Ottawa vs Quebec City Cost of Living (2026)
Ottawa is about 64% more expensive than Quebec City, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $2,100 a month in Ottawa vs $1,200 in Quebec City.
The Verdict
Ottawa / month
$3,210
Quebec City / month
$2,120
Rent, groceries, transit, utilities, dining and gym for one person.
Salary match: what you'd need to earn
Salary in Ottawa
$100,000
Take-home $74,206 · $6,184/mo
Needed in Quebec City
$61,047
Take-home $45,926 · $3,827/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Quebec City you'd need $38,953 less a year (−39%).
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
Ottawa
$2,100
Quebec City
$1,200
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Ottawa
$430
Quebec City
$390
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Ottawa
$125
Quebec City
$90
Utilities
Electricity, Heat, Water
Ottawa
$190
Quebec City
$150
Dining Out
Est. Monthly Spend
Ottawa
$310
Quebec City
$250
Gym Membership
Monthly Fee
Ottawa
$55
Quebec City
$40
Which City Should You Choose?
Ottawa, ON: The national capital, dominated by stable, well-paying federal government employment.
Quebec City, QC: Quebec's historic provincial capital, cheaper than Montreal with a strong government job base.
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 Quebec City?
Yes. Ottawa costs about 64% more than Quebec City for a single person, based on 2026 rent, groceries and transit. A 1-bedroom rents for about $2,100 a month in Ottawa vs $1,200 in Quebec City.
Is it cheaper to live in Ottawa or Quebec City?
Quebec City is roughly 39% cheaper overall once you weigh rent, groceries and transit, based on 2026 estimates.
How much more rent will I pay in Ottawa vs Quebec City?
A typical 1-bedroom city-centre rental runs $2,100/month in Ottawa versus $1,200/month in Quebec City.
What salary do I need in Quebec City to match my Ottawa lifestyle?
A $100,000 salary in Ottawa is roughly equivalent to $61,047 in Quebec City once you adjust for the local cost of living.
Is Quebec City a good place to move to from Ottawa?
Quebec's historic provincial capital, cheaper than Montreal with a strong government job base. Compare the category breakdown above against your own budget before deciding.
Plan your move
Advertisement