Ottawa vs Toronto Cost of Living (2026)
Toronto is about 22% more expensive than Ottawa, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $2,600 a month in Toronto vs $2,100 in Ottawa.
The Verdict
Ottawa / month
$3,210
Toronto / month
$3,796
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 Toronto
$121,777
Take-home $88,348 · $7,362/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Toronto you'd need $21,777 more a year (+22%).
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
Toronto
$2,600
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Ottawa
$430
Toronto
$450
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Ottawa
$125
Toronto
$156
Utilities
Electricity, Heat, Water
Ottawa
$190
Toronto
$180
Dining Out
Est. Monthly Spend
Ottawa
$310
Toronto
$350
Gym Membership
Monthly Fee
Ottawa
$55
Toronto
$60
Which City Should You Choose?
Ottawa, ON: The national capital, dominated by stable, well-paying federal government employment.
Toronto, ON: Canada's largest city and financial hub — the deepest job market, but also the highest cost of living.
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 Toronto more expensive than Ottawa?
Yes. Toronto costs about 22% more than Ottawa for a single person, based on 2026 rent, groceries and transit. A 1-bedroom rents for about $2,600 a month in Toronto vs $2,100 in Ottawa.
Is it cheaper to live in Ottawa or Toronto?
Ottawa is roughly 22% cheaper overall once you weigh rent, groceries and transit, based on 2026 estimates.
How much more rent will I pay in Ottawa vs Toronto?
A typical 1-bedroom city-centre rental runs $2,100/month in Ottawa versus $2,600/month in Toronto.
What salary do I need in Toronto to match my Ottawa lifestyle?
A $100,000 salary in Ottawa is roughly equivalent to $121,777 in Toronto once you adjust for the local cost of living.
Is Toronto a good place to move to from Ottawa?
Canada's largest city and financial hub — the deepest job market, but also the highest cost of living. Compare the category breakdown above against your own budget before deciding.
Plan your move
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