Ottawa vs Toronto Compared in 2024 – (As a Local)

Last Updated on July 27, 2024 by William Alexander

Ottawa and Toronto are both big cities in Canada, situated in the Canadian province of Ontario. However, both cities have different costs of living, cultures, and lifestyles. Ottawa offers a low cost of living as compared to Toronto.

If you are thinking about moving to Ontario and you are stuck on the comparison of  Ottawa vs. Toronto, then you have landed on the right page.  I was a local in  Toronto, and now I live in Ottawa. So I have complete practical experience in both cities. So, in this guide, I am going to compare  Toronto Vs Ottawa. 

This guide gives the differences between the two cities regarding cost of living, culture, lifestyle, quality of life, crime rate, education, healthcare, tourist attractions, job opportunities, nightlife, etc. After reading this comprehensive research, I am sure you don’t have any questions about Ottawa and Toronto.

So let’s get started.

Ottawa vs Toronto Compared in 2024

To this point, I will introduce Ottawa and Toronto.

Introduction to Ottawa

Ottawa is the nation’s capital. It is situated in southeastern Ontario and lies along the south bank of the Ottawa River. That forms the boundary between Ontario and the province of Quebec. Ottawa is known for its capital status and the centre of Canadian politics.

Ottawa is home to Canada’s federal government and has many national institutions and landmarks, including Parliament Hill, where the federal government operates. It has a Rich Cultural heritage and numerous museums, such as the National Gallery of Canada, the Canadian Museum of History, and the Canadian War Museum.

Due to its link with Quebec. Ottawa is also known as a bilingual city, with both English and French widely spoken.

Introduction to Toronto

Toronto is the largest city in Canada. It is also the capital city of the province of Ontario. It is situated on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. It is the largest city in Canada and also the backbone of the Canadian economy. It serves as a major economic and cultural hub.

Toronto is famous for its multiculturalism, with a diverse population representing over 200 ethnic origins and more than 140 languages spoken.

Toronto hosts the CN Tower, one of the tallest freestanding structures in the world.

Tourist Attractions in Ottawa vs. Toronto

Tourist Attractions in Ottawa

• Parliament Hill  (It is the heart of Canadian democracy)
• Rideau Canal  ( It  is the  world’s largest skating rink in winter.) 
• National Gallery of Canada (  it has a big collection of Canadian and international art, including the famous spider sculpture “Maman.”)
• Canadian Museum of History ( It represents Canadian history, including the world’s largest indoor collection of totem poles.)
• Canadian War Museum (it showcases Canada’s military history )
• ByWard Market ( Represents the nightlife of Ottawa )
• Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica ( Ottawa’s oldest and largest church)
• Rideau Hall (it is famous due to the official residence of the Governor General of Canada)
• Gatineau Park ( offers outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and skiing)
• Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum
• Royal Canadian Mint (organise a guided tour and showcasing the intricate process of coin production and gold refining)
• Canadian Museum of Nature
• Canada Aviation and Space Museum ( showcasing the collection of aircraft and space exploration artefacts)
• Major’s Hill Park
• Ottawa Locks ( Series of historic canal locks on the Rideau Canal)

Tourist Attractions in Toronto.

• CN Tower ( This is One of the world’s tallest freestanding structures and is located in downtown Toronto )
• Royal Ontario Museum  (Canada’s largest museum)
• Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada ( Offers unique underwater tunnels and a wide variety of marine life.)
• Toronto Islands (a group of small islands offering beaches and  parks) 
• Art Gallery of Ontario (offers a collection of Canadian and Indigenous art)
• Distillery District
• St. Lawrence Market (Known for its diverse food stalls)
• Casa Loma  (Offers a majestic Gothic Revival-style castle)
• Toronto Zoo (One of the largest zoos in the world, hosting over 5,000 animals and many ecosystems.)
• High Park 
• Kensington Market
• Nathan Phillips Square
• Hockey Hall of Fame (This  museum  showcasing  the history and achievements of ice hockey)
• Rogers Centre
• Toronto Eaton Centre
• Ontario Science Centre (An interactive museum showcasing exhibits on science)
• Harbourfront Centre
• Bata Shoe Museum (showcasing footwear from around the world and throughout history)
• Aga Khan Museum (showcasing Islamic arts )
• Yonge-Dundas Square
• Fort York National Historic Site (this fort preserves military fortifications from the War of 1812)
• The PATH (underground pedestrian walkway)
• Graffiti Alley
• Edwards Gardens

