Montreal
OttawaVS
Montreal is 34% cheaper than Ottawa overall.
| Montreal | Ottawa | |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City Centre) | $1,750.00 CAD | $1,900.00 CAD |
| Rent (1BR Outside Centre) | $1,450.00 CAD | $1,650.00 CAD |
| Groceries Index | 98 | 101 |
| Monthly Transit Pass | $97.00 CAD | $128.00 CAD |
| Utilities (monthly) | $110.00 CAD | $145.00 CAD |
| Gas (per litre) | $1.70 CAD | $1.60 CAD |
| Mid-range Meal | $25.00 CAD | $26.00 CAD |
| Gym Membership | $45.00 CAD | $55.00 CAD |
| Childcare (monthly) | $220.00 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 Montreal...
You would need $90,939 in Ottawa to maintain the same lifestyle.
Frequently asked questions
Is Montreal cheaper than Ottawa?
Montreal is 34% cheaper than Ottawa overall.
How much is rent in Montreal vs Ottawa?
A one-bedroom in the city centre averages $1,750 CAD per month in Montreal and $1,900 CAD in Ottawa. Outside the centre, it is $1,450 CAD in Montreal and $1,650 CAD in Ottawa.
What salary do I need to move from Montreal to Ottawa?
On average, you need about 152% of your current salary — for example, $60,000 in Montreal is roughly equivalent to $90,939 in Ottawa.