By
Nick Labrosse
Whenever Ottawa and Toronto are compared, some kind of painfully true and highly entertaining comparative pops up for Ottawans. More cultured? Check. Happier old people? Check. Stunning and fit single ladies? You know it. Recent studies have found that the average living cost in Ottawa is 14-16% less than the living cost in Toronto. Ottawa continues to rank as one of Canada’s most affordable major cities to relocate to in 2025. Some people agree with it wholeheartedly, while others scratch their heads and wonder if it is true.
In this article, I will do a head-to-head cost of living comparison between the two cities in Ontario: Ottawa and Toronto. I will refer to the cost of housing, utilities, grocery, and other expenses as well as my personal experience to make any claims. I will also mention the pros and cons, tips plus any other information I could dig up from the internet on the quality of living in the two cities.
Are you looking forward to buying a house in Ottawa, the capital city of Canada? Book a free consultation with one of our expert realtors today.
Toronto is the largest city in Canada and the fourth largest city in North America. It offers great job and recreational opportunities. However, it is more crowded and competitive.
Ottawa has a smaller population compared to Toronto. It has a higher median income and a significantly lower crime index than Toronto. There’s not much difference in the healthcare system in Ottawa and Toronto because both are covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Since Ottawa is the nation’s capital, it also offers better opportunities for historical exploration. On all accounts, Ottawa is considered a better place to live.
The average monthly rent will vary depending on the location of house. According to recent rental market data, the following are the average housing costs in Ottawa and Toronto.
| Type of Lodging | Monthly Rent in Ottawa | Monthly Rent in Toronto |
|---|---|---|
| A bachelor-style apartment | $1,475 | $1,850 |
| A 1-bedroom apartment | $1,712 | $2,281 |
| A 2-bedroom apartment | $2,180 | $2,950 |
| A 3-bedroom apartment | $2,650 | $3,400 |
| A single-family detached house | $3,200 | $4,100 |
The monthly average rent in Ottawa is significantly cheaper than the monthly rent in Toronto. Ottawa offers far cheaper rental costs, with a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,712 versus Toronto at $2,281. This can save a lot of money on living costs.
House prices continue to show a significant difference between the two cities. In 2025, the average house price in Ottawa is $707,180, whereas the average house price in Toronto is $1,107,463.
| Apartment price | Toronto | Ottawa |
|---|---|---|
| The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the City Centre | 13,500C$ | 8,250C$ |
| Price per square meter to buy an apartment outside of Centre | 10,800C$ | 6,900C$ |
Ottawa’s housing market is much more affordable than Toronto’s housing market. Moreover, the prices of apartments both inside and outside of the city centre are cheaper in Ottawa than the prices of apartments in Toronto. This shows that buying a house or an apartment in Ottawa saves you a lot of money.
According to recent utility cost data, the average monthly cost of utilities in the two cities are as follows:
| Type of Utility | Monthly Cost in Ottawa | Monthly Cost in Toronto |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity, Phone, Internet, Garbage Collection | $175.50 | $172.25 |
The cost of utilities like electricity, heating, water, and garbage collection are very similar in the two cities. Due to Ottawa’s rough winters, the average cost of basic utilities in Ottawa can even be slightly higher than in Toronto. The monthly cost of the internet is slightly cheaper in Toronto ($78.50) than that in Ottawa ($82.40).
The premium insurance in Ontario is $135 per month, whereas, the average monthly fuel cost is around $295/month. If we combine the maintenance, fuel and insurance costs of a car, it is $615 a month. Comparatively, the maintenance, fuel, and insurance are slightly more expensive in Toronto i.e. around $2,150.
Both cities have extensive public transportation systems. Ottawa Public Transit Commission (OC Transpo) operates buses and light rail systems in the city. The new adult single-ride fare is $4.00 and a monthly adult pass costs $135 as of January 2025.
| One-time pass | Day pass | Monthly pass | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults (20-64 years) | $4.00 | $12.00 | $135.00 |
| Youth (13-19 years) | $4.00 | $12.00 | $135.00 |
| Children (0-12 years) | Free | Free | Free |
| Pre-Teens (11-12 years) | $2.00 | $12.00 | $135.00 |
| Seniors (65 years +) | $3.05 | $12.00 | $78.50 |
Similarly, Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) manages public transportation in Toronto. The monthly pass costs $156 and a single ride costs $3.35 cash or $3.30 with PRESTO.
| Regular Route | Day Pass | Monthly Pass | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults | $3.35 cash / $3.30 PRESTO | $13.50 | $156.00 |
| Youth (13-19) | $2.35 | $13.50 | $143.00 |
| Seniors | $2.35 | $13.50 | $143.00 |
Ottawa transit riders are paying one of the most expensive fares in Canada to board the bus and the O-Train. Monthly passes are slightly cheaper in Ottawa ($135) compared to Toronto ($156), though single fares are now higher in Ottawa.
