage services, typically billed quarterly by the City of Ottawa, cost approximately $50-70 per month for an average household. Renters often have these costs included in rent, but homeowners should budget accordingly.
Internet service from major providers like Rogers, Bell, and Videotron ranges from $60-100 monthly for basic plans with 50-150 Mbps speeds. Fiber internet with gigabit speeds costs $100-140 monthly, though promotional rates often reduce first-year costs significantly. Many residents bundle internet with cable or streaming services, with packages ranging from $100-180 monthly.
Cell phone plans in Ottawa average $50-80 monthly for individuals, with family plans offering better per-line value at $35-50 per person when sharing data. Budget providers like Fido, Koodo, and Virgin offer competitive rates, while premium carriers charge more for expanded coverage and customer service.
Renter’s insurance, highly recommended even if not required by landlords, costs $15-35 monthly for basic coverage of personal belongings and liability. Homeowner’s insurance ranges from $80-150 monthly depending on property value and coverage levels.
Grocery and Food Expenses
Food costs have increased significantly across Canada, and Ottawa is no exception. Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index data shows grocery inflation impacting family budgets throughout 2024. A single person typically spends $300-450 monthly on groceries, while couples average $550-750, and families of four budget $900-1,300 depending on dietary preferences and shopping habits.
Staple items at major grocery chains like Loblaws, Metro, and Farm Boy show consistent pricing: milk costs $5-6 per 4-liter bag, bread ranges from $3-5 per loaf, and a dozen eggs averages $4-6. Fresh produce varies seasonally, with local farmers markets offering competitive prices during summer months. A kilogram of chicken breast costs $12-16, ground beef runs $10-14 per kilogram, and fresh salmon reaches $25-35 per kilogram.
Budget-conscious shoppers can reduce costs by 20-30% by shopping at discount chains like Food Basics, FreshCo, and No Frills, which offer weekly specials and lower baseline prices on many items. Ethnic grocery stores in areas like Somerset West (Chinatown) and South Keys provide excellent value for Asian ingredients and produce.
Restaurant dining represents a significant expense for many Ottawa residents. A casual lunch downtown costs $12-20, while dinner at mid-range restaurants averages $25-40 per person before drinks and tip. Fine dining experiences at Ottawa’s top restaurants like Atelier or Play Food & Wine exceed $100 per person. Coffee shop visits add up quickly, with daily lattes from Bridgehead or Starbucks costing $5-7 each, totaling $100-150 monthly for regular customers.
Meal delivery services like UberEats and DoorDash charge premium prices, with delivery fees, service charges, and tips adding 30-50% to restaurant menu prices. A $30 meal easily becomes $45-50 after all fees, making regular delivery an expensive habit.
Transportation Costs
Transportation expenses vary dramatically based on whether residents rely on public transit, own a vehicle, or use a combination of both. Ottawa’s spread-out geography means many suburban residents find car ownership essential, while downtown dwellers can manage with transit and occasional car-sharing.
OC Transpo, Ottawa’s public transit system, charges $125.50 monthly for an adult pass, providing unlimited access to buses and the O-Train light rail system. Senior and student discounts reduce monthly costs to $51.75 and $108.25 respectively. The Presto card system allows pay-as-you-go rides at $3.70 per trip, which adds up quickly for daily commuters. Annual passes cost $1,431.50, offering modest savings for committed transit users.
Car ownership involves multiple expense categories that many underestimate. Auto insurance in Ottawa averages $1,200-1,800 annually for basic coverage, with comprehensive policies reaching $2,000-2,500 for newer vehicles or drivers with limited experience. Gas prices fluctuate between $1.45-1.65 per liter, with a typical commuter using 100-200 liters monthly, costing $145-330. Parking downtown costs $15-25 daily for surface lots and $200-350 monthly for reserved spots, though many workplaces subsidize parking.
Vehicle maintenance and repairs average $1,000-1,500 annually for routine oil changes, tire rotations, and unexpected fixes. Winter tires, mandatory in spirit if not in law, cost $600-1,200 installed and should be replaced every 3-4 winters. Registration fees run $120 annually, and emission tests cost $35 every two years for vehicles older than seven years.
Alternative transportation options provide flexibility for occasional needs. Uber and Lyft rides across Ottawa average $15-30, with airport trips costing $35-50 from downtown. Car-sharing services like Communauto offer hourly rentals starting at $8-12 per hour plus mileage, ideal for occasional errands without the burden of ownership. Bike-sharing through Bike Share Ottawa costs $99 annually, providing excellent value for warm-weather commuters.
Healthcare and Insurance
Ontario’s public healthcare system, OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan), provides comprehensive coverage for essential medical services at no direct cost to residents. Doctor visits, hospital stays, emergency care, and most diagnostic tests are fully covered for anyone with an Ontario health card. This represents a significant advantage compared to private healthcare systems, potentially saving thousands annually.
