Cost of living in Ottawa
Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse population. As a major urban center, understanding the cost of living in Ottawa is crucial for both current residents and those considering a move to the city.
The cost of living encompasses various aspects such as housing, transportation, groceries, and dining, which are essential for budgeting and financial planning.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $17.9 on average, with a range between $11.17 and $32.22.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $85.93, with prices ranging from $53.99 to $143.22.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10.74, with a range between $9.31 and $12.17.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4.12 to $7.16, imported beer $4.3 to $7.88, cappuccino $2.15 to $5.01, and Coke/Pepsi $1.43 to $3.58.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.07 and $4.3 per liter, averaging $2.62.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.43 and $4.3, with an average price of $2.73.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.51 to $5.01, averaging $3.36.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.04 to $5.73 per kg, while oranges range from $1.43 to $5.37 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.07 and $4.3 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.72 to $3.57 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $2.58 and $2.76, with a monthly pass priced between $85.93 and $118.15.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1 and $1.18 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.86, with a cost of $1.5 to $4.3 per km and $19.33 to $35.8 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1288.95 to $1646.99, averaging $1436.98.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1109.93 to $1432.17, averaging $1264.11.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1861.82 to $2864.33, averaging $2188.64.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1646.99 to $2148.25, averaging $1821.14.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $3545.62 to $6906.06, averaging $5061.46.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $3083.14 to $6166.29, averaging $4626.07.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $95.1 and $257.79, averaging $172.63.
- Internet - Internet services range from $39.38 to $71.61, with an average cost of $52.14.
Cost of Living Rankings
Ottawa ranks 7th on the Cost of Living rankings in Canada. The cost of living indices for Canada are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Canada, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Ottawa offers a relatively balanced cost of living with moderate expenses in dining and groceries. Housing costs vary significantly between the city centre and the outskirts, providing options for different budgets.
Transportation is affordable, with reasonable public transport and fuel prices. Utilities and internet costs are also manageable, contributing to an overall moderate cost of living.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ottawa presents a moderate cost of living, making it an attractive option for individuals and families seeking a vibrant city with diverse amenities.
While housing in the city centre can be pricey, the availability of more affordable options outside the centre offers flexibility. Overall, Ottawa's cost of living is balanced, with opportunities to manage expenses effectively.