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Kamloops vs Ottawa Cost of Living (2026)

Ottawa is about 22% more expensive than Kamloops, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $2,100 a month in Ottawa vs $1,700 in Kamloops.

The Verdict

Living in Ottawa is 22% more expensive than living in Kamloops overall.

Kamloops / month

$2,195

Ottawa / month

$2,655

Rent, groceries and transit for one person.

Salary match: what you'd need to earn

Salary in Kamloops

$100,000

Take-home $75,373 · $6,281/mo

Needed in Ottawa

$121,616

Take-home $88,257 · $7,355/mo

To keep the same lifestyle in Ottawa you'd need $21,616 more a year (+22%).

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

real_estate_agent

Average Rent

1-Bed City Center

Kamloops

$1,700

24% more expensive

Ottawa

$2,100

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Groceries

Monthly Basket (1 Person)

Kamloops

$410

5% more expensive

Ottawa

$430

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Transportation

Monthly Transit Pass

Kamloops

$85

47% more expensive

Ottawa

$125

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