If you’re planning to buy a home in Ottawa in 2026, understanding the true cost of living is just as important as the purchase price. Beyond your mortgage, monthly expenses like utilities, property taxes, transportation, and everyday living costs will directly affect what you can comfortably afford.

This guide breaks down what buyers actually need to budget for in Ottawa — with realistic numbers, local context, and practical considerations.

The Big Picture: Is Ottawa Still Affordable in 2026?

Compared to Toronto and Vancouver, Ottawa remains one of Canada’s more balanced markets. Prices are higher than they were pre-2020, but wages, employment stability, and overall living costs still make Ottawa relatively accessible for buyers — especially first-time buyers and families.

That said, affordability depends on neighbourhood, housing type, and lifestyle choices.

Housing Costs: The Largest Expense

Home Prices

Housing costs vary widely across Ottawa:

• Condos generally offer the lowest entry point

• Townhomes sit in the middle range

• Detached homes command the highest prices, especially in established neighbourhoods

Buyers should also factor in:

• Down payment requirements

• Closing costs (land transfer tax, legal fees, inspections)

• Ongoing maintenance

Property Taxes

Ottawa property taxes are moderate compared to other major cities, but they are a fixed annual cost buyers must plan for.

What affects your property taxes:

• Assessed value of the home

• Property type (condo vs freehold)

• Neighbourhood and municipal rate changes

Property taxes are often paid monthly through your mortgage or as a lump sum annually.

Utilities & Monthly Home Expenses

Electricity, Heating & Water

Utility costs depend heavily on home size, age, and heating source.

Typical monthly utility expenses may include:

• Electricity

• Natural gas or heating oil

• Water and sewer charges

Newer homes and condos tend to be more energy efficient, while older detached homes often come with higher heating costs.

Internet & Mobile Services

Ottawa offers competitive internet and mobile options, though costs remain higher than in some international markets.

Buyers should budget for:

• High-speed internet

• Mobile phone plans

Bundled services may reduce overall monthly costs.

Condo Fees vs Freehold Costs

Condo Living

If you’re buying a condo, monthly condo fees are a major factor.

Condo fees typically cover:

• Building maintenance

• Snow removal and landscaping

• Amenities

• Reserve fund contributions

Lower purchase prices can be offset by higher monthly fees, so buyers should evaluate total monthly costs — not just sale price.

Freehold Homes

Freehold owners avoid condo fees but should budget for:

• Maintenance and repairs

• Roofing, windows, and exterior upkeep

• Snow removal and landscaping

These costs are less predictable but unavoidable over time.

Transportation Costs in Ottawa

Public Transit

Ottawa’s transit system continues to expand, with LRT access influencing both housing demand and living costs.

Transit expenses may include:

• Monthly passes

• Occasional ride-sharing or car rentals

Living near transit can significantly reduce transportation costs.

Owning a Vehicle

For many households, especially in suburban neighbourhoods, owning a car remains common.

Car-related expenses include:

• Insurance

• Fuel

• Maintenance

• Parking

These costs can add up quickly and should be factored into overall affordability.

Everyday Living Costs

Groceries & Dining

Grocery costs in Ottawa are in line with other major Canadian cities.

Dining out ranges widely:

• Affordable local eateries

• Mid-range restaurants

• Higher-end dining downtown

Lifestyle choices play a large role in monthly spending.

Childcare & Education

For families, childcare can be one of the most significant non-housing expenses.

Ottawa benefits from:

• Subsidized childcare programs

• Access to public and private schools

Availability and costs vary by neighbourhood.

How Cost of Living Should Influence Your Buying Decision

When budgeting for a home in Ottawa, buyers should:

• Look beyond the purchase price

• Compare total monthly carrying costs

• Consider commute and transportation expenses

• Balance lifestyle preferences with affordability

A home that stretches your budget too far can limit flexibility later.

Planning to Buy in Ottawa in 2026?

Every buyer’s situation is different. Neighbourhood choice, housing type, and long-term plans all affect what you should realistically budget.

