NB
vs
ON
Fredericton vs Ottawa Cost of Living (2026)
Ottawa is about 58% more expensive than Fredericton, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $2,100 a month in Ottawa vs $1,250 in Fredericton.
The Verdict
Living in Ottawa is 58% more expensive than living in Fredericton overall.
Fredericton / month
$1,730
Ottawa / month
$2,655
Rent, groceries and transit for one person.
Salary match: what you'd need to earn
Salary in Fredericton
$100,000
Take-home $71,215 · $5,935/mo
Needed in Ottawa
$158,213
Take-home $108,857 · $9,071/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Ottawa you'd need $58,213 more a year (+58%).
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
Fredericton
$1,250
68% more expensive
Ottawa
$2,100
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Fredericton
$400
8% more expensive
Ottawa
$430
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Fredericton
$80
56% more expensive
Ottawa
$125
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