Calgary
OttawaVS
Calgary and Ottawa have similar costs overall.
| Calgary | Ottawa | |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City Centre) | $1,700.00 CAD | $1,900.00 CAD |
| Rent (1BR Outside Centre) | $1,450.00 CAD | $1,650.00 CAD |
| Groceries Index | 102 | 101 |
| Monthly Transit Pass | $115.00 CAD | $128.00 CAD |
| Utilities (monthly) | $195.00 CAD | $145.00 CAD |
| Gas (per litre) | $1.45 CAD | $1.60 CAD |
| Mid-range Meal | $25.00 CAD | $26.00 CAD |
| Gym Membership | $55.00 CAD | $55.00 CAD |
| Childcare (monthly) | $1,100.00 CAD | $1,000.00 CAD |
Each city is shown in your selected currency (toggle CAD/USD in the header); cheaper values are highlighted after converting to a common currency. Updated June 2026.
Salary Equivalence Calculator
If you earn $in Calgary...
You would need $61,033 in Ottawa to maintain the same lifestyle.
Frequently asked questions
Is Calgary cheaper than Ottawa?
Calgary and Ottawa have similar costs overall.
How much is rent in Calgary vs Ottawa?
A one-bedroom in the city centre averages $1,700 CAD per month in Calgary and $1,900 CAD in Ottawa. Outside the centre, it is $1,450 CAD in Calgary and $1,650 CAD in Ottawa.
What salary do I need to move from Calgary to Ottawa?
On average, you need about 102% of your current salary — for example, $60,000 in Calgary is roughly equivalent to $61,033 in Ottawa.