Cost of Living in Ottawa, ON (2026)
Planning to live in Ottawa, ON? Our personalized calculator shows YOUR actual cost of living - not generic averages. Ottawa, ON has a moderate cost of living with a COL index of 102 (2% higher than the national average). Average 1BR rent: ~C$1,428/mo. Total monthly expenses: ~C$3,570 for a balanced lifestyle. Recommended salary: C$81,600/year.
Ottawa costs 2% more than the Canadian national average
Rent consumes 52% of your total expenses — very housing-heavy budget.
💡 Consider a roommate, smaller apartment, or more affordable neighborhood.
71% of your budget is fixed — leaves little room for emergencies.
💡 Reduce fixed expenses to create more financial flexibility.
42% potential savings rate — great for building wealth!
Risk assessment based on financial planning best practices. Consult a financial advisor for personalized advice.
💬 Use These in Negotiations
“Based on the cost of living in Ottawa, I would need a minimum of C$81,600 to maintain my current standard of living.”
“Moving to Ottawa requires a salary adjustment of +2% compared to the national average to maintain equivalent purchasing power.”
📊 Salary Tiers for Ottawa
🔄 If You're Relocating
📋 For HR/Recruiters: These figures are based on actual cost-of-living data for Ottawa. Use the Recommended Salary (C$81,600) as a benchmark for competitive compensation packages.
Methodology: Ottawa's COL Index (102) is calculated using a weighted average approach similar to C2ER COLI, where 100 = national average. Data updated quarterly. See Sources for more.