London vs Ottawa Cost of Living (2026)
Ottawa is about 18% more expensive than London, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $2,100 a month in Ottawa vs $1,750 in London.
The Verdict
London / month
$2,732
Ottawa / month
$3,210
Rent, groceries, transit, utilities, dining and gym for one person.
Salary match: what you'd need to earn
Salary in London
$100,000
Take-home $74,206 · $6,184/mo
Needed in Ottawa
$118,387
Take-home $86,430 · $7,202/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Ottawa you'd need $18,387 more a year (+18%).
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
London
$1,750
Ottawa
$2,100
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
London
$410
Ottawa
$430
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
London
$95
Ottawa
$125
Utilities
Electricity, Heat, Water
London
$165
Ottawa
$190
Dining Out
Est. Monthly Spend
London
$270
Ottawa
$310
Gym Membership
Monthly Fee
London
$42
Ottawa
$55
Which City Should You Choose?
London, ON: A mid-sized Southwestern Ontario city anchored by Western University, with lower rent than the GTA.
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 London?
Yes. Ottawa costs about 18% more than London for a single person, based on 2026 rent, groceries and transit. A 1-bedroom rents for about $2,100 a month in Ottawa vs $1,750 in London.
Is it cheaper to live in London or Ottawa?
London is roughly 18% cheaper overall once you weigh rent, groceries and transit, based on 2026 estimates.
How much more rent will I pay in London vs Ottawa?
A typical 1-bedroom city-centre rental runs $1,750/month in London versus $2,100/month in Ottawa.
What salary do I need in Ottawa to match my London lifestyle?
A $100,000 salary in London is roughly equivalent to $118,387 in Ottawa once you adjust for the local cost of living.
Is Ottawa a good place to move to from London?
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
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