Calgary vs Ottawa Cost of Living (2026)
Ottawa is about 21% more expensive than Calgary, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $2,100 a month in Ottawa vs $1,700 in Calgary.
The Verdict
Calgary / month
$2,782
Ottawa / month
$3,210
Rent, groceries, transit, utilities, dining and gym for one person.
Salary match: what you'd need to earn
Salary in Calgary
$100,000
Take-home $74,459 · $6,205/mo
Needed in Ottawa
$120,593
Take-home $87,678 · $7,307/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Ottawa you'd need $20,593 more a year (+21%).
Take-home is after 2026 federal and provincial income tax, CPP/QPP and EI for an employee. Cost of living weighs rent, groceries and transit.
Expense Breakdown
Average Rent
1-Bed City Center
Calgary
$1,700
Ottawa
$2,100
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Calgary
$420
Ottawa
$430
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Calgary
$112
Ottawa
$125
Utilities
Electricity, Heat, Water
Calgary
$200
Ottawa
$190
Dining Out
Est. Monthly Spend
Calgary
$300
Ottawa
$310
Gym Membership
Monthly Fee
Calgary
$50
Ottawa
$55
Which City Should You Choose?
Calgary, AB: Alberta's energy-sector hub — no provincial sales tax, moderate rent, and a young, mobile population.
Ottawa, ON: The national capital, dominated by stable, well-paying federal government employment.
Estimates are based on 2026 average listings and public cost-of-living indices for a single-person household; actual costs vary by neighbourhood and lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ottawa more expensive than Calgary?
Yes. Ottawa costs about 21% more than Calgary for a single person, based on 2026 rent, groceries and transit. A 1-bedroom rents for about $2,100 a month in Ottawa vs $1,700 in Calgary.
Is it cheaper to live in Calgary or Ottawa?
Calgary is roughly 21% cheaper overall once you weigh rent, groceries and transit, based on 2026 estimates.
How much more rent will I pay in Calgary vs Ottawa?
A typical 1-bedroom city-centre rental runs $1,700/month in Calgary versus $2,100/month in Ottawa.
What salary do I need in Ottawa to match my Calgary lifestyle?
A $100,000 salary in Calgary is roughly equivalent to $120,593 in Ottawa once you adjust for the local cost of living.
Is Ottawa a good place to move to from Calgary?
The national capital, dominated by stable, well-paying federal government employment. Compare the category breakdown above against your own budget before deciding.
Plan your move
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