What Does It Really Cost to Live in Ottawa?

Published on 30 August 2024 in Blog Ottawa Tips by Jenn Chamberlain

Last updated on December 16th, 2025 at 11:06 am

Ottawa, Canada’s capital city, offers a diverse range of housing options that cater to various lifestyles and budgets. Whether you’re looking to purchase a home or rent an apartment, understanding the costs associated with living in Ottawa is crucial for making informed financial decisions. In this blog post, we’ll break down the average costs of buying and renting properties, along with additional expenses like transportation and utilities, to give you a comprehensive picture of what it takes to live comfortably in Ottawa.

Housing Costs in Ottawa

Ottawa has a range of different housing options, from buying a single, detached family home to renting an apartment anywhere in the city. We’ve broken down the costs of buying, renting, and additional expenses to help you get a picture of the housing costs in Ottawa. As of December 2025, the average costs to own a property in Ottawa are:

Single detached house: $865,056
Townhouse: $626,587
Apartment unit: $452,603

Additional costs for housing in Ottawa include:

Property taxes are approximately 1.2%.
Home insurance costs an average of $104 a month.

How Neighbourhoods Influence Housing Prices in Ottawa

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Ottawa often feels like a series of distinct communities rather than a single city, and your housing costs will depend greatly on the neighbourhood you live in. As of 2025, the average house price for Ottawa buyers hovers around the mid-$800K range, but the spread across communities is wide.

Neighbourhoods near downtown, Westboro, Old Ottawa South, the Glebe, and Hintonburg, tend to land on the higher end. Buyers are willing to pay more for walkability, character homes, and easy access to work and schools.
Suburban areas, including Barrhaven, Orleans, and Riverside South, offer better value, allowing families to enjoy larger homes and land without straining their budgets.

Among suburban areas, Kanata in particular shows consistent demand due to its strong tech sector and steady employment opportunities. Not surprisingly, when you look at Ottawa house prices by neighbourhood over the past decade, Kanata and Stittsville show some of the strongest year-over-year increases. Choosing the “right” neighbourhood is rarely about price alone. A lower house price doesn’t always outweigh a long commute, and paying a premium for a central home may feel unnecessary if you work from home.

Rental Costs in Ottawa

The average rental costs for different types of housing in Ottawa are:

Apartments: $2,120
Condos: $2,200
Houses: $2,895
Rooms: $925

Apartments can go for as low as $1,663 for a studio or as high as $3,124 for a four-bedroom. Before signing a lease, always confirm whether utilities are included, whether heat is electric or gas, and if parking is available. These details impact monthly costs more than most renters expect. Across Ottawa neighbourhoods, the average prices for one-bedroom apartment rentals are:

Stittsville: $1,265
Barrhaven: $1,275
Fallingbrook: $1,300
Avalon: $1,300
Queenswood Heights: $1,310
Katimavik-Hazeldean: $1,350
Riverside South: $1,390
Chateau Neuf: $1,400
Riverview: $1,410
Orleans Village: $1,420

Rental prices in Ottawa don’t fluctuate much year-to-year, but neighbourhood selection matters here as well. As such, students often choose Sandy Hill or Old Ottawa South due to their proximity to major universities, while young professionals lean toward Centretown, Little Italy, or newer condos in Riverside South and Barrhaven.

Transportation Expenses in Ottawa

Ottawa has the OC Transpo system, which consists of buses and Light Rail Transit (LRT) that operate on Presto cards. While the transit system is fairly robust, 77% of Ottawa commuters use their car. When taking OC Transpo, using a Presto card is free for riders under 12, and the costs are as follows for those 13+:

$3.80 per ride for adults and youths;
$2.90 for seniors (aged 65 and up);
$99.25 for a monthly youth (13-19) pass;
$128.75 for an adult pass;
$49 for a senior pass.

When riding without a Presto card, buses and LRT cost five cents more. You can also use your Presto card in 11 different transit regions, specifically in the Greater Toronto Region, saving you money when you visit if you already have a pass for Ottawa. When travelling by car, the average new car costs $66,000, and the average used car costs just under $40,000. Other costs for driving in Ottawa include:

An average of $2.50 an hour for parking.
As of June 2024, the average price of gas per litre was $1.62.
The average cost of car insurance is $168 per month.

Utility Costs in Ottawa

Ottawa can be an expensive city to live in, with basic utilities such as water, electricity, and heating coming to $255.58 per month. On top of that, 60 Mbps internet costs around $86.58 per month, bringing you to a total utility cost of $342.16 for a 915 square foot apartment.

What’s Driving Ottawa’s Market Heading Into 2026

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Due to steady employment provided by the federal government, Ottawa’s market remains steadier than that of other major Canadian cities. However, population growth continues to exceed new housing supply, keeping competition steady for entry-level homes. The tech sector in Kanata plays a growing role. Young professionals working in Kanata North often prefer nearby communities, which affects pricing trends. Seasonal patterns remain predictable: spring is active, while winter is calmer but still competitive for well-located properties.

What Buyers Should Factor Into the True Cost of Homeownership

Cost Considerations When Owning a Single-Family Home

When people focus on the average house price that Ottawa buyers are seeing in 2025, they often overlook the expenses that follow the offer. Land transfer tax, legal fees, title insurance, and inspections add to the initial cost. The additional costs don’t end after the move-in date. As a homeowner, you should expect routine maintenance expenses and set aside funds for tasks such as replacing a furnace, repairing a leaky roof, or updating old windows. While these projects aren’t fun, they are an important part of responsible homeownership. Renovation costs also vary by neighbourhood and home type, as well as the type of renovation project. If you are planning on major home updates shortly after closing, you may benefit from getting a few quotes before submitting an offer, or even applying for a home purchase plus improvement mortgage.

Cost Considerations When Owning a Condo

Condo owners face a different structure. Monthly condo fees cover shared building costs, but what they include varies. Some buildings manage heating and water; others only cover common areas. Understanding these fees when signing the rental agreement can help to avoid financial surprises later.

A Quick Note for Relocators

People moving from Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal often find Ottawa more balanced in terms of price and lifestyle. Housing is generally more accessible, though utilities and winter-related costs can feel higher than expected. Many relocators start by exploring Westboro, the Glebe, Kanata, and Barrhaven to get a sense of how different parts of the city feel.

A Balanced Perspective

While housing and transportation are significant factors in the overall cost of living in Ottawa, it’s important to consider other expenses like groceries, entertainment, and healthcare that also influence your budget. Your lifestyle choices and budgeting strategies can greatly impact how affordable life in Ottawa will be. Whether you’re renting an apartment, buying a home, or commuting around the city, careful financial planning is essential to make the most of your experience. At Results Realty, we want to help you understand these costs and prepare accordingly. Contact our team today if you’re ready to start looking for a new home in Ottawa.