Chicago
OttawaVS
Ottawa is 17% cheaper than Chicago overall.
| Chicago | Ottawa | |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City Centre) | $2,937.48 CAD | $1,900.00 CAD |
| Rent (1BR Outside Centre) | $2,377.96 CAD | $1,650.00 CAD |
| Groceries Index | 105 | 101 |
| Monthly Transit Pass | $104.91 CAD | $128.00 CAD |
| Utilities (monthly) | $202.83 CAD | $145.00 CAD |
| Gas (per litre) | $1.33 CAD | $1.60 CAD |
| Mid-range Meal | $33.57 CAD | $26.00 CAD |
| Gym Membership | $69.94 CAD | $55.00 CAD |
| Childcare (monthly) | $2,238.08 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 Chicago...
You would need $49,662 in Ottawa to maintain the same lifestyle.
Frequently asked questions
Is Chicago cheaper than Ottawa?
Ottawa is 17% cheaper than Chicago overall.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Ottawa?
A one-bedroom in the city centre averages $2,100 USD per month in Chicago and $1,900 CAD in Ottawa. Outside the centre, it is $1,700 USD in Chicago and $1,650 CAD in Ottawa.
What salary do I need to move from Chicago to Ottawa?
On average, you need about 83% of your current salary — for example, $60,000 in Chicago is roughly equivalent to $49,662 in Ottawa.