Moving to Ottawa – An Expat’s Guide

Thinking about moving to Ottawa from the UK? You’re not alone. As Canada’s charming capital, Ottawa is an increasingly popular choice for UK expats seeking a fresh start abroad. Nestled along the scenic Ottawa River in Ontario, the city combines a high quality of life with safety, affordability, and stunning natural surroundings.

Whether you’re relocating for work, family, or lifestyle, Ottawa’s strong tech and government job sectors, rich cultural life, and welcoming bilingual communities make it an ideal destination. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about moving to Ottawa from the UK, from visas and housing to what life’s really like on the ground.

Cost of Living Considerations in Ottawa

A family of four living in Ottawa will need roughly £2,924 ($5,382) per month in living costs, before rent is calculated, and a single person will need £813.3 ($1,497.1). The cost of living in Ottawa is around 26.1% less expensive than London, whilst rent is significantly cheaper at 52.3% lower. If we compare the cost of living in Ottawa to another UK city like Manchester, which is 8.9% more expensive, it’s clear that it’s more affordable than many UK cities. 

When it comes to groceries, the UK is generally cheaper than Ottawa and Canada overall, due to fewer imported goods. Ottawa’s food prices remain lower than Toronto’s by 6.2%, with the price of milk being a notable difference at 20% cheaper. The price of cheese is 25% cheaper in Ottawa than in Montreal. Let’s compare average grocery prices with the UK for a proper comparison of the cost of living.

Item	Ottawa	UK	Difference
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant	$26 (£15.08)	£15	-0.53%
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course	$110 (£63.80)	£65	+1.88%
Cappuccino	$5.51 (£3.20)	£3.39	+5.93%
Milk (1 litre)	$3.22 (£1.87)	£1.24	-33.68%
Chicken Fillets (1kg)	$17.62 (£10.22)	£6.61	-35.32%
Onion (1kg)	$4.10 (£2.38)	£1.13	-52.52%
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)	$18 (£10.44)	£8	-23.37%
Local Cheese (1kg)	$16.92 (£9.81)	£7.18	-26.80%

Employment in Ottawa

The job market in Ottawa is stable, seeing around 2,000 additional full-time roles added in March 2025. As Canada’s capital, the public sector and government are top employers in the city. Let’s explore the current in-demand sectors, roles, and average salaries in Ottawa.

• Public Sector and Government – There are many federal departments and agencies in Ottawa, offering roles in policy, administration, and public services.​
• Technology and IT: Ottawa is a tech hub, with opportunities in software development, cybersecurity, and telecommunications.​
• Healthcare: There’s always high demand for healthcare professionals, including nurses, physicians, and support staff.​
• Education: There’s also high demand for educators, especially in bilingual programs and specialised education.​
• Construction and Skilled Trades: Ongoing infrastructure projects have led to increased demand for skilled tradespeople. 

Average Salaries in Ottawa

In 2025, the average annual salary is $65,000 (£35,165), which is only slightly lower than the national average and 18% higher than the UK’s. Let’s explore the average salary for some in-demand roles:

• Policy Analyst – $78,000 – $86,600
• Software Developer – $80,000 – $85,000
• Registered Nurse – $75,000 – $85,000
• High School Teacher – $80,000
• Electrician – $70,000 – $80,000

Job Search in Ottawa

Popular job sites include:

• Indeed – broad listings site
• Government of Canada Jobs – public sector roles
• Workopolis – professional careers
• CharityVillage – non-profit sector

Check eligibility criteria for work permits and Social Insurance Numbers when applying for jobs. Leverage professional connections and immigrant employment agencies for support.

Finding Housing in Ottawa

The average house price in Ottawa is $685,866 (£397,800), increasing by 0.6% in the last year and 2.4% month-on-month. You can get single-family homes for $851,653, townhouses for $558,232, and apartments for $426,413. marking the biggest change and down by 4.9% year on year.

Best Ottawa Neighbourhoods

Popular areas for newcomers include Centretown, the Glebe, Westboro, Kanata and Orleans. Centretown and the Glebe offer walkability and easy transit access to downtown. The Glebe is trendy, charming, and family-friendly, situated conveniently near Lansdowne Park and the Rideau Canal. It offers great schools, boutiques, and food spots.

