Edmonton vs Ottawa Cost of Living (2026)
Ottawa is about 52% more expensive than Edmonton, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $2,100 a month in Ottawa vs $1,300 in Edmonton.
The Verdict
Edmonton / month
$2,335
Ottawa / month
$3,210
Rent, groceries, transit, utilities, dining and gym for one person.
Salary match: what you'd need to earn
Salary in Edmonton
$100,000
Take-home $74,459 · $6,205/mo
Needed in Ottawa
$152,405
Take-home $105,661 · $8,805/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Ottawa you'd need $52,405 more a year (+52%).
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
Edmonton
$1,300
Ottawa
$2,100
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Edmonton
$400
Ottawa
$430
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Edmonton
$100
Ottawa
$125
Utilities
Electricity, Heat, Water
Edmonton
$210
Ottawa
$190
Dining Out
Est. Monthly Spend
Edmonton
$280
Ottawa
$310
Gym Membership
Monthly Fee
Edmonton
$45
Ottawa
$55
Which City Should You Choose?
Edmonton, AB: Alberta's capital — generally more affordable than Calgary, with a strong public sector and university presence.
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 Edmonton?
Yes. Ottawa costs about 52% more than Edmonton for a single person, based on 2026 rent, groceries and transit. A 1-bedroom rents for about $2,100 a month in Ottawa vs $1,300 in Edmonton.
Is it cheaper to live in Edmonton or Ottawa?
Edmonton is roughly 52% cheaper overall once you weigh rent, groceries and transit, based on 2026 estimates.
How much more rent will I pay in Edmonton vs Ottawa?
A typical 1-bedroom city-centre rental runs $1,300/month in Edmonton versus $2,100/month in Ottawa.
What salary do I need in Ottawa to match my Edmonton lifestyle?
A $100,000 salary in Edmonton is roughly equivalent to $152,405 in Ottawa once you adjust for the local cost of living.
Is Ottawa a good place to move to from Edmonton?
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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