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location_city ON vs location_city ON

Cost of Living: Windsor vs Ottawa

Making a move? Compare the exact 2026 data for housing, food, and transit to see exactly how your lifestyle budget will change between these two cities.

The Verdict

Living in Ottawa is 40% more expensive than living in Windsor overall.

To maintain your exact standard of living, a $100,000 salary in Windsor is mathematically equivalent to earning $140,000 in Ottawa.

Expense Breakdown

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Average Rent

1-Bed City Center

Windsor

$1,450

45% more expensive

Ottawa

$2,100

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Groceries

Monthly Basket (1 Person)

Windsor

$390

10% more expensive

Ottawa

$430

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Transportation

Monthly Transit Pass

Windsor

$90

39% more expensive

Ottawa

$125

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Calculate Your Exact Salary

Ready to see how much you'll keep after taxes in ON? Use our Canadian Income Tax Calculator to get a precise breakdown.