Data last updated: August 2026

Washington, DCOttawa, Canada

You would need around 41.6% less money in Ottawa, Canada to maintain the same standard of living you have in Washington, DC.

Overall Cost of Living

41.6%

Ottawa, Canada is cheaper than Washington, DC

1-Bed Rent (City Center)

City A2,606 USD
City B1,480 USD
Difference-43.2%

Groceries (Monthly)

City A321 USD
City B202 USD
Difference-37.1%

Average Net Salary

City A7,120 USD
City B3,628 USD
Difference-49.0%

Editorial Insight: Planning a move from Washington, DC 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 41.6% 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 43.2% less than in Washington, DC. 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 Washington, DC 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 Washington, DC.

USD

You need in Ottawa, Canada

4,155 USD

Geo-Arbitrage FIRE

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

By moving from Washington, DC to Ottawa, Canada and investing the 42% cost of living difference, you could reach FIRE 6.2 years earlier.

Budget Simulator

Instantly adapt your Washington, DC 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 1126 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 ~189,168 USD in 10 years.