Cost of living in Ottawa (Canada) is about the same as in Detroit, Michigan (United States)
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WARNING! This comparison is based on only a few data points. At this point it is only a guess. It is based on 427 prices entered by 52 different people.
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Currency:
| Food | - 17% | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food in Ottawa (Canada) is 17% cheaper than in Detroit, Michigan (United States) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Ottawa | Detroit, Michigan | Diff | ||
| Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | C$21 ($15) | $22 | - 31% | |
| Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | C$12 ($9) | $9 | - 0% | |
| 500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | C$8 ($6) | $4.56 | + 33% | |
| 1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | C$2.72 ($1.98) | $1.00 | + 99% | |
| 12 eggs, large | C$5.35 ($3.91) | $4.66 | - 16% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | C$5.11 ($3.73) | $3.36 | + 11% | |
| 500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | C$8 ($5.55) | $7 | - 18% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | C$5.42 ($3.96) | $4.14 | - 5% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | C$2.70 ($1.97) | $1.98 | - 1% | |
| 0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | C$3.18 ($2.32) | $3.05 | - 24% | |
| 1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | C$16 ($11) | $14 | - 18% | |
| 2 liters of coca-cola | C$2.58 ($1.88) | $2.39 | - 21% | |
| Bread for 2 people for 1 day | C$2.04 ($1.49) | $3.10 | - 52% | |
| Housing | - 17% | |||
| Housing in Ottawa (Canada) is 17% cheaper than in Detroit, Michigan (United States) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Ottawa | Detroit, Michigan | Diff | ||
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | C$1,976 ($1,442) | $1,924 | - 25% | |
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | C$1,628 ($1,188) | $1,267 | - 6% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | C$231 ($169) | $227 | - 26% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | C$1,867 ($1,363) | $1,298 | + 5% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | C$1,376 ($1,004) | $891 | + 13% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | C$113 ($83) | $141 | - 41% | |
| Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | C$55 ($40) | $51 | - 21% | |
| 40” flat screen tv | C$349 ($255) | $264 | - 4% | |
| Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | C$131 ($96) | $184 | - 48% | |
| Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | C$12 ($9) | $20 | - 55% | |
| Hourly rate for cleaning help | C$24 ($17) | $29 | - 39% | |
| Clothes | - 12% | |||
| Clothes in Ottawa (Canada) is 12% cheaper than in Detroit, Michigan (United States) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Ottawa | Detroit, Michigan | Diff | ||
| 1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | C$70 ($51) | $53 | - 3% | |
| 1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | C$49 ($36) | $36 | - 0% | |
| 1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | C$98 ($72) | $128 | - 44% | |
| 1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | C$166 ($121) | $139 | - 13% | |
| Transportation | + 50% | |||
| Transportation in Ottawa (Canada) is 50% more expensive than in Detroit, Michigan (United States) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Ottawa | Detroit, Michigan | Diff | ||
| Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | C$26,692 ($19,480) | $29,672 | - 34% | |
| 1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | C$1.79 ($1.30) | $0.97 | + 35% | |
| Monthly ticket public transport | C$125 ($91) | $45 | + 103% | |
| Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) | C$23 ($17) | $19 | - 12% | |
| Personal Care | - 23% | |||
| Personal Care in Ottawa (Canada) is 23% cheaper than in Detroit, Michigan (United States) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Ottawa | Detroit, Michigan | Diff | ||
| Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | C$11 ($8) | $10 | - 21% | |
| 1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | C$27 ($20) | $16 | + 22% | |
| Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | C$83 ($60) | $106 | - 43% | |
| 1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | C$7 ($5.19) | $8 | - 31% | |
| Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | C$5.66 ($4.13) | $4.80 | - 14% | |
| Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | C$5.56 ($4.06) | $5.56 | - 27% | |
| 4 rolls of toilet paper | C$2.65 ($1.94) | $3.65 | - 47% | |
| Tube of toothpaste | C$2.34 ($1.71) | $1.89 | - 9% | |
| Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | C$24 ($17) | $21 | - 19% | |
| Entertainment | - 14% | |||
| Entertainment in Ottawa (Canada) is 14% cheaper than in Detroit, Michigan (United States) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Ottawa | Detroit, Michigan | Diff | ||
| Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | C$60 ($44) | $58 | - 24% | |
| 2 tickets to the movies | C$28 ($21) | $28 | - 28% | |
| 2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | C$157 ($114) | $146 | - 22% | |
| Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | C$124 ($91) | $103 | - 12% | |
| 1 cocktail drink in downtown club | C$12 ($9) | $15 | - 43% | |
| Cappuccino in expat area of the city | C$4.95 ($3.61) | $6 | - 43% | |
| 1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | C$7 ($5.33) | $4.54 | + 17% | |
| Ipad wi-fi 128gb | C$582 ($425) | $410 | + 4% | |
| 1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | C$0.33 ($0.24) | $0.33 | - 27% | |
| 1 month of gym membership in business district | C$67 ($49) | $35 | + 41% | |
| 1 package of marlboro cigarettes | C$16 ($12) | $10 | + 23% | |
 |
TOTAL | - 2% | ||
WARNING! This comparison is based on only a few data points. At this point it is only a guess. It is based on 427 prices entered by 52 different people.
These prices were last updated on October 03, 2023.
Exchange rate:
0.730
USD
/
CAD
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For example, to keep the same standard of living that would require $5,500 in Detroit, Michigan you would need to make just about $5,370 (C$7,358) in Ottawa.
Do you live in Detroit, Michigan? We need your help!
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