Outdoor and Indoor Activities  in Ottawa vs. Toronto 

Outdoor Activities 

Outdoor Activities in Ottawa	Outdoor Activities in Toronto
Do Skating on the Rideau Canal	Enjoy beaches and parks at Toronto Islands
Hiking and Cycling at Gatineau Park	Explore the largest public  park, High Park
Do Kayaking on the Ottawa River	Walking along the scenic Harbourfront area at Stroll Along the Waterfront
Cycling Along the Ottawa River Pathway	Climb the CN Tower
Arrange Picnic  in Major’s Hill Park	Relax at Sugar Beach
Explore Dows Lake and enjoy blooming tulips on days of the Canadian Tulip Festival	Play baseball games at Rogers Centre
Do Trekking in Mer Bleue Bog	Do cycling at Martin Goodman Trail
Explore Parliament Hill Grounds	Walk Through Kensington Market
Birdwatching at Mud Lake	Explore beautiful greenhouse and gardens at Allan Gardens Conservatory

Indoor Activities 

Indoor Activities in Ottawa	Indoor Activities in Toronto
View  Canadian and international art at the National Gallery of Canada	Explore  collections of arts at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
Learn about Canada’s rich history at the Canadian Museum of History	See marine life at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Explore the oldest stone building at Bytown Museum	Explore Canadian and international art at the Art Gallery of Ontario
Arrange a guided tour to explore the making process at the Royal Canadian Mint	Enjoy the taste of local food at St. Lawrence Market
Learn the history of fossils and minerals at the Canadian Museum of Nature	Learn the history and achievements of  Canadian  hockey  at the Hockey Hall of Fame
Do shopping from Shopping at Rideau Centre	Explore Islamic art at the Aga Khan Museum
Explore the vast collection of aircraft at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum	Watch films at TIFF Bell Lightbox
View historical art at the Ottawa Art Gallery	Enjoy dining at CF Toronto Eaton Centre

The Cost of Living in Ottawa vs Toronto

Compared to any place, the cost of living depends upon the cost of grocery items, housing, and entertainment so I will explain all of these.

The overall cost of living is low in Ottawa as compared to Toronto. Now I am going to compare the cost of living in both cities.

Cost of grocery items in Ottawa vs Toronto

The cost of grocery items is high in Toronto.  According to the most updated data, the following items are bellowed.

Item	Ottawa Price in Canadian dollars	Toronto Price in Canadian dollars
Milk (1 liter)	$2.50 – $3.00	$2.70 – $3.20
Loaf of Bread (500g)	$2.50 – $3.00	$2.80 – $3.30
Eggs (dozen)	$3.00 – $3.50	$3.20 – $3.70
Chicken Breast (1kg)	$12.00 – $15.00	$13.00 – $16.00
Apples (1kg)	$3.50 – $4.50	$3.80 – $4.80
Bananas (1kg)	$1.50 – $2.00	$1.70 – $2.20
Tomatoes (1kg)	$3.00 – $4.00	$3.30 – $4.30
Potatoes (1kg)	$2.00 – $2.50	$2.20 – $2.70
Onions (1kg)	$2.50 – $3.00	$2.70 – $3.20
Lettuce (1 head)	$2.00 – $2.50	$2.20 – $2.70
Rice (1kg)	$3.00 – $4.00	$3.20 – $4.20
Local Cheese (1kg)	$10.00 – $12.00	$11.00 – $13.00
Beef (1kg)	$14.00 – $18.00	$15.00 – $19.00

Note: These costs are varies  for different areas and shops

Cost of Entertainment  in Ottawa vs Toronto

If you read this article from the start, you will understand that Ottawa is cheaper than Toronto. The cost of entertainment is high in Toronto. 

