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
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
Average Rent
1-Bed City Center
Kamloops
$1,700
Ottawa
$2,100
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Kamloops
$410
Ottawa
$430
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Kamloops
$85
Ottawa
$125
Plan your move
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