location_city ON vs location_city ON

Kingston vs Ottawa Cost of Living (2026)

Ottawa is about 25% more expensive than Kingston, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $2,100 a month in Ottawa vs $1,650 in Kingston.

The Verdict

Living in Ottawa is 25% more expensive than living in Kingston overall.

Kingston / month

$2,145

Ottawa / month

$2,655

Rent, groceries and transit for one person.

Your salary in Kingston $

Salary in Kingston

$100,000

Take-home $74,206 · $6,184/mo

Needed in Ottawa

$124,767

Take-home $90,040 · $7,503/mo

To keep the same lifestyle in Ottawa you'd need $24,767 more a year (+25%).

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.

real_estate_agent

1-Bed City Center

Kingston

$1,650

27% more expensive

Ottawa

$2,100

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Monthly Basket (1 Person)

Kingston

$410

5% more expensive

Ottawa

$430

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Monthly Transit Pass

Kingston

$85

47% more expensive

Ottawa

$125

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