Kanata appeals to young professionals, families, and tech workers, offering good schools, parks, and shopping. It’s an ideal location for families and has lots of newer builds on offer. Families also often gravitate towards Orleans or the suburbs for more affordable single-family homes. It’s worth noting that some neighbourhoods, like Orleans, are predominantly French-speaking. Make sure to consider the language environment that suits your family best.

Average Monthly Rent in Ottawa

The average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment outside of a city centre is around $2,100 (£1,218), 11% higher than the national average. Real estate websites like Rentals.ca and Realtor.ca are among the best ways to search current listings. Working with a rental agent can also simplify the process.

Property types	Average rent
Apartments	$2,100
Condos	$2,350
Houses	$2,699
Rooms	$880

Neighbourhood Average Rent:

• East Central – $1,892
• Downtown – $1,980
• Nepean/Kanata -$2,054
• Westboro – $2,080

Registering for Schools in Ottawa

Finding schools or childcare is critical for families moving to Ottawa from the UK. About 36% of Ottawa residents are bilingual and speak both English and French, meaning around 15–20% of children attend French-language schools, while a much larger number take French Immersion in English schools.

The city has four publicly funded school boards, as well as private options, for both English and/or French speakers. The CEPEO (French Public) and CECCE (French Catholic) run French-Language Schools, and the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (Public) and Ottawa Catholic School Board (Catholic) operate English-language schools in Ottawa.

As a British expat, your child can attend public school if you hold a work permit, study permit, or are a permanent resident, have proof of residency in Ottawa, and your child meets the age requirements. Attending school is free for newcomers, unless you are attending private educational facilities. To find the schools you can apply for, use OCDSB’s School Locator and contact OCDSB Admissions. There is also a thriving private school scene, which requires admissions applications.

Healthcare in Ottawa

Healthcare in Ottawa is part of Ontario’s publicly funded healthcare system, which means most medical services are free once you’re enrolled in the provincial plan. New residents must register for Ontario’s public health insurance, known as OHIP. There is no longer a 3 month waiting period before coverage kicks in, so if you are eligible, you will receive immediate coverage.

To be eligible for OHIP and free access to healthcare, you must live in Ontario full-time, have a valid work permit, study permit, or permanent resident status, and be physically present in Ontario at least 153 days out of your first 183 days. You’ll get access to free GP appointments, hospital stays, emergency care, surgery, x-rays, and maternity care. OHIP doesn’t cover most medications, so it’s worth opting in for employer health insurance if possible or taking out your own private health insurance.

Getting Around Ottawa 

Ottawa offers several effective transportation options:

• Public Transit – OC Transpo operates an extensive network of buses and light rail via the O-Train. Purchase monthly passes or reloadable smart cards to save on fares.
• Driving – Drivers require an Ontario license within 60 days of arriving. Book road tests well in advance due to backlogs.
• Cycling – With an extensive network of dedicated bike lanes, cycling is very popular. Just beware of cold winters!
• Taxis & Rideshares – Uber, Lyft and traditional taxis are available. Winter snowstorms can occasionally disrupt service.

Day and Weekend Trips

Nature lovers have endless options to choose from:

• Hiking, biking and camping in Gatineau Park across the Ottawa River in Quebec
• Kayaking and canoeing the area’s many lakes and rivers
• Relaxing at cottages and beach towns along the Ottawa River
• Visiting rural towns like Perth, Cumberland, and Wakefield

Cycling the forests and farmland of the Ottawa Valley or stargazing in nearby Dark Sky Preserves offer more fresh air fun just minutes outside the city.

Travel Within Ontario

Some of Ontario’s most iconic attractions within driving distance of Ottawa include:

• Toronto – Canada’s largest city with museums, sports, shopping and nightlife
• Niagara Falls – the spectacular natural wonder and tacky tourist town
• Muskoka and Algonquin – lakeside cottages and majestic provincial parks
• Kingston – history, campus life and lake cruises

Trains and buses provide easy public transport to these and other Ontario destinations.

Crossing the U.S. Border

Ottawa’s proximity to the United States border makes weekend trips south convenient. It’s just a two-hour drive to:

• Upstate New York to visit American cities like Syracuse, Rochester and Buffalo
• Northern Vermont for skiing and mountain escapes
• Montreal and Quebec City offer a taste of European charm and French Canadian culture

Ensure passports, visa documents, and identification are in order when crossing the border.