Category	Ottawa  Price in Canadian dollars	Toronto Price in Canadian dollars	Difference (%)
Dining
Mid-range restaurant (meal for 2)	70.00	75.00	+7.1%
Domestic Beer (0.5L)	8.04	8.04	0%
Cappuccino (regular)	5.33	5.59	+4.9%
Movies and Leisure
Movie Ticket	15.08	18.09	+20.0%
Fitness Club (monthly fee)	66.02	70.51	+6.8%
Beverages
Imported Beer (12 oz small)	9.00	10.00	+11.1%
Utilities
Basic utilities (915 sq ft apt)	239.39	162.19	-32.2%
Mobile phone plan (monthly)	54.47	60.96	+11.9%
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)	71.83	71.19	-0.9%

Note: These costs are varies  for different areas and Visit points

Cost of Housing in Ottawa vs. Toronto

Cost of  house rent in Ottawa vs Toronto

Toronto has a higher cost of house rent than Ottawa due to population density and demand. The following Prices are given Below.

City	Average Monthly Rent (1-Bedroom)	Average Monthly Rent (2-Bedroom)	Average Monthly Rent (3-Bedroom)
Ottawa	$1,700	$2,200	$2,700
Toronto	$2,400	$3,200	$3,900

Important Note: 

These prices Will varies Area to Area. Near The City centre prices are high.

Cost of buying a house  in Ottawa vs Toronto

Same as rent costs, you need more money to buy property  in Toronto due to 

Following things.

• Population Density and Demand
• Economic Significance
• Limited Land Availability
• Cultural and Social Amenities
• Transportation and Infrastructure
• Foreign Investment

The following property prices are given below.

Transportation Facility in  Ottawa vs Toronto.

Transportation Facility in  Ottawa

Ottawa is a well-developed city. It has a proper  Transportation system that is divided into two categories.

1. Public Transport
2. Private Transport 

We will give you details of both options. The following details are below.

Public Transportation:

1. OC Transpo is the number one public transit facility provider in Ottawa, and it operates buses and the O-Train light rail system.
2. O-Train includes a light rail transit (LRT) system with the Trillium Line and Confederation Line.
3. Para Transpo. This is providing specialised transport services for Disabled People.
4. Intercity Transportation: This Transport Facility connects Ottawa to other cities Through Rail and intercity bus services.

Private Transportation.

• Ride-sharing services Like Uber And Lyft
• Private Taxi Service Numerous taxi providers operate throughout the city.

International Transportation

In international Transit, Ottawa has the option of Ottawa International Airport (YOW), which provides domestic and international flights.

Category	Provider	Fare in USD	Departure Timings	Routes
Public Transportation	OC Transpo	$3.75 (single fare)	Buses: Every 5-15 minutes during peak hours, 15-30 minutes off-peak	Route 95  starts from Terry Fox to Trim
	O-Train	$3.75 (single fare)	Every 5-15 minutes during peak hours, 15-30 minutes off-peak	The Confederation Line  starts from  Tunney’s Pasture to Blair
	Para Transpo	$3.75	On-demand, scheduled in advance	City-wide
	Cycling Infrastructure	Free	N/A	Ottawa River Pathway
	Via Rail	from ($30 to $150)	Several times daily	Ottawa to Toronto
Private Transportation	Ride-Sharing	From ($10 to $40)	On-demand	City-wide
	Taxi Services	From($15 to $50)	On-demand	City-wide
	Road Network	N/A	N/A	Highway 417, regional roads
	Ottawa International Airport	From($100 to $800)	Based on flight Timings	Domestic and international routes

Transportation Facility in Toronto

Toronto offers the best facilities compared to Ottawa.  The TTC company of Toronto is 

3rd largest transport company in North America. Toronto Transit is divided into two categories.

1. Public Transport
2. Private Transport

We will give you details of both.

Public Transportation:

1. Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) offers a large bus network covering the whole city and Four subway lines: Line 1 Yonge-University, Line 2 Bloor-Danforth, Line 3 Scarborough, and Line 4 Sheppard. And Street Cars.  
2. GO Transit offers regional rail and bus services that connect Toronto with surrounding areas like Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.
3. UP Express  -Union Pearson Express offers a Train service that connects Union Station to Toronto Pearson International Airport.
4. Intercity Bus services like Megabus and Greyhound.

