PE
vs
ON
Charlottetown vs Ottawa Cost of Living (2026)
Ottawa is about 39% more expensive than Charlottetown, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $2,100 a month in Ottawa vs $1,450 in Charlottetown.
The Verdict
Living in Ottawa is 39% more expensive than living in Charlottetown overall.
Charlottetown / month
$1,950
Ottawa / month
$2,655
Rent, groceries and transit for one person.
Salary match: what you'd need to earn
Salary in Charlottetown
$100,000
Take-home $69,789 · $5,816/mo
Needed in Ottawa
$138,710
Take-home $97,931 · $8,161/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Ottawa you'd need $38,710 more a year (+39%).
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
Charlottetown
$1,450
45% more expensive
Ottawa
$2,100
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Charlottetown
$430
0% more expensive
Ottawa
$430
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Charlottetown
$70
79% more expensive
Ottawa
$125
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