Cost of living
Cost of living in Ottawa (Ottawa–Gatineau)
Average rent and household spending in Ottawa–Gatineau — and a quick check of whether your rent is reasonable for your income.
Average rent in Ottawa–Gatineau
CMHC, apartment structures of three units and over.
| Bachelor | $1,295/mo |
|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | $1,542/mo |
| 2 bedroom | $1,757/mo |
| 3 bedroom | $1,919/mo |
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Check your rent in Ottawa–Gatineau
That's about average for Ottawa–Gatineau ($1,757).
City comparison
How Ottawa–Gatineau compares
A one-bedroom in Ottawa (Ottawa–Gatineau) averages $1,542 a month, the 7th most expensive of the 18 cities we track and $135 above the 18-city average of $1,407.
Keeping rent under the 30% guideline takes a gross income of about $61,680 a year for a one-bedroom here, and about $70,280 for a two-bedroom.
The median individual income in Ottawa (Ottawa–Gatineau) is $56,040, so an average one-bedroom takes 33% of a median earner's gross income: stretched.
Household spending in Ontario
Average household, per year (Survey of Household Spending).
Educational information only — not financial advice. Rents are CMHC averages; actual options vary by neighbourhood and building.
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