Private Transportation:

1. Ride-sharing services are private services that are offering many companies like Uber And  Lyft
2. Taxi Service Numerous taxi companies operate throughout the city and neighbourhoods.

International Transportation:

1. Toronto Pearson International Airport
2. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport

Category	Provider	Fare In USD	Departure Timings	Routes
Public Transportation	TTC Buses	$3.35  For single fare	Every 5-15 minutes during peak hours, 15-30 minutes off-peak	Route 504 King
	TTC Subway	$3.35 For single fare	Every 2-5 minutes during peak hours, 5-10 minutes off-peak	Line 1 Yonge-University
	TTC Streetcars	$3.35 For single fare	Every 5-10 minutes	Route 501 Queen
	GO Transit Trains	Varies from  $6 to $12	Every 30 minutes to 1 hour	Lakeshore West Line starts from Toronto to Hamilton
	GO Transit Buses	Varies from  $6 to $12	Every 30 minutes to 1 hour	Route 16  starts from Toronto to Hamilton
	UP Express	$12.35	Every 15 minutes	Union Station to Pearson Airport
	Bike Share Toronto	$3.25 per trip	N/A	City-wide
	VIA Rail	Varies From $50 to $150	Several times daily	Toronto to Montreal
	Intercity Buses	Varies from $30 to $100	Several times daily	Toronto to Ottawa
Private Transportation	Ride-Sharing	Varies from  $10 to $40	On-demand	City-wide
	Taxi Services	Varies from 15 to $50	On-demand	City-wide
	Road Network	N/A	N/A	Highway 401, Gardiner Expressway
International Transport	Toronto Pearson Airport	Varies from  $100 to $800	Based on the flight schedule	Domestic and international routes
	Billy Bishop Airport	Varies from $100 to $500	Based on the flight schedule	Regional routes

Healthcare facilities in Ottawa vs Toronto.

Overall, as a local, my research system of healthcare in Ottawa is better than in Toronto due to its integrated and comprehensive services.  Moreover, as part of Ontario, Toronto and Ottawa are covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Healthcare in Ottawa vs Toronto is given Below.

Ottawa 

1.  Best Hospitals Names :
   
   • The Ottawa Hospital 
   • Queensway Carleton Hospital
   • Montfort Hospital
   • CHEO (Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario)
2. Specialised Clinics and Centers:
   
   • University of Ottawa Heart Institute
   • Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre
   • The Ottawa Integrative Cancer Centre
   • Bruyère Continuing Care
3. Mental Health Services:
   
   • The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre
   • Various community mental health services and counselling centres
4. Primary Care Ottawa have large numbers of Family health teams, walk-in clinics, and community health centres
   

Healthcare Facilities in Toronto.

1. Best Hospitals name :
   
   • University Health Network included Toronto General, Toronto Western, Princess Margaret, and Toronto Rehab.
   • Mount Sinai Hospital
   • St. Michael’s Hospital
   • Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
   • Humber River Hospital
   • Scarborough Health Network included Birchmount, Centenary, and General Campuses)
   • The Hospital for Sick Children 
2. Specialised Clinics and Centers:
   
   • Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
   • Toronto Rehabilitation Institute
   • Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
   • Toronto Grace Health Centre
3. Mental Health Services:
   
   • CAMH  stands for extensive mental health and addiction services)
   • Many community mental health services and counselling centres

Education in Ottawa vs Toronto.

Canada is famous due to its Education. People come here for their higher education from worldwide. If we talk about  Education in Ottawa vs Toronto, then we can say that both have the same education because both are part of Ontario.

