5 Things You Need to Know When Moving from Toronto to Ottawa

Written By Liam Swords

moving from to ottawa

If you’re considering moving from Toronto to Ottawa, there are a few key factors to keep in mind. While Ottawa is smaller, it offers a high quality of life, more affordability, and a less hectic pace. 

Over the past 20 years, I’ve helped many clients relocate to Ottawa, many of whom were from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Based on my experience, here are the five main reasons to consider moving to Canada’s capital city.

1. Ottawa Is More Affordable

One of the first things people ask is how much it costs to buy a home in Ottawa vs. Toronto. The answer is that Ottawa is significantly more affordable than Toronto. The average home price in Ottawa is about half of what you’d pay in Toronto, making it an appealing option for first time home buyers in Ottawa looking to get more value for their money.

Right now, I’m working with buyers looking at detached homes in the Carlington area (near Carling Avenue and Highway 417), with prices ranging from $650,000 to $700,000. By contrast, my clients told me that for a comparable home in Toronto, they’d be looking at a minimum of $1.1 to $1.3 million.

If you’re considering buying a condo in Ottawa, the average price is $405,000, whereas condos in Toronto average $650,000. When making comparisons, I recommend working with a member of our team to find out how much a home is worth. We can help you find the best deals on single-family homes or Ottawa condos for sale, ensuring you get the most value for your investment.

Beyond housing costs, the overall cost of living in Ottawa is 3.9% lower than in Toronto. This includes expenses like groceries, transportation, and entertainment. However, note that the average utilities cost in Ottawa might be slightly higher than in Toronto due to colder winters.

2. Roads, Routes, and Transit

Ottawa does have public transit, but it’s not as extensive as Toronto’s. Most people in Ottawa drive. However, as someone who’s lived in Ottawa my entire life, I can tell you that you can get almost anywhere in the city in about 25 to 30 minutes, which is very different from Toronto. In Toronto, commute times are often unpredictable due to traffic, accidents, and roadwork.

In Ottawa, several major roads branch off in all directions, making navigation fairly straightforward. Ottawa’s main east-west corridor is Highway 417, which runs from Orleans through the city and out to Kanata and Stittsville. 

Public transit in Ottawa includes buses and the expanding Light Rail Transit (LRT) system. While it’s not as comprehensive as Toronto’s subway system, the city is actively working on improvements to public transportation.

3. Job Opportunities

Both Toronto and Ottawa offer strong employment opportunities, but Ottawa has a lower unemployment rate. At the time of this writing, Toronto’s unemployment rate was 8%, compared to Ottawa’s 6.3%.

The federal government is Ottawa’s largest employer, with over 110,000 employees. This includes positions at the National Defence Headquarters.

Beyond government jobs, Ottawa has a thriving high-tech sector with over 70,000 jobs in telecommunications, software development, and environmental technology. 

That being said, Toronto does have a more diverse job market, so those seeking opportunities outside the public sector or tech fields may find it more challenging to find roles in Ottawa.

However, Ottawa does have relatively strong industries in tourism, healthcare, and agriculture. Ottawa is actually the largest agricultural sector among major Canadian cities, employing about 10,000 people. Depending on your career goals, both Ottawa and Toronto provide distinct opportunities.

4. Safety

With about one-third of Toronto’s population, Ottawa is naturally a safer city. If you’re wondering whether Ottawa is safe, the answer is “yes!” 

According to Numbeo’s safety index, Ottawa scores 68.73, compared to Toronto’s 56.62. If safety is a major concern for your move, Ottawa ranks well among Canadian cities.

While Toronto ranks “moderate” for concerns like walking alone at night, car theft and break-ins, and violent crimes, Ottawa scores “low” to “very low” for most crime-related worries.

5. Lifestyle

Lifestyle preferences vary, but many of my clients moving to Ottawa from Toronto do so for a simpler pace of life. Last year I worked with six families relocating from the GTA, and the number one reason they chose Ottawa was for its lifestyle. 

Here are the lifestyle features of Ottawa that attract many newcomers:

  • A slower, more relaxed pace: Ottawa is known for its friendly communities, where residents enjoy a sense of belonging and connection.
  • Friendlier, less aggressive public spaces: Unlike Toronto’s busy downtown, where public spaces can often feel crowded and fast-paced, Ottawa offers a more peaceful environment with its charming local neighbourhoods and suburban convenience.
  • More outdoor and recreational activities: Ottawa boasts an abundance of natural beauty, with numerous parks, recreational paths, and outdoor attractions. One of Ottawa’s biggest draws is the proximity to Gatineau Park, which offers extensive trails, cycling paths, and cross-country skiing. This impressive park is only a 10-15 minute drive from Ottawa city.
  • Less congestion and shorter commutes: Ottawa experiences lighter traffic and fewer bottlenecks than in Toronto. I also hear from people moving from Montreal to Ottawa that Ottawa stands out with quicker commute times, more route options, and ample parking when compared to Canada’s larger cities.

One client of mine who has lived in the GTA her entire life, told me that Toronto has never really felt like home. She’s moving to Ottawa for its cozy feel, while still enjoying big-city culture and events like Bluesfest, Folk Fest, Winterlude, skating on the Rideau Canal, Canada Day celebrations, Gatineau Park, and the Casino du Lac-Leamy.

Ottawa may not be as fast-paced as Toronto, but it offers a high quality of life with plenty of cultural and recreational options year-round. As a city native, I know the city inside and out and can you help you find the best neighbourhoods in Ottawa that suit your family’s needs.

Final Thoughts on Moving to Ottawa From Toronto

Moving from Toronto to Ottawa comes with big perks, such as more affordable housing and cost of living, a safer community, and great job opportunities, especially in government and tech. Plus, with plenty of festivals, green spaces, and a more relaxed pace, Canada’s capital city offers the perfect balance of city life and outdoor living.

If you’re looking at Ottawa homes for sale, I’d love to help you make the move. I’ve helped over 500 people buy a home in Ottawa, and on average, my buyers save $21,000 on their purchase.

I’ve also developed a “Love It or Leave It” program to reduce the risk of your home-buying decision. If you’re not completely satisfied with your home within your first year, I’ll sell it for free.

To learn more and get started on making an offer on a house in Ottawa, contact the Liam Swords TEAM today. Our Ottawa real estate agents are ready to help you find your dream home.

About the Author

Liam Swords

Ottawa Real Estate Agent

Liam Swords

Ottawa Real Estate Agent

Liam Swords is an accomplished real estate agent in Ottawa, having sold over 1,000 homes. As the team leader of Liam Swords Team, he combines extensive market knowledge with a commitment to client satisfaction.