The average cost of food in both cities remains close to the average cost of food in Ontario. The following table lists the average food cost according to recent data.
| Average food cost | |
|---|---|
| Average cost of groceries for 1 person in Ottawa | $285.50 |
| The average cost of groceries for one person in Toronto | $295.75 |
Here’s a breakdown of the costs of grocery items.
| Type of Grocery | Cost In Ottawa | Cost In Toronto |
|---|---|---|
| Milk Regular, 1 liter | $3.85 | $2.95 |
| Loaf of fresh white bread 500 g | $3.20 | $3.65 |
| Rice 1 kg | $4.65 | $4.35 |
| Eggs (12) | $4.45 | $4.70 |
| Chicken fillets 1 kg | $16.75 | $17.25 |
| Beef round 1 kg | $18.50 | $19.85 |
| Apples 1 kg | $5.15 | $5.15 |
| Oranges 1 kg | $4.20 | $4.75 |
| Tomato 1 kg | $4.95 | $5.45 |
| Potato 1 kg | $2.85 | $3.85 |
The costs of groceries and restaurants show modest differences between both cities. The groceries cost slightly more in Toronto than in Ottawa, though the gap has narrowed since 2023.
| Type of childcare | Monthly Cost in Ottawa | Monthly Cost in Toronto |
|---|---|---|
| Infant care | $1,150 | $2,100 |
| Toddler care | $1,285 | $1,750 |
| Preschool | $1,175 | $1,425 |
If you are a working parent with small children, you could save substantial money while living in Ottawa. The monthly cost of infant care is almost half of what you have to pay in Toronto. Similarly, the monthly childcare cost for a preschool child is $1,175 compared to $1,425 in Toronto. Ottawa is a clear winner here.
On average, an Ontario family spends around $2,200 a year on entertainment. These costs can vary depending on your lifestyle and choices. Some of the family fun activities in Ottawa include:
The following are some of the fun activities in Ottawa:
The following are some of the fun activities in Toronto:
When it comes to entertainment, both cities have a lot to offer. However, Ottawa has significantly more parks available to the residents than Toronto. If you want to have some quality time free of cost, Ottawa has more to offer.
| Entertainment | Toronto | Ottawa |
|---|---|---|
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | 25.00C$ | 27.00C$ |
| Meal for 2 people, Mid-range Restaurant, Three course | 135.00C$ | 105.00C$ |
| McDonald’s Meal (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | 14.00C$ | 13.50C$ |
| Domestic Beer (0.5-liter draught) | 8.50C$ | 8.00C$ |
| Imported Beer (0.33-liter bottle) | 9.50C$ | 9.50C$ |
| Cappuccino (regular) | 5.25C$ | 5.50C$ |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33-liter bottle) | 2.85C$ | 3.05C$ |
| Water (0.33-liter bottle | 2.25C$ | 2.25C$ |
Restaurant prices in Ottawa are generally lower than in Toronto. Ottawa has a greater number of public parks to have fun free of cost.
| Sports and Leisure Activity | Toronto | Ottawa |
|---|---|---|
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | 68.50C$ | 79.25C$ |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) | 26.50C$ | 38.50C$ |
| Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat | 16.50C$ | 16.50C$ |
The cost of fitness facilities in Ottawa remains higher than the cost of the same activities in Toronto.
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If you are trying to relocate yourself in 2025, you should seriously consider Ottawa. The comparison between Ottawa and Toronto reveals that Ottawa remains 14-16% cheaper as compared to Toronto. Ottawa also has a higher median income and significantly lower crime index. Housing, childcare, and grocery items are all cheaper in Ottawa, though transportation costs have increased.
You would need around $7,753 in Ottawa to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $8,800 in Toronto.
Are you looking into purchasing a new home in Ottawa? Book a consultation with an expert realtor like Labrosse Real Estate.
Both Ottawa and Toronto offer great living opportunities. However, when it comes to affordability and natural scenic beauty, Ottawa stands out. The biggest difference between Ottawa and Toronto is that Ottawa has a smaller population compared to Toronto. It has a higher median income and lower crime index. Ottawa also offers cheaper housing options than Toronto. There are more green spaces in Ottawa than in Toronto. On the other hand, Toronto offers better job opportunities than Ottawa.
Some of the best areas to live in Ottawa are Glebe, Hintonburg, Westboro, Kanata, and Stittsville. The people in these neighbourhoods are quite friendly, with a strong sense of community. These areas offer great amenities, such as schools, parks, and hospitals.
If you want to live in an area full of cafes and restaurants in Toronto, you must have your house in The Beaches. It lies on the Shore of Lake Ontario a few kilometres away from Toronto’s commercial district. Leaside is the other area known for its quality of life with very good schools and a very short distance from Toronto’s commercial market.
Taxes are cheaper in Ottawa than in Toronto. You need around $7,753 in Ottawa to maintain the same standard of living that you can have with $8,800 in Toronto.
What is the average monthly net salary in Ottawa and Toronto?
According to recent data, the average monthly net salary in Ottawa is $4,613, while in Toronto, it is $4,292.
Ottawa lies farther north than Toronto. This results in significantly colder winters and more extreme seasonal temperature variations.
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