Ottawa vs Victoria Cost of Living (2026)
Victoria is about 4% more expensive than Ottawa, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $2,200 a month in Victoria vs $2,100 in Ottawa.
The Verdict
Ottawa / month
$3,210
Victoria / month
$3,275
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 Victoria
$104,236
Take-home $78,348 · $6,529/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Victoria you'd need $4,236 more a year (+4%).
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
Victoria
$2,200
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Ottawa
$430
Victoria
$450
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Ottawa
$125
Victoria
$100
Utilities
Electricity, Heat, Water
Ottawa
$190
Victoria
$130
Dining Out
Est. Monthly Spend
Ottawa
$310
Victoria
$340
Gym Membership
Monthly Fee
Ottawa
$55
Victoria
$55
Which City Should You Choose?
Ottawa, ON: The national capital, dominated by stable, well-paying federal government employment.
Victoria, BC: BC's capital on Vancouver Island — mild winters, and rent nearly as high as Vancouver's.
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 Victoria more expensive than Ottawa?
Yes. Victoria costs about 4% more than Ottawa for a single person, based on 2026 rent, groceries and transit. A 1-bedroom rents for about $2,200 a month in Victoria vs $2,100 in Ottawa.
Is it cheaper to live in Ottawa or Victoria?
Ottawa is roughly 4% cheaper overall once you weigh rent, groceries and transit, based on 2026 estimates.
How much more rent will I pay in Ottawa vs Victoria?
A typical 1-bedroom city-centre rental runs $2,100/month in Ottawa versus $2,200/month in Victoria.
What salary do I need in Victoria to match my Ottawa lifestyle?
A $100,000 salary in Ottawa is roughly equivalent to $104,236 in Victoria once you adjust for the local cost of living.
Is Victoria a good place to move to from Ottawa?
BC's capital on Vancouver Island — mild winters, and rent nearly as high as Vancouver's. Compare the category breakdown above against your own budget before deciding.
Plan your move
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