Ottawa, ON, 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
- Provincial 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
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$155 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical Canadian household usage |
| Heating (Gas/Oil) | C$352 | Estimated based on local climate. electric or gas heating |
| Water | C$52 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | C$60 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | C$30 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | C$649 | Monthly estimate (including heating) |
Data sources: Statistics Canada, Canada Energy Regulator, CRTC
Best Neighborhoods
Downtown Ottawa
The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: C$2,040/mo.
Ottawa Heights
Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: C$1,870/mo.
East Ottawa
Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: C$1,530/mo.
West Ottawa
Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: C$1,615/mo.
Remote Work Score
Ottawa scores 119/100 for remote work readiness:
- Internet Speed: Average 200 Mbps (Good)
- Coworking Spaces: 15+ locations (Good)
- Cost of Living: Good
- Climate: 208 year (Good)
- Quality of Life: Good
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" |
Taxes
- Provincial Tax: 5.05%
- Sales Tax: 13%
- Property Tax: ~1.02% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 4.9%.
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, ON, 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 <no value>°F,79°F, while winter lows can drop to around <no value>°F.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
Data last updated: July 6, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.