Data last updated: August 2026

Madison, WIOttawa, Canada

You would need around 16.4% less money in Ottawa, Canada to maintain the same standard of living you have in Madison, WI.

Overall Cost of Living

16.4%

Ottawa, Canada is cheaper than Madison, WI

1-Bed Rent (City Center)

City A1,717 USD
City B1,480 USD
Difference-13.8%

Groceries (Monthly)

City A265 USD
City B202 USD
Difference-23.8%

Average Net Salary

City A4,486 USD
City B3,628 USD
Difference-19.1%

Editorial Insight: Planning a move from Madison, WI to Ottawa, Canada? Based on our verified data model, you are looking at a fantastic geo-arbitrage opportunity. Overall, the cost of living in Ottawa, Canada is 16.4% cheaper. Housing is typically the biggest financial win—renting a 1-bedroom apartment in Ottawa, Canada's center costs around 1,480 USD, which is a staggering 13.8% less than in Madison, WI. If you are retaining a remote income, the Remote Wealth team ranks this as a highly strategic move for wealth accumulation.

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Reviewed by the Remote Wealth Editorial Team

Our cost of living data for Madison, WI and Ottawa, Canada is compiled using our rigorous verification methodology. We combine millions of data points from reliable sources to ensure you get the most accurate financial comparison for your relocation.

Read more about our team →

Salary Comparator

Find out exactly how much you need to earn in Ottawa, Canada to maintain your current lifestyle in Madison, WI.

USD

You need in Ottawa, Canada

3,752 USD

Geo-Arbitrage FIRE

Discover how moving to a cheaper city accelerates your Financial Independence and Retire Early (FIRE) timeline.

By moving from Madison, WI to Ottawa, Canada and investing the 16% cost of living difference, you could reach FIRE 2.5 years earlier.

Budget Simulator

Instantly adapt your Madison, WI budget to local Ottawa, Canada prices. We automatically adjust housing, groceries, and leisure categories.

Housing1480 USD
Groceries202 USD
Utilities & Internet186 USD

Investment Planner

You save 237 USD every month on rent alone by moving to Ottawa, Canada.

Investing this rent difference in an S&P 500 index fund could grow to ~39,816 USD in 10 years.