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Ottawa

Canada ·Ontario · Americas ·UTC UTC-5/UTC-4
Cost Medium
Safety ★★★★★
English Excellent
Currency CAD C$

City Overview

Ottawa is Canada’s capital, a bilingual city driven by government, tech (the "Silicon Valley North" of Kanata) and universities, with excellent safety and stable living. The Rideau Canal (World Heritage) becomes the world’s largest skating rink in winter. Cost of living is below Toronto, with high livability and ample greenery. It faces Gatineau, Quebec, across the river. Winters are cold.

Cost of Living Snapshot

1BR Apartment C$1,700–2,300/mo (center); C$1,300–1,800/mo (outer)
Dining Out C$16–26 (casual); C$32–65 (restaurant)
Monthly Transport Monthly pass ~C$135 (O-Train/bus)
Monthly Groceries C$400–620/mo
USD Reference： Approx. USD 1,240–1,680/mo (1BR center)
Full Cost of Living Report →

Data above is approximate. Actual costs vary by location, timing, and personal lifestyle.

Getting Around

O-Train LRT plus buses; Presto card. VIA Rail to Toronto (~4.5 h) and Montreal (~2 h). Macdonald-Cartier International Airport.

Why Live Here

  • The capital; excellent safety; stable living
  • Government and tech (Kanata) jobs
  • Rideau Canal World Heritage; livable

Popular Neighborhoods

City Center Centretown/ByWard (core)
International Hub Glebe/Westboro (livable)
Quiet & Residential Kanata (tech/family)
Budget-Friendly Orleans/Barrhaven (suburbs)
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Data Updated: 2026-06-19