BC
vs
ON
Kelowna vs Ottawa Cost of Living (2026)
Kelowna and Ottawa cost about the same once you weigh rent, groceries and transit.
The Verdict
Living in Ottawa is 0% more expensive than living in Kelowna overall.
Kelowna / month
$2,635
Ottawa / month
$2,655
Rent, groceries and transit for one person.
Salary match: what you'd need to earn
Salary in Kelowna
$100,000
Take-home $75,373 · $6,281/mo
Needed in Ottawa
$100,250
Take-home $74,377 · $6,198/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Ottawa you'd need $250 more a year (+0%).
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
Kelowna
$2,100
0% more expensive
Ottawa
$2,100
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Kelowna
$440
2% cheaper
Ottawa
$430
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Kelowna
$95
32% more expensive
Ottawa
$125
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