However, OHIP doesn’t cover everything. Dental care remains entirely private, with routine cleanings and checkups costing $150-250 annually, while more extensive work like fillings, root canals, and crowns can reach thousands of dollars. Vision care follows a similar model, with eye exams costing $80-120 and prescription glasses ranging from $200-600 depending on frames and lens options.
Prescription medications cost varies widely, with generic drugs often available for $10-30 per prescription while brand-name medications can exceed $100-300 monthly. Many employers provide extended health benefits covering 70-90% of prescription costs, dental care, and vision expenses, significantly reducing out-of-pocket healthcare spending.
For those without employer coverage, private health insurance costs $100-300 monthly for comprehensive coverage including dental, vision, and prescription drugs. Families pay $250-600 monthly depending on coverage levels and deductibles. These plans provide essential financial protection against unexpected medical expenses not covered by OHIP.
Mental health services represent a growing expense category, with psychologists and counsellors charging $150-250 per session. OHIP covers some mental health services through family doctors and psychiatrists, but accessing these services often involves long wait times. Many residents budget $200-400 monthly for private therapy, though some employer plans provide $500-2,000 annual coverage for mental health professionals.
Childcare and Education Costs
Families with young children face substantial childcare expenses, though recent federal and provincial programs have dramatically reduced costs. The Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care agreement has capped licensed daycare fees at an average of $12-15 per day for children under six, translating to $240-300 monthly for full-time care. This represents a massive savings compared to previous costs of $1,200-1,800 monthly.
However, finding available spots remains challenging, with many centres maintaining waiting lists of 6-18 months. Home daycare providers offer flexibility outside the subsidized system, charging $800-1,200 monthly. Before and after school programs for elementary students cost $200-400 monthly, providing supervision from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Primary and secondary education through public schools is free, though families should budget for supplies, field trips, and extracurricular activities totaling $500-1,000 annually per child. Private schools charge $8,000-25,000 annually depending on the institution and grade level.
Post-secondary education represents a major expense for families with university-age children. Tuition at Carleton University and the University of Ottawa averages $7,000-9,000 annually for Canadian undergraduates, with some programs like engineering and business reaching $10,000-12,000. International students pay $30,000-45,000 annually. Room and board at university residences adds $10,000-14,000 per academic year, while students living off-campus budget $8,000-12,000 for rent and food.
Extracurricular activities and sports programs cost $500-2,000 annually per child, with hockey being notoriously expensive at $2,000-5,000 yearly including equipment, ice time, and tournament travel. Music lessons average $30-50 per session, totaling $1,200-2,000 annually for weekly lessons.
Entertainment and Lifestyle
Ottawa offers diverse entertainment options across various price points, allowing residents to enjoy cultural attractions, dining, and recreation within reasonable budgets. National museums, including the Canadian Museum of History, Canadian War Museum, and National Gallery of Canada, charge $15-20 for adult admission, with annual passes costing $55-75 providing excellent value for frequent visitors.
Fitness and recreation represents a priority for many Ottawa residents. Gym memberships at chains like GoodLife Fitness or Movati Athletic average $50-80 monthly, while budget options like Planet Fitness cost $15-25 monthly. The City of Ottawa operates 14 recreation complexes offering gym facilities, pools, and fitness classes for annual memberships of $400-600, significantly undercutting private gyms.
Streaming entertainment services continue multiplying, with many households subscribing to multiple platforms. Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and Crave each cost $10-20 monthly, with sports packages like DAZN adding another $20-30. The average household spends $60-100 monthly on streaming services, creating a modern version of cable bills.
Alcoholic beverages represent a notable expense in Ontario’s regulated market. Beer at LCBO costs $12-18 per six-pack, wine ranges from $12-25 per bottle for everyday options, and spirits average $30-45 per bottle. Bar and restaurant drinks command premium prices, with pints costing $7-10 and cocktails reaching $12-18 in downtown establishments.
Seasonal activities add periodic costs throughout the year. Winterlude in February is free, but skating equipment rentals and hot chocolate add up. Summer festivals like Ottawa Bluesfest charge $100-150 for multi-day passes, while individual concerts cost $40-80. Canada Day celebrations on Parliament Hill are free, though nearby parking and food create expenses.
Comparing Ottawa to Toronto and Montreal
Ottawa’s cost of living falls between Canada’s two largest cities, offering better value than Toronto while being slightly more expensive than Montreal. This middle position makes Ottawa attractive for those seeking major city amenities without Toronto’s premium prices.
