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Cost of Living in Ottawa

Is it better to rent or buy in Ottawa? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

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Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$71,251
$899/mo

Median in area: $899

$150,074

Median in area: $150,074

$30,015

If you Rent

🔑
$1,098 /mo
Base Rent$899
Est. Utilities$199
% of Income18.5%
Pre-tax Residual$4,840

If you Buy

🏠
$1,393 /mo
P&I (7.061%)$804
Taxes & Ins$390
Est. Utilities$199
% of Income23.5%
Pre-tax Residual$4,545

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Ottawa?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Ottawa. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,098, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,393 per month (a difference of $295).

How much do utilities cost in Ottawa?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Ottawa is approximately $199. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Ottawa?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Ottawa without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $43,920 per year.