Deciding between Ottawa vs Gatineau is a common dilemma for many homebuyers. For example, some Canadians consider moving from Ottawa to Gatineau and then commuting to work. While this is certainly an option, it might not be the ideal situation for you.
Each city presents its own advantages and challenges. In this article, we’ll explore key considerations to help you make an informed decision about whether to live in Ottawa or Gatineau.
I’ve been selling homes right here in Ottawa since 2002 and lived in Gatineau for a period of time, so I’ll also draw on my own experiences living in both cities.
Can You Live in Gatineau and Work in Ottawa?
Yes, it’s entirely possible to live in Gatineau and commute to Ottawa for work. However, based on my personal experience, this arrangement comes with its own set of challenges.
First, the daily commute across one of the five bridges connecting the two cities can be taxing. Factors such as traffic congestion, road closures, and construction can significantly impact commute times, often averaging around 45 minutes.
The daily journey from Gatineau to Ottawa can become mentally exhausting, making Ottawa a more convenient choice for those seeking to minimize daily travel hassles.
7 Considerations for Living in Gatineau vs Ottawa
First, a quick clarification. Many people ask: “is Gatineau in Ottawa?” The answer is “no.” Gatineau is a distinct city in Quebec, although it’s part of the National Capital Region, which encompasses Ottawa.
Despite this unique geographical overlap, Ottawa and Gatineau remain separate cities, each with its own government and municipal services. Below I’ll outline the main factors you should consider when deciding whether moving to Ottawa or to Gatineau is the best choice for you.
1. Convenience
Ottawa offers greater convenience for those whose daily lives revolve around the city. With no need to cross the bridges, you’ll save time and energy.
Additionally, neighbourhoods in Ottawa are diverse and well-connected, offering everything from urban downtown living to peaceful suburban areas. If you’re considering buying a home in Ottawa, the convenience factor can make a significant difference in your daily life.
2. Job Opportunities
Ottawa offers a much larger job market compared to Gatineau. As the capital of Canada, Ottawa is home to federal government offices, high-tech industries, and a wide range of professional sectors, providing diverse job prospects.
With a population of just over a million, Ottawa is a bustling city that naturally translates to more career options. By contrast, Gatineau, with a population of around 290,000, has fewer job opportunities. Additionally, Ottawa’s federal government presence makes it the clear leader for job market prospects.
While living in Gatineau and commuting to Ottawa is possible, the commute can become a burden. Whether you’re considering homes for sale in Ottawa to be closer to your workplace or simply want to enjoy the vibrancy of the city’s growing job market, Ottawa is the ideal place to start or advance your career.
3. Cost of Living
The Ottawa cost of living is higher than in Gatineau, but it comes with some trade-offs. The cost of buying a house in Ottawa averages around $750,000, while Gatineau’s housing market averages $450,000 (and many properties in the $300,000-$500,000 range).
While restaurant prices are about the same in both cities, overall living expenses are about 8% cheaper in Gatineau. Ottawa’s average utilities costs tend to be higher, as well as childcare. Public daycare in Gatineau averages $600 per month, while Ottawa’s monthly average is $1,300.
However, provincial income taxes in Gatineau are significantly steeper, ranging from 15% to 25%, compared to Ontario’s more moderate 5% to 13%.
Also keep in mind that the first time home buyer programs in Ottawa can also help ease the financial burden of entering the housing market. If you’re curious about prices, it’s easy to check how much a home is worth with the help of our trusted real estate team.
4. Housing Options
People often consider Gatineau for its affordable housing market. However, Ottawa offers a wide range of housing types to suit different needs. From luxury properties to affordable condos in Ottawa, the city has options for everyone.
While single-family homes are still the most popular option in Ottawa, buying a condo in Ottawa or opting for an Ottawa townhouse are becoming increasingly attractive choices for those looking for a more affordable and low-maintenance lifestyle.
5. Safety
Crime rates are relatively low in both cities, but Ottawa is safer than Gatineau overall. According to Numbeo’s Crime Index, Ottawa scores 31.26, indicating a higher safety level compared to Gatineau’s score of 38.45.
While Gatineau ranks “moderate” for concerns like walking alone at night, vandalism, and theft, Ottawa scores “low” to “very low” for most crime-related worries.
6. Healthcare
Ottawans benefit from the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), which provides comprehensive coverage for essential medical services. The Ottawa Hospital is also ranked among the top 10 hospitals in Canada and ranks 75th in the world.
By contrast, gaining access to healthcare in Gatineau presents considerable challenges. For example, a serious shortage of family doctors has become a pressing issue. I’ve even heard of individuals getting stuck on a waiting list for 2+ years to get a family doctor.
Approximately 10,000 residents in the MRC des Collines area are without a family physician. The situation is further exacerbated by staffing cuts and resource limitations. For example, the Gatineau ER operates with less than 30% staff and had to close for several months in the past due to these shortages.
The difficulty of finding doctors and accessing healthcare in Gatineau is a major burden for residents. In contrast, Ottawa’s more robust and efficient system offers greater reliability and peace of mind for families.
7. Education
Ottawa offers a broader range of education options when compared to Gatineau. For post-secondary education, Ottawa boasts two major universities, Carleton University and the University of Ottawa, as well as Algonquin College.
Gatineau has just one university, the Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO), and CEGEP for college education. Gatineau’s education system is primarily French-speaking, which limits options for English-speaking families.
Whether you’re considering primary, secondary, or post-secondary education, Ottawa is the clear winner when it comes to educational opportunities.
Is Gatineau a Good Place to Live?
Gatineau might be an excellent choice for those who value affordability and who don’t mind the commute or the predominance of French-language services.
Gatineau offers a quieter lifestyle and plenty of green spaces, making it ideal for those looking to escape the busyness of urban life. However, for those who want diverse amenities, career growth, and English-speaking services, Ottawa is often the better fit.
Final Thoughts on Ottawa vs. Gatineau
When choosing between Ottawa and Gatineau, the decision comes down to your individual needs and preferences. Ottawa has a more robust job market and a better healthcare system, but this comes with a higher cost of living.
By contrast, Gatineau offers a more affordable lifestyle, but the trade-offs include limited access to healthcare, a difficult commute into Ottawa, and higher provincial income taxes.
At Liam Swords TEAM, our Ottawa real estate agents are experts in helping people find the best place to call home. I’ve sold over a thousand homes and know Ottawa inside and out.
We can help you understand housing costs and ensure you’re not getting taken advantage of when making an offer on a house in Ottawa. If you’re not satisfied with the home you buy within 12 months, we’ll sell it for free!
Ready to make the move? Reach out today and let’s find the perfect place for you to call home!