location_city ON vs location_city ON

Ottawa vs Waterloo Cost of Living (2026)

Ottawa is about 10% more expensive than Waterloo, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $2,100 a month in Ottawa vs $1,900 in Waterloo.

The Verdict

Living in Waterloo is 9% cheaper than living in Ottawa overall.

Ottawa / month

$2,655

Waterloo / month

$2,430

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 Waterloo

$91,279

Take-home $68,097 · $5,675/mo

To keep the same lifestyle in Waterloo you'd need $8,721 less a year (−9%).

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

10% cheaper

Waterloo

$1,900

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Monthly Basket (1 Person)

Ottawa

$430

0% more expensive

Waterloo

$430

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Monthly Transit Pass

Ottawa

$125

20% cheaper

Waterloo

$100

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