Ottawa
Toronto

Ottawa vs Toronto — Cost of Living Comparison

Ottawa
Canada
VS
Toronto
Canada
Estimated average living costs are ~20% lower in Ottawa

Ottawa

$2,550

avg. monthly cost

Population

1,000,000

Safety

66/100

Quality

75/100

Cost
69
Safety
66
Life
75

Toronto

$3,050

avg. monthly cost

Population

2,930,000

Safety

62/100

Quality

72/100

Cost
73
Safety
62
Life
72

Data last updated:

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~20% lower in Ottawa

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Ottawa

$2,550

estimated per month

Toronto

$3,050

estimated per month

Difference

+19.6%

Monthly savings

$500

Yearly savings

$6,000

Figures shown are estimated averages for general comparison purposes only and may not reflect individual spending patterns.

Cost Comparison by Category

Monthly averages side by side

Estimated Salary Equivalency (Informational)

What you'd need to earn for the same lifestyle

This calculation provides an estimated comparison based on average living costs and does not represent financial or employment advice.

$/year (USD)

$89,706

+$14,706/year (USD)

Salary equivalency figures are illustrative estimates only and should not be used for employment, negotiation, or financial planning decisions.

Detailed Category Breakdown

Item-by-item price comparison across 7 categories

ItemOttawaTorontoDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$1,450.00$1,850.00
+27.6%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$1,050.00$1,450.00
+38.1%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$2,500.00$3,200.00
+28.0%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$1,800.00$2,400.00
+33.3%
ItemOttawaTorontoDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$16.00$18.00
+12.5%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$72.00$80.00
+11.1%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$10.50$11.00
+4.8%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$2.65$2.80
+5.7%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$3.00$3.20
+6.7%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$3.30$3.50
+6.1%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$4.00$4.20
+5.0%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$11.80$12.50
+5.9%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$3.90$4.00
+2.6%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.75$1.80
+2.9%
ItemOttawaTorontoDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$98.00$115.00
+17.3%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$2.60$2.50
-3.8%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$3.50$3.50
0.0%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$1.55$1.60
+3.2%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.40$1.45
+3.6%
ItemOttawaTorontoDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$145.00$160.00
+10.3%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$52.00$55.00
+5.8%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$56.00$60.00
+7.1%
ItemOttawaTorontoDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$0.00$0.00
0.0%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$140.00$150.00
+7.1%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$23.00$25.00
+8.7%
ItemOttawaTorontoDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$48.00$55.00
+14.6%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$13.00$14.00
+7.7%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$4.20$4.50
+7.1%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$6.50$7.00
+7.7%
ItemOttawaTorontoDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$60.00$65.00
+8.3%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$37.00$40.00
+8.1%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$90.00$95.00
+5.6%

Category values are aggregated estimates and may vary by neighborhood, lifestyle, and market conditions.

Frequently asked questions: Ottawa vs Toronto

Is Ottawa or Toronto more expensive?
Toronto is more expensive, with a cost of living index of 73 compared with 69 for Ottawa.
How much cheaper is Ottawa than Toronto?
Living in Ottawa is around 5% cheaper than Toronto, based on their overall cost of living indices.
What is the cost of living difference between Ottawa and Toronto?
Ottawa scores 69 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while Toronto scores 73 — where New York City equals 100.