Housing represents the most dramatic difference. Toronto one-bedroom apartments average $2,400-2,800, compared to Ottawa’s $1,850 average, representing a 30-35% premium. Montreal offers even better value at $1,600-1,900 for comparable units. A Toronto household needs approximately $1,000-1,500 more monthly than an Ottawa equivalent for similar housing quality and location.
Transportation costs favor Ottawa over Toronto due to lower car insurance rates and less expensive parking. However, Montreal’s comprehensive metro system and lower transit pass costs ($97 monthly) make it the most affordable option for transit-dependent residents. Gas prices remain relatively consistent across all three cities.
Grocery and restaurant prices show smaller variations, with Toronto restaurants charging 10-15% more than Ottawa equivalents, while Montreal offers 5-10% savings, particularly on alcohol due to Quebec’s different taxation and retail systems. Provincial tax differences impact overall costs, with Ontario’s 13% HST compared to Quebec’s 14.975% combined provincial and federal sales tax creating minimal practical difference.
Salary differences partially offset cost variations. Ottawa’s median household income of $110,000 exceeds Montreal’s $85,000 but trails Toronto’s $125,000, according to Statistics Canada census data. Government employment, representing 25% of Ottawa’s workforce, provides salary stability and benefits superior to many private-sector positions. When factoring in both costs and income, Ottawa offers comparable or superior purchasing power to Toronto while providing a smaller, more manageable urban environment.
Budget Breakdowns by Household Type
Understanding how costs aggregate for different household types helps in realistic financial planning. These breakdowns represent moderate spending patterns, neither extremely frugal nor lavish.
Single Professional (One-Bedroom Apartment)
- Rent: $1,850
- Utilities and Internet: $180
- Groceries: $375
- Dining Out: $250
- Transit Pass: $126
- Cell Phone: $65
- Entertainment and Subscriptions: $150
- Health and Personal Care: $100
- Clothing and Miscellaneous: $200
- Savings and Emergency Fund: $500
- Total: $3,796/month
Couple (Two-Bedroom Apartment)
- Rent: $2,350
- Utilities and Internet: $220
- Groceries: $650
- Dining Out: $350
- Transit Passes (2): $251
- Cell Phones (2): $120
- Entertainment and Subscriptions: $200
- Health and Personal Care: $150
- Clothing and Miscellaneous: $300
- Savings and Emergency Fund: $800
- Total: $5,391/month
Family of Four (Three-Bedroom House)
- Mortgage/Rent: $3,200
- Property Tax: $400
- Utilities, Internet, Insurance: $450
- Groceries: $1,100
- Dining Out: $300
- Car Payment and Insurance: $650
- Gas and Parking: $280
- Childcare: $500
- Cell Phones (2): $120
- Entertainment and Activities: $400
- Health and Personal Care: $200
- Clothing and Miscellaneous: $500
- Savings and Emergency Fund: $1,000
- Total: $9,100/month
Student (Shared Accommodation)
- Rent (Room in Shared House): $850
- Utilities (Split): $60
- Groceries: $280
- Dining Out: $120
- Transit Pass: $108
- Cell Phone: $45
- Entertainment: $80
- Health and Personal Care: $50
- Clothing and Miscellaneous: $100
- Books and Supplies: $100
- Total: $1,793/month (Plus tuition and fees)
These budgets assume moderate lifestyle choices and include savings allocations. Adjustments for individual circumstances, debt payments, or different lifestyle priorities will shift these figures accordingly.
Money-Saving Strategies for Ottawa Residents
Living affordably in Ottawa requires strategic choices across multiple expense categories. These proven approaches help residents reduce costs without sacrificing quality of life.
Housing represents the best opportunity for savings. Choosing neighbourhoods like Vanier, Overbrook, or Bayshore instead of the Glebe or Westboro can save $300-500 monthly on comparable units. Sharing accommodation reduces individual costs dramatically, with roommates splitting rent, utilities, and internet. Negotiating lease renewals often secures better rates than moving to new buildings, as landlords prefer retaining good tenants over risking vacancies.
Transportation costs drop significantly by choosing transit over car ownership. Eliminating a vehicle saves $600-1,000 monthly when accounting for all ownership costs. For suburban residents where transit is impractical, carpooling reduces commuting expenses, and combining errands minimizes unnecessary driving. Buying used vehicles instead of new models saves tens of thousands over vehicle lifetimes.
Grocery shopping at discount chains, buying seasonal produce, and cooking at home instead of ordering delivery saves the average household $300-500 monthly. Meal planning reduces food waste and impulse purchases. Packing lunches for work or school eliminates $150-250 monthly in takeout costs.
Entertainment and recreation don’t require large budgets. Ottawa’s extensive parks, cycling paths, and beaches provide free summer recreation. Free museum days and festivals offer cultural experiences without admission costs. Library cards provide access to books, movies, and digital resources at no cost, replacing streaming subscriptions.