Bellow gives some of the best options in both cities. Toronto is Bigger than Ottawa; therefore, They have  22 colleges and universities, while Ottawa have 13

Category	Ottawa	Toronto
Elementary and Secondary Education	Ottawa Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) French Language School Boards (CEPEO, CECCE)	Toronto District School Board (TDSB)Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB)French Language School Boards  included Conseil scolaire Viamonde, Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir
Higher Education Institutions	University of OttawaCarleton University Algonquin College	University of TorontoYork UniversityToronto Metropolitan UniversityGeorge Brown College, Seneca College, Humber College
Tuition Fees	Lower due to lower cost of living	Higher due to higher cost of living
Special Programs and Opportunities	Unique opportunities in political science, public administration, and international relations Because of  proximity to government institutions	May internships Opportunities, co-op programs, and networking opportunities in finance, technology, media, and arts Because of economic hub status

Job Opportunities, Salary Comparison, and Unemployment Rates: Toronto vs. Ottawa

Toronto is called The Economic Powerhouse.

As the largest city in Canada, Toronto offers many jobs in various sectors, including finance, technology, healthcare, education, and retail. Major employers include the University of Toronto, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Scotiabank​. 

If you are talented, Toronto’s job market is robust. Nowadays, Toronto’s economy is growing rapidly in the fields of biotechnology and bioengineering.

While highly paid jobs are in the tech industry, such as web developers, cybersecurity, etc.

Ottawa is called the Hub of Stability and Growth.

Ottawa is known for its concentration of federal government jobs.

Ottawa also offers the best opportunities in tech, healthcare, and education. Major employers include the federal government, Shopify, and The Ottawa Hospital.

While in the tech industry, Ottawa offers more than 80,000 jobs. Most Tech companies hire employees in the field of Software development. Ottawa also offers more than 15000 jobs in the agriculture sector.

Salary Comparison Toronto Vs Ottawa.

Job Role	Average Salary in Toronto (Canadian dollar)	Average Salary in Ottawa (Canadian dollar)
Software Engineer	From $80,000  to $110,000	From $75,000 to $105,000
Registered Nurse	From $70,000 to  $95,000	From $65,000 to $90,000
Marketing Manager	From $85,000 to $120,000	From $80,000 to $115,000
Financial Analyst	From $65,000 to $85,000	From $60,000 to $80,000
Administrative Assistant	From $45,000 to $60,000	From $40,000 to $55,000

Unemployment Rates Toronto Vs Ottawa :

• Toronto: The unemployment rate in Toronto is approximately 6.8%, according to the latest Calculations 
• Ottawa: Ottawa enjoys a lower unemployment rate of approximately 4.4%, according to the latest calculations.

Affordable Places to stay as a tourist  in Ottawa vs Toronto

Affordable Places to Stay in Ottawa:

1. Ottawa Backpackers Inn

Speciality:

1. Budget-friendly hostel
2. Close to major attractions

2. HI Ottawa Jail Hostel

Speciality: 

It is a unique experience staying in a former jail with a central location.

3. ByWard Blue Inn

Speciality:

1. Affordable hotel
2. Best breakfast
3. Cosy atmosphere.

Affordable Places to Stay in Toronto:

1. The Only Backpacker’s Inn 

Speciality:

Budget  Friendly hostel  

2. HI Toronto Hostel

Speciality:

Centrally located hostel 

3. The Clarence Park

Speciality:

1. Budget-friendly guesthouse
2. Close to major attractions

Weather and Temperature in Ottawa vs Toronto

As we know, both cities are very close to each other and are in the same province of Canada. The weather is the same, but there is little difference in temperature.  Both cities’ warmest months are in July, while the coolest month is January. Generally, snow falls in January.

Average Monthly Temperatures (°C)

Month	Ottawa High	Ottawa Low	Toronto High	Toronto Low
January	-6.1	-15.3	-1.0	-7.0
February	-4.4	-13.9	0.0	-6.6
March	2.0	-8.7	4.6	-2.2
April	10.5	0.0	11.3	3.4
May	18.8	7.9	18.3	9.7
June	23.7	13.1	23.7	15.1
July	26.5	16.0	26.5	18.4
August	25.1	15.0	25.4	17.6
September	19.8	10.0	21.0	13.5
October	12.7	3.6	14.0	7.2
November	5.0	-3.2	7.8	2.0
December	-2.4	-10.9	2.2	-3.7

According to this data, the weather in Ottawa is colder than in Toronto, and  Ottawa is the best place to live for those who love cold weather.

