location_city ON vs location_city SK

Ottawa vs Saskatoon Cost of Living (2026)

Ottawa is about 59% more expensive than Saskatoon, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $2,100 a month in Ottawa vs $1,250 in Saskatoon.

The Verdict

Living in Saskatoon is 37% cheaper than living in Ottawa overall.

Ottawa / month

$2,655

Saskatoon / month

$1,725

Rent, groceries and transit for one person.

Your salary in Ottawa $

Salary in Ottawa

$100,000

Take-home $74,206 · $6,184/mo

Needed in Saskatoon

$63,040

Take-home $48,385 · $4,032/mo

To keep the same lifestyle in Saskatoon you'd need $36,960 less a year (−37%).

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

Ottawa

$2,100

40% cheaper

Saskatoon

$1,250

shopping_cart

Monthly Basket (1 Person)

Ottawa

$430

9% cheaper

Saskatoon

$390

directions_transit

Monthly Transit Pass

Ottawa

$125

32% cheaper

Saskatoon

$85

Keep going