Ottawa sits at an elevation of 70 meters above sea level in the America/Toronto timezone and experiences a continental climate. With a population of 1 million, the city offers a safety index of 86/100 and a crime index of 14/100. Popular expat neighborhoods include The Glebe, Westboro, and Rockcliffe Park, where the expat community is described as large and active.
Living costs in Ottawa are reasonable, with a cost of living index of 62/100 compared to New York City. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre rents for $1,462/mo, while outside the centre it costs $1,221/mo. A three-bedroom in the centre is $2,244/mo, and outside the centre it is $1,867/mo. Monthly utilities run $135/mo, internet is $50/mo, and a mobile phone plan costs $37/mo. A monthly public transport pass is $95/mo, and a gym membership is $45/mo. For dining, an inexpensive restaurant meal costs $18 per person, a mid-range three-course meal for two is $76, and a cappuccino is $4. The average monthly net salary locally is $3,653/mo. Budget, mid-range, and comfortable tiers for a single adult (rent included) are $1,291/mo, $2,009/mo, and $2,460/mo respectively. A single person's monthly cost excluding rent is $1,047/mo, while a family of four's monthly cost excluding rent is $3,861/mo.
Ottawa is a safe city with a safety index of 86/100 and a low crime index of 14/100. Healthcare quality is rated as excellent, and the air quality index is 32, indicating good air quality.
For visas, the Canada Super Visa (Parents & Grandparents) is available for retirees, and the Canada Digital Nomad Visa is for digital nomads. The nearest airport is YOW, located 5 km from the city. Ottawa suits expats with an overall expat score of 85/100, a FIRE score of 73/100, a retiree score of74/100, and a digital nomad score of85/100.
