ON
vs
QC
Ottawa vs Sherbrooke Cost of Living (2026)
Ottawa is about 85% more expensive than Sherbrooke, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $2,100 a month in Ottawa vs $1,050 in Sherbrooke.
The Verdict
Living in Sherbrooke is 46% cheaper than living in Ottawa overall.
Ottawa / month
$2,655
Sherbrooke / month
$1,500
Rent, groceries and transit 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 Sherbrooke
$54,153
Take-home $41,622 · $3,468/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Sherbrooke you'd need $45,847 less a year (−46%).
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
50% cheaper
Sherbrooke
$1,050
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Ottawa
$430
14% cheaper
Sherbrooke
$370
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Ottawa
$125
36% cheaper
Sherbrooke
$80
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