What is the cost of living in Ottawa?

The cost of living in Ottawa is 49.2% cheaper than New York City (index: 50.8). Groceries are 31.0% cheaper than NYC. Restaurants are 31.5% cheaper than NYC. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately CAD 2,112 per month. Local purchasing power index is 145.5 (NYC = 100).

How much tax do you pay in Canada?

In Canada, a gross salary of CAD 80,629 per year results in approximately CAD 5,061 per month take-home pay after income tax and social contributions (effective rate: 24.7%). Use our Canada tax calculator for a personalised breakdown.

🇨🇦 Canada · #135 of 577 cities · 2026

Should I Move to Ottawa?

Q: Should I move to Ottawa?

Ottawa, Canada has a cost of living 49.2% cheaper than New York City (index: 50.8). It is ranked #135 out of 577 cities globally. Local purchasing power is very strong (index: 145.5 vs NYC = 100). Workers in Canada earning CAD 80,629 gross take home approximately CAD 5,061/month after tax. Use our salary comparison calculator to see exactly how your take-home pay would change.

49.2% cheaper than NYC, and purchasing power is very strong.

Run the calculator below with your actual salary to get a personalised answer.

-49.2%

vs NYC

CAD 2,112

1-BR, city centre

CAD 5,061

Net take-home

Very strong

Purchasing Power

Cost index: Numbeo, blended with Expatistan and LivingCost where available (NYC = 100) · Data from October 2026

Personalised Answer

Compare your salary: move to Ottawa?

Example: CAD 80,629 gross/year in Canada → CAD 5,061/month net after tax (24.7% effective rate). Full Canada tax breakdown →

Cost breakdown: Ottawa

Cost indices vs NYC = 100

Cost of Living

50.8 Expensive

Rent

31.3 Very affordable

Groceries

69.0 Moderate

Restaurants

68.5 Moderate

Purchasing Power

145.5 Very strong

Rent in Ottawa

1-BR, city centre CAD 2,112/mo

1-BR, outside centre CAD 1,744/mo

3-BR, city centre CAD 3,206/mo

3-BR, outside centre CAD 2,667/mo

Save by going outside centre 17% cheaper

Numbeo · 2026-10-02

Canada take-home pay

CAD 80,629 → CAD 5,061/Net take-home (24.7% effective rate, single filer)

Full Canada tax calculator →

Considering alternatives?

Cities in the same country or region with a comparable cost of living.

🇨🇦 Burlington

Canada

CoL index 50.5

Compare Burlington vs Ottawa →

🇨🇦 Mississauga

Canada

CoL index 50.5

Compare Mississauga vs Ottawa →

🇨🇦 Halifax

Canada

CoL index 50.4

Compare Halifax vs Ottawa →

Ready to run the numbers?

Enter your salary and current city. Get exact take-home pay in Ottawa after tax, in seconds.

Compare salaries → Full cost of living data

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