As the cost of living continues to rise across Canada, Ottawa—known for its political power and high quality of life—is no exception. Whether you’re a single renter or a family of four aiming for homeownership, understanding the true cost of living in Ottawa in 2025 is essential for budgeting and planning.
Understanding Ottawa’s Cost of Living to Survive in Ottawa
Ottawa’s cost of living exceeds the Canadian average but is more affordable than cities like Toronto or Vancouver. According to MovingWaldo, the average cost of living for a single person in Ottawa in 2025 is approximately $3,262.47 per month. However, basic survival—encompassing essentials like housing, food, transportation, and utilities—can be achieved on a tighter budget with strategic financial planning.
“The average cost of living in Ottawa is $3,262.47 per month, but with good financial planning and budgeting, one can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in Ottawa,” states MovingWaldo, referencing data from Numbeo.
Below, we dissect the key expenses to determine the minimum required to survive in Ottawa in 2025.
🏡 Renting vs. Owning to Survive in Ottawa
Housing is by far the most significant monthly expense. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Ottawa is C$1,753, while a two-bedroom averages C$2,570, depending on location (apartments.com).
In contrast, buying a home in Ottawa is considerably more expensive. The average home price as of early 2025 is C$685,866, requiring a monthly mortgage payment of about C$3,000 (WOWA.ca), plus property taxes and maintenance, pushing total monthly costs to around C$3,122 for a family.
🛒 Grocery and Food Costs to Survive in Ottawa
- Single adult: approx. C$500/month
- Family of 4: approx. C$1,000/month
These figures are based on average food consumption and shopping habits as outlined in the Canada Food Price Report.
🚗 Transportation Costs
- OC Transpo monthly pass: C$135 (OC Transpo)
- Driving: Monthly insurance (~C$95), gas (C$1.55/litre), and maintenance add up to ~C$492 for single drivers and C$1,254 for families with two vehicles (CareerBeacon).
⚡ Utilities & Internet
- Utilities (hydro, heat, water): C$150–C$200
- High-speed internet: C$60–C$80
- Family homes often spend closer to C$250/month in total.
👶 Childcare & Education
Childcare is among the most expensive recurring costs for families:
- Daycare: C$1,000–C$1,500 per child
- Estimated for 2 children: C$2,000/month
Though public education is free, supplies and activities add to the overall budget.
🏥 Health Insurance
While Canada’s public health care system covers most needs, many opt for supplementary private insurance for dental, prescriptions, and vision:
- Individuals: C$100/month
- Family of 4: C$300/month
📊 Monthly Cost Comparison Table to Survive in Ottawa
| Expense Category | Single (Renting) | Single (Owning) | Family of 4 (Renting) | Family of 4 (Owning) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | C$1,753 | C$2,329 | C$2,570 | C$3,122 |
| Groceries | C$500 | C$500 | C$1,000 | C$1,000 |
| Transportation | C$135 | C$627 | C$270 | C$1,254 |
| Utilities & Internet | C$200 | C$200 | C$250 | C$250 |
| Childcare | – | – | C$2,000 | C$2,000 |
| Health Insurance | C$100 | C$100 | C$300 | C$300 |
| Total | C$2,688 | C$3,756 | C$6,390 | C$7,926 |
💵 Income Requirements: Low to High
Using the standard financial advice that housing and living costs should not exceed 70% of gross monthly income, we calculate the minimum required income as follows:
| Scenario | Monthly Expenses | Minimum Monthly Income | Minimum Annual Income |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single (Renting) | C$2,688 | C$3,840 | C$46,080 |
| Single (Owning) | C$3,756 | C$5,365.71 | C$64,388.57 |
| Family of 4 (Renting) | C$6,390 | C$9,128.57 | C$109,542.86 |
| Family of 4 (Owning) | C$7,926 | C$11,322.86 | C$135,874.29 |
These numbers represent the threshold for maintaining a stable lifestyle without overextending on essential expenses.
📍 How Does This Compare to Ottawa’s Average Salary?
As of 2025, the average salary in Ottawa is approximately C$64,500 per year, or C$5,375/month, which is about 18.5% higher than the national average of C$54,450 (CareerBeacon).
However, for prospective homeowners, the situation is tougher. According to CTV News, buyers now need an annual income of C$141,420 to afford the average home in Ottawa.
📢 Final Word
The reality is, if you’re earning below C$50,000 in Ottawa, you’re likely struggling to keep up.
While Ottawa remains a desirable place to live, it is increasingly a city where thriving—not just surviving—requires dual incomes, strategic financial planning, or a substantial income. Whether renting or owning, being informed is the first step toward smart urban living in 2025.
