Hamilton vs Ottawa Cost of Living (2026)
Ottawa is about 15% more expensive than Hamilton, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $2,100 a month in Ottawa vs $1,800 in Hamilton.
The Verdict
Hamilton / month
$2,843
Ottawa / month
$3,210
Rent, groceries, transit, utilities, dining and gym for one person.
Salary match: what you'd need to earn
Salary in Hamilton
$100,000
Take-home $74,206 · $6,184/mo
Needed in Ottawa
$114,885
Take-home $84,261 · $7,022/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Ottawa you'd need $14,885 more a year (+15%).
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
Hamilton
$1,800
Ottawa
$2,100
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Hamilton
$420
Ottawa
$430
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Hamilton
$110
Ottawa
$125
Utilities
Electricity, Heat, Water
Hamilton
$175
Ottawa
$190
Dining Out
Est. Monthly Spend
Hamilton
$290
Ottawa
$310
Gym Membership
Monthly Fee
Hamilton
$48
Ottawa
$55
Which City Should You Choose?
Hamilton, ON: A short GO Train ride from Toronto — popular with people priced out of the GTA looking for cheaper rent.
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 Hamilton?
Yes. Ottawa costs about 15% more than Hamilton for a single person, based on 2026 rent, groceries and transit. A 1-bedroom rents for about $2,100 a month in Ottawa vs $1,800 in Hamilton.
Is it cheaper to live in Hamilton or Ottawa?
Hamilton is roughly 15% cheaper overall once you weigh rent, groceries and transit, based on 2026 estimates.
How much more rent will I pay in Hamilton vs Ottawa?
A typical 1-bedroom city-centre rental runs $1,800/month in Hamilton versus $2,100/month in Ottawa.
What salary do I need in Ottawa to match my Hamilton lifestyle?
A $100,000 salary in Hamilton is roughly equivalent to $114,885 in Ottawa once you adjust for the local cost of living.
Is Ottawa a good place to move to from Hamilton?
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
Advertisement