Pros and Cons of Living in Ottawa: What You Need You to Know

Canada’s capital is a world-class city offering an exciting lifestyle with all the amenities you can imagine. If the opportunity arises, a move to Ottawa could be just what you need to enjoy the lifestyle you’ve always imagined. However, there are many factors to consider when asking yourself if you should move to Ottawa or Toronto. Here we look at the pros and cons of living in Ottawa to help you make the right move.

Advantages of Living in Ottawa

Stable Economy

One of the biggest employers in Ottawa is the federal government. As a result, the economy tends to be quite stable as it isn’t dependent on resources or a specific industry like other cities. The city’s unemployment rate is consistently lower than the national average, and the job market offers diverse opportunities in sectors such as technology, healthcare, and education.

Tourist Attractions

As the capital of Canada, Ottawa offers top-notch tourist attractions you can enjoy. Whether you love museums, art, history, or science, there’s plenty to do on a rainy day in Ottawa. As a world-class city visited regularly by global diplomats, everything is designed to impress. The National Gallery of Canada, the Canadian Museum of History, and Parliament Hill are just a few of the many attractions that make Ottawa a cultural hub.

Year-Round Outdoor Activities

Whether it is enjoying the many bike paths in the summer, skating on the Rideau Canal in the winter, or hiking in the fall, there is no shortage of outdoor activities any time of the year. Both Ottawa and Hull across the river have kilometers of green space to enjoy. If you love to keep active and enjoy the outdoors you can ski, skate, cross-country ski, toboggan, and more when the snow is deep. In the spring and summer, you’ll find Ottawa is one of the country’s greenest cities with tons of parks. Also, the lovely Gatineau Hills are just a few minutes away across the river in Quebec.

Easy Commute

Whether you live downtown or in any of the surrounding Ottawa suburbs, you’ll never face the traffic congestion you’ll experience in Toronto. The city’s compact size and well-planned road network contribute to shorter commute times compared to other major Canadian cities.

Affordable Housing

If moving to Ottawa, where to live becomes a little easier as housing is far more affordable than in Toronto. You have your fair choice of cool, downtown areas like the Byway Market, the Glebe or Sandy Hill, or you can live further out in the suburbs like Kanata or Dow’s Lake. However, it’s worth noting that housing prices in Ottawa have been on the rise in recent years, with a projected increase of 2.5% in 2025.

Lower Cost of Living

Is living in Ottawa expensive? If you compare the Cost of Living Index in Ottawa to other major Canadian cities, Ottawa is lower at 62.88 compared to 70.19 in Toronto, 69.63 in Vancouver, and 63.52 in Montreal. This lower cost of living extends to various aspects, including groceries, transportation, and entertainment.

Disadvantages of Living In Ottawa

Less to Do

If you’re coming from a major city like Toronto, you might find there is less to do. There are tons of tourist attractions and museums, but the nightlife is not quite as exciting. There are also fewer live concerts from major performers and although the restaurants are amazing, your options are limited.

Bilingualism

If you aren’t fluent in French and English it could hold you back from getting one of the better, higher-paying jobs. Ottawa’s position as the capital of a bilingual country means that many government and professional positions require proficiency in both official languages.

Limited Mass Transit

While you might complain about the TTC living in Toronto, a move to Ottawa might open your eyes a little to just how good you had it. Ottawa’s public transportation system, while improving, is not as extensive as those in larger Canadian cities.

Extreme Weather Conditions

Ottawa experiences significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year. Winters can be long and extremely cold, while summers can be hot and humid. This extreme weather can be challenging for some residents, particularly those not accustomed to such variations.

Rising Property Taxes

Ottawa homeowners will see a total property tax increase of about 3.9 percent in 2025, driven by a 2.9 percent general tax increase and additional transit-related costs. This increase in living costs is something potential residents should factor into their decision-making process.

So, is Ottawa a good place to live? The short answer is yes. If you are looking for the conveniences of a big city, with trendy bars and restaurants, culture, green space, and affordable housing, you’ll find all of this in Ottawa. It’s just on a smaller scale. The city consistently ranks high in quality of life surveys, thanks to its low crime rates, excellent healthcare system, and abundant green spaces.

For more information on living in Ottawa, you can visit the official City of Ottawa website or Statistics Canada for detailed demographic and economic data.