Language in Ottawa vs Toronto

Ottawa is officially bilingual, with both English and French widely spoken. Due to its status as a federal capital, all government institutes operate in both languages.

Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world. More than 180 languages are spoken here, and English is the primary language.

Safety  and  Security in Ottawa vs Toronto

Ottawa is considered a relatively safe city with a Lower overall CSI of approximately 58.1, while Toronto is considered less safe, with a Higher overall CSI of approximately 65.5.

Types of Crimes in Ottawa

Crime	Reported Common  Areas
Assault	ByWard Market, Centretown
Theft	Rideau Centre, Downtown Ottawa
Burglary	ByWard Market, Centretown
Robbery	Vanier, Sandy Hill
Homicide	South Keys, Heron Gate
Vandalism	Glebe, Hintonburg
Fraud	Westboro, Barrhaven
Drug Offenses	Lowertown, Carlington
Cybercrime	City-wid

Types of Crime in Toronto 

Type of Crime	Reported Common  Areas
Assault	Downtown Core, Scarborough
Theft	Yorkville, Financial District
Burglary	North York, Etobicoke
Robbery	Regent Park, Jane and Finch
Homicide	Rexdale, Scarborough
Vandalism	Kensington Market, Queen Street West
Fraud	Financial District, Bay Street Corridor
Drug Offences	Parkdale, Moss Park
Cybercrime	City-wide
Domestic Violence	City-wide

Entertainment in Toronto And Ottawa

Entertainment in Ottawa

1. Explore historic buildings like Parliament Hill
2. Skate on the canal in winter at Rideau Canal
3.  Explore  National Museums like the Canadian Museum of History, National Gallery of Canada, Canadian Museum of Nature and Canada Aviation and Space Museum.
4. Explore and shop from ByWard Market.
5. Hiking and biking at Gatineau Park
6.   Attend Festivals like Winterlude, Canada Day celebrations and Tulip Festival.
7.  Visit the National Gallery of Canada

Entertainment in Toronto

1. Explore CN Tower
2. Explore  National Museums like the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) and the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO).
3. Biking and picnicking at Toronto Islands.
4. Shopping from Kensington Market and St. Lawrence Market
5. Visit zoos and parks like High Park
6. Explore Toronto Maple Leafs parks.

Food in Ottawa vs. Toronto

Toronto is a multicultural city as compared to Ottawa; therefore, Toronto offers a large variety of foods as compared to Ottawa. Both are the same culture in aspects of Coffee Culture, Craft Beer and Breweries And in Ethnic Food. Ottawa is very near to Montreal, which is the foodie capital of Canada.

Local Specialties Dishes in Ottawa vs. Toronto

Ottawa	Toronto
Beavertails	Peameal Bacon Sandwiches
Shawarma	Jamaican Patties
Poutine	Roti
Maple Syrup Dishes	Butter Tarts
Bannock	Khao Soi
Butter Tarts	Dim Sum
Smoked Meat Sandwiches	Sushi Pizza
Fish and Chips	Churrasco Chicken
Tourtière	Pho
Gatineau Hills Specialties	Jerk Chicken

Which city is best for you to live in: Toronto or Ottawa?

Ottawa and  Toronto are great places. Both cities are best, but you must select according to your needs. Suppose you are in a multicultural city with ethnic foods, a high cost of living, a career in technology, and waterfalls like Niagara Falls. In that case, Toronto might be better for you. On the other hand, if you like the low cost of living, French language hockey games, and Eating, Ottawa might be better for you.

I recommended Ottawa because the Average cost of monthly living expenses is Greater in Toronto. Also, the prices of homes in Ottawa are lower than in Toronto.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Words About Ottawa vs Toronto

In this guide, I have explained  Ottawa vs Toronto. Which city is better to live in? After reading this article, I hope you can easily choose which is better. Like 

Both Cities have their pros and cons on each other like Ottawa is better in terms of Less traffic, lower cost of living, green spaces, access to nature, less noise pollution, community feel, scenic beauty, cultural institutions, and the capital city of Canada, Toronto is better in terms of Job opportunities, diverse culture, entertainment options, public transportation, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, dining options, shopping and amenities.