Ottawa Weather

Ottawa has a humid continental climate, which means it experiences four distinct seasons, cold winters, warm summers, and moderate spring and fall transitions. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect throughout the year:

• Spring (March – May) – Temperatures range from 5°C to 15°C. A warm jacket, layers, and waterproof shoes are recommended as snow still lingers.
• Summer (June – August) – The warmest season with temperatures from 20°C to 30°C. Light clothing, shorts, swimwear for outdoor pools/beaches.
• Fall (September – November) – Temperatures begin dropping back below 20°C. Sweaters, light jackets, and waterproof outerwear for rain.
• Winter (December – February) – The coldest season with highs around -5°C and lows nearing -20°C. Warm winter coats, hats, gloves, and boots are essential for the snow.

Department stores offer high-quality seasonal fashions. Second-hand stores are also popular for finding used winter coats and accessories.

Lifestyle and Culture in Ottawa

Beyond the basics, what is living in Ottawa actually like? One of Ottawa’s defining features is its bilingual English-French identity. All city services are offered in both languages. According to the latest census, 53.4% of Ottawa residents speak English as their mother tongue, 30.6% speak French, and 21.7% speak a non-official language.

Beyond language, Ottawa provides a remarkably friendly welcome to newcomers. It’s easy to meet friendly locals interested in different cultures. Tipping at restaurants isn’t required, but 10-15% is customary for good service. Queueing patiently is the norm. Otherwise, just come with an open mind and a positive attitude!

This section outlines some of the city’s top draws for lifestyle and culture.

Things to Do

Some of Ottawa’s top attractions and activities include:

• Major Attractions – Parliament Hill, National Gallery, Canadian Museum of History
• Festivals – Winterlude, Tulip Festival, Jazz Festival, BluesFest
• Outdoor Activities – Hiking Gatineau Park, skating the Rideau Canal, cycling trails
• Sports – Ottawa Senators NHL hockey, OSEG football, baseball and more

With four distinct seasons, there is something fun happening year-round. The city strikes a natural balance between access to nature and major city amenities.

Shopping and Dining

Find all your shopping needs around areas like the Rideau Centre downtown or Bayshore Shopping Centre in the west end. Boutiques, gift shops and high-end stores are concentrated in the ByWard Market.

Ottawa offers culinary options from around the globe. Savour German sausages at the Rideau Centre’s food court, authentic Chinese dishes in Chinatown, or fresh produce at the ByWard Market. Sample poutine, Montreal-style bagels, BeaverTails pastries and other local foods. For fine dining, make reservations at one of the city’s many acclaimed restaurants, cafés and bistros.

Arts and Culture

The National Arts Centre offers world class opera, ballet, orchestra and theatre productions, including touring Broadway shows. Smaller venues like the Gladstone Theatre and Arts Court provide more indie and local productions.

For live music, ByWard Market is home to famous blues and jazz clubs where you can catch local bands any night of the week. Larger touring concerts and festivals take place at venues like Canadian Tire Centre.

There are also plenty of kid-friendly museums and galleries like the Canada Science and Technology Museum, Canada Aviation and Space Museum, and National Gallery.

Family Activities

Ottawa provides endless fun for families:

• Museums and indoor playgrounds are lifesavers in winter
• Seasonal festivals like Winterlude and Canada Day celebrations
• Skating the Rideau Canal is a quintessential winter activity
• Amazing parks and splash pads open in summer
• Farms and apple orchards outside the city for fall fun

Popular family neighbourhoods include Orleans, Kanata, Barrhaven, and areas outside the downtown core.

Nightlife

The ByWard Market area is the prime nightlife hub with buzzing bars, pubs and clubs along Clarence, York and King Edward Streets. For a more low-key scene, head to craft breweries or smaller neighbourhood pubs.

Shipping Your Belongings to Canada

Shipping personal belongings and pets from abroad is easy with 1st Move International.  We handle the entire process door-to-door and have over 25 years of experience in the industry. We specialise in removals to Ottawa, with faster weekly shipping and safer packing to ensure that your belongings arrive in Canada intact and on time. Request a free quote here on our website today.