If you’re thinking about buying in Ottawa and want a clear, personalized breakdown of costs, local guidance and up-to-date data make a meaningful difference.

Reach out anytime to discuss budgeting, neighbourhood options, and current opportunities in Ottawa.

Ottawa continues to stand out as one of Canada’s most stable and livable cities, but not all neighbourhoods are growing at the same pace. For buyers, investors, and first-time homeowners, understanding where Ottawa’s population is increasing the fastest can offer a major advantage.

Population growth usually comes before price growth. New residents drive demand for housing, infrastructure, schools, transit, and local businesses. If you’re planning to buy in Ottawa in 2026, knowing which neighbourhoods are attracting the most people matters.

Below is a clear breakdown of Ottawa’s population growth trends — and the neighbourhoods seeing the strongest momentum heading into 2026.

Ottawa Population Growth: The Big Picture

Ottawa’s population has continued to rise steadily over the past few years, driven by:

• Federal government employment

• Tech sector expansion

• Interprovincial migration from higher-cost cities

• International immigration

While overall growth remains consistent, it’s concentrated in specific parts of the city. Suburban expansion, transit-oriented development, and mixed-use intensification are reshaping where people choose to live.

Fastest-Growing Ottawa Neighbourhoods (2026)

1. Barrhaven

Barrhaven remains one of Ottawa’s fastest-growing communities.

Why it’s growing:

• Large supply of newer homes and townhouses

• Strong family appeal

• Retail, schools, and recreation already in place

• Continued transit improvements

Barrhaven attracts young families and first-time buyers who want space without leaving the city entirely. Population growth here has been steady rather than speculative, which supports long-term property values.

2. Riverside South

Riverside South is transitioning from a developing suburb into a fully established community.

Growth drivers:

• LRT expansion and improved transit access

• New schools and commercial development

• Mix of townhomes, single-family homes, and newer condos

As transit connectivity improves, Riverside South continues to draw buyers priced out of central neighbourhoods.

3. Orléans (East-End Growth Corridor)

Orléans has experienced renewed population growth, particularly in newer pockets along major transit routes.

Why demand is rising:

• Relative affordability compared to west-end suburbs

• LRT access improvements

• Strong sense of community

Orléans appeals to buyers who want more space while staying connected to downtown Ottawa.

4. Kanata (South & West)

Kanata’s population growth is closely tied to Ottawa’s tech and innovation sectors.

Key factors:

• Proximity to major tech employers

• New residential developments

• High demand for family-oriented neighbourhoods

Kanata continues to attract professionals seeking newer housing stock and suburban convenience.

5. LeBreton Flats & Surrounding Core Areas

Population growth isn’t limited to the suburbs. Central Ottawa is growing through intensification rather than sprawl.

Why the core is growing:

• New condo developments

• Walkability and transit access

• Employment proximity

LeBreton Flats and nearby neighbourhoods are seeing population increases driven by downsizers, professionals, and investors.

How Population Growth Impacts Home Prices

Neighbourhoods with rising populations typically experience:

• Increased buyer competition

• Upward pressure on prices

• Faster absorption of new listings

• Improved long-term resale potential

However, rapid growth doesn’t always mean immediate price spikes. The best opportunities often appear early, before an area becomes widely recognized.

What This Means for Buyers in 2026

If you’re buying in Ottawa this year:

• Focus on neighbourhoods before they peak

• Look for transit access and infrastructure investment

• Balance growth potential with lifestyle needs

Fast-growing neighbourhoods tend to reward patient buyers who plan to hold long term rather than flip quickly.

Thinking of Buying in a High-Growth Ottawa Neighbourhood?

Choosing the right area matters as much as choosing the right home. Population trends, pricing, transit plans, and development pipelines all play a role.

If you’re considering buying in Ottawa in 2026 and want help evaluating which neighbourhood fits your budget and long-term goals, a local, data-driven approach makes the difference.

Reach out anytime for a personalized breakdown of Ottawa neighbourhoods and current opportunities.