Utility costs respond to conservation efforts. Programmable thermostats reducing heating and cooling when homes are empty save 10-15% on energy bills. LED bulbs use 75% less electricity than incandescent alternatives. Washing clothes in cold water and air-drying when possible reduces hydro costs.
Shopping strategies maximize value across all categories. Buying generic brands instead of name brands saves 20-40% on identical products. Using cashback credit cards and loyalty programs returns 1-5% on all purchases. Timing major purchases around Black Friday, Boxing Day, and seasonal sales secures significant discounts.
FAQ
Q: What is a good salary to live comfortably in Ottawa in 2025?
A single person needs approximately $50,000-60,000 annually to live comfortably in Ottawa, covering rent, food, transportation, and some discretionary spending while building modest savings. Couples should target $80,000-100,000 combined income, while families of four typically need $110,000-140,000 to maintain a comfortable middle-class lifestyle with homeownership, childcare, and savings goals. These figures assume no significant debt beyond a mortgage and allow for occasional vacations and entertainment.
Q: Is Ottawa cheaper than Toronto to live in?
Yes, Ottawa is approximately 15-20% cheaper than Toronto overall, with housing representing the largest cost difference. Toronto one-bedroom apartments average $2,400-2,800 compared to Ottawa’s $1,850, and Toronto homes cost 40-50% more than equivalent Ottawa properties. However, groceries, transportation, and entertainment show smaller differences, typically 5-10% cheaper in Ottawa. The overall cost of living advantage makes Ottawa significantly more affordable for similar quality of life.
Q: How much does it cost to live in Ottawa as a student?
Students living off-campus typically spend $1,800-2,500 monthly including rent, groceries, transportation, and personal expenses, excluding tuition. On-campus residence costs $10,000-14,000 for an eight-month academic year, averaging $1,250-1,750 monthly. Annual tuition adds $7,000-10,000 for Canadian students or $30,000-45,000 for international students. Total annual costs including everything range from $25,000-35,000 for Canadian students and $50,000-70,000 for international students.
Q: What are average utility costs in Ottawa?
Utilities for an Ottawa apartment typically cost $150-200 monthly including electricity ($60-100), internet ($60-80), and water if not included in rent ($15-25). Houses face higher costs of $250-400 monthly due to larger spaces and heating requirements, with winter natural gas bills reaching $200-250 in cold months. Adding cell phone service brings total communication and utility costs to $200-250 for apartments and $300-450 for houses.
Q: Is public transportation sufficient in Ottawa?
Public transportation adequacy depends heavily on location. Downtown and inner neighbourhoods have good OC Transpo bus and O-Train coverage making car-free living practical. Suburban areas like Kanata, Barrhaven, and Orleans have less frequent service and longer commutes, making cars more practical for most residents. The LRT expansion has improved east-west transit, but north-south routes remain bus-dependent. Overall, about 60% of Ottawa residents find transit sufficient, while 40% consider car ownership necessary.
Q: How expensive is childcare in Ottawa now?
Licensed childcare for children under six costs approximately $12-15 daily ($240-300 monthly) under the federal childcare program, representing dramatic savings from previous costs of $1,200-1,800 monthly. However, finding available spots remains challenging with long waiting lists. Home daycare and unsubsidized options cost $800-1,200 monthly. Before and after school care for elementary students runs $200-400 monthly, while school-age programs during professional development days and summer camps add $500-1,500 annually.
Final Thoughts
Ottawa offers an attractive balance of livability, opportunity, and affordability among major Canadian cities. While housing costs have risen significantly, they remain below Toronto levels while providing access to stable government employment, excellent schools, and a high quality of life. The key to managing Ottawa’s cost of living is realistic budgeting across all expense categories and making strategic choices about housing location, transportation methods, and lifestyle priorities.
Single professionals can live comfortably on $50,000-60,000 annually by choosing moderate neighbourhoods and using public transit, while families require $110,000-140,000 to maintain homeownership and cover childcare. Understanding the breakdown of expenses across housing, food, transportation, and discretionary spending enables effective financial planning and goal setting.
As 2025 progresses, monitoring housing market trends, inflation rates, and policy changes like expanded childcare subsidies will help residents adjust budgets accordingly. Ottawa’s economic stability, driven by government employment and growing tech sector, provides income security that helps offset higher costs compared to smaller Canadian cities. Whether moving to Ottawa or reviewing your current financial situation, this comprehensive budget guide provides the foundation for informed decision-making about life in Canada’s capital.
Source: Statistics Canada, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), City of Ottawa, OC Transpo, Numbeo Cost of Living Database
