Monthly Cost of Living Summary
| Expense | Single Person | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|
| Rent (1-bed / 2-bed / 3-bed) | $1,800–$2,100 | $2,200–$2,700 | $2,700–$3,400 |
| Groceries | $380–$500 | $650–$880 | $950–$1,300 |
| Transportation | $125–$350 | $220–$500 | $300–$650 |
| Utilities | $120–$180 | $140–$210 | $170–$250 |
| Internet + phone | $120–$160 | $160–$220 | $180–$260 |
| Insurance | $90–$180 | $130–$260 | $180–$350 |
| Dining/entertainment | $150–$400 | $250–$550 | $250–$500 |
| Fitness/personal | $40–$120 | $60–$170 | $80–$200 |
| Miscellaneous | $80–$160 | $120–$250 | $150–$280 |
| Total | $2,905–$4,150 | $3,930–$5,740 | $4,960–$7,190 |
Rent Prices by Neighbourhood
| Neighbourhood | Studio | 1-Bedroom | 2-Bedroom | 3-Bedroom |
|---|
| Centretown | $1,300–$1,600 | $1,800–$2,200 | $2,300–$2,800 | $2,800–$3,500 |
| ByWard Market | $1,300–$1,600 | $1,700–$2,100 | $2,200–$2,700 | $2,700–$3,300 |
| Glebe | $1,200–$1,500 | $1,700–$2,100 | $2,200–$2,700 | $2,800–$3,500 |
| Westboro | $1,200–$1,500 | $1,600–$2,000 | $2,100–$2,600 | $2,600–$3,200 |
| Old Ottawa South | $1,100–$1,400 | $1,600–$2,000 | $2,000–$2,500 | $2,500–$3,100 |
| Sandy Hill | $1,000–$1,300 | $1,400–$1,800 | $1,800–$2,300 | $2,200–$2,800 |
| Little Italy / Hintonburg | $1,100–$1,400 | $1,500–$1,900 | $1,900–$2,400 | $2,400–$3,000 |
| Kanata | $1,100–$1,400 | $1,500–$1,900 | $1,900–$2,300 | $2,200–$2,800 |
| Barrhaven | $1,000–$1,300 | $1,400–$1,800 | $1,800–$2,200 | $2,100–$2,700 |
| Orléans | $1,000–$1,300 | $1,400–$1,800 | $1,800–$2,200 | $2,100–$2,700 |
| Gatineau (QC) | $800–$1,100 | $1,200–$1,500 | $1,400–$1,800 | $1,700–$2,200 |
Home Prices
| Property Type | Average Price (Ottawa) | Average Price (Gatineau) |
|---|
| Condo | $350,000–$500,000 | $250,000–$380,000 |
| Townhouse | $450,000–$650,000 | $350,000–$500,000 |
| Semi-detached | $550,000–$750,000 | $400,000–$550,000 |
| Detached house | $650,000–$1,000,000 | $400,000–$650,000 |
Transportation
| Mode | Monthly Cost |
|---|
| OC Transpo monthly pass | $125.50 |
| OC Transpo (per ride, Presto) | $3.70 |
| Confederation Line (LRT) | Included in OC Transpo |
| STO (Gatineau transit) | $106.25 |
| Car ownership (total) | $700–$1,200 |
| Car insurance (average) | $150–$250 |
| Gas | $130–$220 |
| Parking (monthly downtown) | $200–$400 |
Utilities
| Utility | Monthly Cost (1-bed) | Monthly Cost (3-bed) |
|---|
| Hydro Ottawa (electricity) | $60–$100 | $100–$170 |
| Natural gas (Enbridge) | $40–$70 | $70–$110 |
| Water (included in many rentals) | — | $40–$60 (house) |
| Internet | $50–$80 | $50–$80 |
| Cell phone | $40–$80 | $40–$80/person |
| Total | $190–$330 | $300–$500 |
Income Needed
| Living Situation | Monthly Expenses | Gross Annual Salary Needed |
|---|
| Single (frugal, roommate) | $1,800–$2,300 | $34,000–$42,000 |
| Single (own 1-bedroom) | $2,900–$3,800 | $50,000–$66,000 |
| Single (comfortable) | $3,800–$4,500 | $66,000–$80,000 |
| Couple (1-bedroom) | $3,900–$5,200 | $70,000–$94,000 (combined) |
| Family of 4 (renting) | $5,500–$7,500 | $100,000–$138,000 |
| Family of 4 (homeowner) | $7,000–$9,500 | $130,000–$175,000 |
Ottawa vs Other Cities
| Monthly Expense | Ottawa | Toronto | Montreal | Calgary | Vancouver |
|---|
| 1-bed rent | $1,950 | $2,400 | $1,650 | $1,750 | $2,600 |
| Groceries (single) | $430 | $475 | $420 | $440 | $490 |
| Transit pass | $125 | $160 | $97 | $115 | $110 |
| Utilities (1-bed) | $150 | $130 | $120 | $180 | $95 |
| Total (single) | $3,100 | $3,800 | $2,800 | $2,900 | $3,900 |
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