Ottawa, Canada
Canada's capital offers stable government employment, beautiful waterways, and a family-friendly environment with moderate costs.
Above Average vs Canada Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Ottawa vs Canada Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 5.0%
- Sales Tax: 13.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: C$65,000
- Unemployment: 4.9%
- Population: 1,017,449
Climate
- Sunny Days: 208/year
- Summer High: 79°F
- Winter Low: 6°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 4b
Housing
- Median Home: C$620,000
- 1BR Rent: C$1700/mo
Cost of Living
Ottawa's cost of living index is 101.2 (Canada average = 100).
| Category | Ottawa | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 101.2 | 100 | +1.2% |
| Housing | 104.8 | 100 | +4.8% |
Data source: Statistics Canada, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | C$620,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | C$1700/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | C$2,125/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | C$413 |
Data source: Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Ottawa:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | C$165 | |
| Heating & Cooling | C$99 | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | C$55 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | C$65 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | C$35 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | C$419 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: Statistics Canada, Canada Energy Regulator, CRTC
Remote Work Score
Ottawa scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Ottawa has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 26°F | 6°F | 2.5" |
| April | 64°F | 21°F | 2.8" |
| July | 79°F | 54°F | 1.5" |
| October | 59°F | 24°F | 2.2" |
Cold — cool-season crops, hardy perennials
Natural Hazards
Ottawa faces the following natural hazards:
Severe winter storms.
Active seismic zone with significant earthquake risk.
Western Canada has frequent wildfire seasons.
Rockies and coastal mountains with frequent avalanches.
River flooding.
Tornado risk.
Pacific coast with tsunami risk.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 5.05%
- Sales Tax: 13%
- Property Tax: ~1% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 4.9%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Ottawa per 100,000 residents:
Data is the Crime Severity Index (CSI) for the Census Metropolitan Area (CMA). CSI is indexed to 100 (Canada = 100 in 2006). Higher values indicate more severe crime. This is not a direct crime rate per 100,000.
Data source: Statistics Canada
Schools & Education
Data source: Fraser Institute — School Performance Rankings
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Ottawa, Canada?
The cost of living index in Ottawa is 101.2, which is Higher the Canada national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Ottawa?
The median home price in Ottawa is C$620,000. The housing index is 104.8.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Ottawa is approximately C$1700/mo.
Does Ottawa, ON have income tax?
Ottawa is in ON, which has an income tax rate of 5.05%.
What is the climate like in Ottawa?
Ottawa enjoys approximately 208 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 79°F, while winter lows can drop to around 6°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Statistics Canada, 2026
- Housing Data: Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), 2026
- Income & Employment: Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey, 2024
- Utilities Statistics Canada, Canada Energy Regulator, CRTC
Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.