What Ottawa actually looks, feels, and costs like for someone considering moving. Neighbourhoods, climate, transport, healthcare, safety, and the practical scaffolding — every figure sourced.
Country
Canada
Americas
Population
1,488,000
metro · 2024
Area
5,716 km²
Elevation
70 m
city centre
Time zone
America/Toronto
Currency
CAD
Airport
YOW · Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport
Ottawa is a city of 1,488,000 people in Canada (Americas). It is the capital. The main international airport is YOW (Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport). The metro system has 2 lines.
A one-bedroom city-centre apartment runs approximately C$1,950 (approximately €1,307) per month. Monthly groceries for one person run approximately C$400. A monthly public-transport pass costs C$135. Across the 100 cities Meridian tracks, Ottawa ranks 57th overall on combined monthly essentials — in the middle of the range.
Ottawa's climate is continental — July is typically the warmest month with average highs around 27°C, while January is the coldest with average lows near -15°C. Annual rainfall totals approximately 953mm, wettest in June.
Cost of living
Cost of living
Total monthly essentials: approximately €1,779/month EUR-equivalent for a single person in a 1-bedroom flat (rent + utilities + groceries + transit). District and lifestyle swing this 30–50% either way.
Visa policy, taxation, healthcare, and broadband infrastructure are national rather than city-level — the numbers below are Canada-wide context for someone weighing Ottawa specifically. Each links through to the full country brief.
IRCC proposed in April 2026 to reform the Comprehensive Ranking System to favour higher earnings and Canadian job offers over Canadian experience and language points. Currently in consultation; not yet enacted. Mover-relevant because it would materially rebalance who is invited through Express Entry.
Who it affects: All future Express Entry candidates if implemented.
The federal government introduced Bill C-3 in June 2025 to respond to the 2023 Ontario Superior Court ruling that struck down the first-generation limit on citizenship by descent. The bill proposes restoring citizenship to certain Canadians born abroad to Canadian parents who also were born abroad, subject to a "substantial connection" requirement for future generations. Parliamentary passage in progress through late 2025.
Who it affects: Canadians born abroad to Canadian parents who were also born abroad; their children.
IRCC removed, with immediate effect on 27 March 2025, the arranged-employment points (50 or 200 CRS points) previously awarded in Express Entry for most LMIA-supported job offers. The change responded to evidence of LMIA misuse in for-sale job-offer arrangements. The 50 CRS points for provincial-nominee holders and certain other categories remained.
Who it affects: Express Entry candidates who previously relied on LMIA-based job offers for their CRS score.
A one-bedroom apartment in central Ottawa rents for around C$1,950 (approximately €1,307) per month. Combined monthly essentials (rent + utilities + groceries + transit) total approximately €1,779 EUR-equivalent. Individual spend varies 30–50% by district and lifestyle.
Is Ottawa expensive compared to other global cities?
Ottawa ranks 57th out of 100 cities Meridian tracks for combined monthly living costs — in the more expensive half, and 3rd of 5 within Canada. Rankings use EUR-normalised rent + utilities + groceries + transit.
What's the weather like in Ottawa?
Ottawa sees average summer highs of 27°C in July and winter lows of -15°C in January. Annual rainfall totals about 953mm. Full monthly breakdown in the Climate section above.
What visa do I need to move to Ottawa?
Ottawa's visa regime is set at the national level — Canada tracks 4 residence-permit routes including Federal Skilled Worker (Express Entry), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), among others. See the Canada country brief for full eligibility, salary thresholds, and processing times.
How do you get around in Ottawa?
Ottawa has 2 metro lines; the city centre is highly walkable (Meridian editorial score 4/5). Monthly transit pass cost is in the breakdown above.