Cost of Living in Ottawa
How much does it cost to visit Ottawa? Daily budgets, accommodation costs, and real price examples for 2026.
Photo: Alexander Popov / Unsplash
Daily Budget Breakdown
Budget
Hostels, street food, free attractions
CAD 120
per day
Weekly: CAD 840
Monthly: CAD 3600
Examples
- 🏨Ottawa Backpackers Hostel dorm bedCAD 40
- 🍽️Bagel from Kettleman's Bagel Co. and picnic lunch from a local grocery storeCAD 20
- 🚌OC Transpo Day PassCAD 11
- 🎟️Explore Parliament Hill (free grounds and tours), walk along the Rideau CanalCAD 0
- 🎟️Visit the National Gallery of Canada (pay what you can admission on Thursdays)CAD 10
- 🍽️Shawarma from a local spot in the ByWard MarketCAD 15
- 🎟️Explore the ByWard MarketCAD 0
- 🍽️Poutine from Chez AshtonCAD 14
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, restaurants, guided tours
CAD 250
per day
Weekly: CAD 1750
Monthly: CAD 7500
Examples
- 🏨Hotel Indigo Ottawa Downtown City Centre King RoomCAD 160
- 🍽️Brunch at The Scone WitchCAD 30
- 🚌OC Transpo Day PassCAD 11
- 🎟️Tour of Parliament buildings and Supreme Court of CanadaCAD 0
- 🎟️Visit the Canadian Museum of HistoryCAD 23
- 🍽️Dinner at Atelier (tasting menu)CAD 100
Luxury
5-star hotels, fine dining, private tours
CAD 600
per day
Weekly: CAD 4200
Monthly: CAD 18000
Examples
- 🏨The Fairmont Chateau Laurier Signature SuiteCAD 500
- 🍽️Champagne breakfast at Zoe's at the ChateauCAD 70
- 🚌Private car service for the dayCAD 200
- 🎟️Private guided tour of the National Gallery of CanadaCAD 150
- 🍽️Michelin-starred tasting menu dinner at RivieraCAD 250
- 🎟️Evening performance at the National Arts CentreCAD 80
Cost by Category
accommodation
80-200 CAD
food
50-100 CAD
Transport
10-25 CAD
activities
30-75 CAD
Cost by Neighbourhood
| Neighbourhood | Budget Level | vs City Centre | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Centretown | Mid-range | average | first-timers, culture |
| ByWard Market | Mid-range | average | foodies, nightlife |
| The Glebe | Mid-range | slightly below | couples, families |
| Westboro | Mid-range | below average | foodies, couples |
Money-Saving Tips for Ottawa
🏨 Accommodation
- Stay in budget neighbourhoods outside the tourist centre
- Book apartments for longer stays (weekly discounts)
- Travel in shoulder season for lower hotel rates
- Compare prices across multiple booking platforms
🍽️ Food & Drink
- Eat where locals eat, away from tourist hotspots
- Try street food and market stalls for cheap eats
- Buy lunch specials instead of evening meals
- Cook some meals if your accommodation has a kitchen
🚌 Transport
- Buy multi-day transit passes for unlimited travel
- Walk between nearby attractions to save fares
- Use public transport over taxis where possible
- Book airport transfers in advance for fixed prices
🎟️ Activities
- Take free walking tours (tip-based)
- Look for free museum days or discounted hours
- Book tours and activities online for lower prices
- Explore parks, markets, and neighbourhoods on foot
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FAQ: Ottawa Costs
How much does it cost to visit Ottawa?
Budget travellers can visit Ottawa for around CAD 120/day (CAD 840/week). Mid-range travellers should budget CAD 250/day, while luxury travel costs around CAD 600/day.
Is Ottawa expensive?
Ottawa is on the expensive side. Budget travellers need at least CAD 120/day. Consider staying in budget neighbourhoods and eating at local spots to save.
How much should I budget per day in Ottawa?
For a comfortable mid-range experience in Ottawa, budget CAD 250/day. This covers a decent hotel, meals at sit-down restaurants, public transport, and a couple of activities.
What is the cheapest way to visit Ottawa?
Budget travellers in Ottawa can get by on CAD 120/day by staying in hostels or budget hotels, eating street food and local restaurants, using public transport, and choosing free walking tours and public attractions.