Living in Edmonton vs Ottawa? Confused? Let’s solve this problem quickly.
It can be difficult to decide who needs clarification. To eliminate your confusion, you need some solid reasons or facts, right?
Both cities offer many advantages and disadvantages. It is wise to check all the options before making a decision. About housing – both cities offer various options to suit any budget.
Ottawa is Canada’s capital city, offering residents a wide variety of job markets, and is home to several major technology companies, cultural and outdoor activities, museums, and festivals.
Edmonton, Alberta’s capital city, is known for its vibrant culture. It also offers a strong job market as well as different recreational opportunities.
Cost of living? No significant difference. Income tax? You need to check the table below.
Capital of: Alberta (Wealthiest province in Canada)
Population: According to Macrotrends, the population is 1,519,000 (Data updated for 2022)
Known as: The Festival City & the Oil Capital of Canada.
Time zone in Edmonton: (GMT-7)
Canada’s capital city.
Known for: Ice skating rink & beautiful nature.
Population: According to Macrotrends, the population is 1,423,000 (Data updated for 2022) which is in Canada.
Time zone in Ottawa, ON, Canada (GMT-5)
The average salary is quite higher in Ottawa.
But, the hourly salary is the same ($11.28). Ottawa offers a higher average total household income than Edmonton.
Factors | Edmonton | Ottawa |
Average Salary | $56,800 (4.3% higher than the average Canadian salary: $54,450). [Data source: Careerbeacon] | $64,500 (18.5% higher than average Canadian salary: $54,450) [Data source: Careerbeacon] |
Hourly Salary | $11.28 | $11.28 |
Average total household income (Data of 2020) | $110,600 | $126,700 |
Income Tax Rate | 10 – 15% | 5.05 – 13.16% |
As an Ottawa (Ontario Province) resident, you need to pay less. At the same time, you have larger tax brackets in Edmonton (Alberta Province).
So, you need to match your skills and income before making any moving decision.
The following table will show you the comparison of Edmonton and Ontario tax brackets and rates for the 2022 tax year –
Edmonton (Alberta Province) | Ottawa (Ontario Province) | ||
On the first $131,220 of taxable income | 10% | On the first $46,226 of taxable income | 5.05% |
On the next $26,244 | 12% | On the next $46,228 | 9.15% |
On the next $52,488 | 13% | On the next $57,546 | 11.16% |
On the next $104,976 | 14% | On the next $70,000 | 12.16% |
On the amount over $314,928 | 15% | On the amount over $220,000 | 13.16% |
FYI: Data was collected from the Canadian Govt. website (https://www.canada.ca/)
Factors | Average cost $ in Edmonton | Average cost $ in Ottawa |
Average cost of livin | 2,900 – 3300/month | 3,200 – 3500/month |
Housing | 1000 – 2500 (For Renter) 1500 – 2200 (For Homeowner) | 1200 – 2700 (For Renter) 1500 – 2500 (For Homeowner) |
Transportation | 200 – 400 (Public transit) 450 – 700 (Using Car) | 200 – 350 (Public transit) 350 – 500 (Using Car) |
Groceries | 400 – 650 | 400 – 600 |
Utilities | 170 – 220 | 150 – 190 |
Leisure & Entertainment | 150 – 210 | 180 – 235 |
Clothing | 40 – 80 | 50 – 100 |
Restaurants | 300 – 400 | 250 – 350 |
Other | 120 – 150 | 120 – 150 |
First, I would like to let you know both cities’ major industries/employment sectors. Here you go –
Major Industries/Employment Sectors of Edmonton:
Oil and gas, aerospace, technology, tourism, manufacturing, and retail.
Major Industries/Employment Sectors of Ottawa:
Ottawa’s economy is powered by the public sector, which employs roughly one-third of the population. This includes federal government jobs, public health and education sectors, manufacturing, etc.
Well, these are major sectors. Not all sectors. So, opportunities are there waiting for you if you are skilled & motivated to be a part of the CHANGE.
Participating in recreational activities and being outside can also help you relax. So, you need to know the major attractions or opportunities among these 2 major cities.
Major Attractions/Landmarks of Edmonton:
West Edmonton Mall, Fort Edmonton Park, Muttart Conservatory, Royal Alberta Museum, and Elk Island National Park.
Major Attractions/Landmarks of Ottawa:
Ottawa is popular for its many outdoor activities, such as skating and biking. The Rideau Canal, the Parliament Hill, the Ottawa River, the National Gallery of Canada, the Canadian War Museum and the Canadian Museum of History.
All are not listed here. These locations will give you an idea about the attractions. Believe me, when you decide, you will find countless attractions for both cities.
Moving to a new city in Canada is an exciting experience.
But it’s important to consider the weather before making a move.
When considering a move to a new city in Canada, it is important to consider the weather. The climate of a particular region can greatly impact your lifestyle, work, and leisure activities.
Cold winters and hot summers may influence your mood. Knowing what kind of climate you are moving into will help you make an informed decision when deciding where to move in Canada.
Monthly temperature and rain data of Edmonton and Ottawa city-
Month | Edmonton | Ottawa | ||||
High (°C) | Low (°C) | Rain | High (°C) | Low (°C) | Rain | |
January | -7 | -16 | 4 days | -6 | -14 | 10 days |
February | -3 | -13 | 3 days | -4 | -13 | 8 days |
March | 2 | -8 | 3 days | 2 | -7 | 8 days |
April | 11 | -1 | 3 days | 11 | 1 | 9 days |
May | 18 | 5 | 6 days | 19 | 8 | 10 days |
June | 21 | 10 | 9 days | 24 | 13 | 9 days |
July | 23 | 12 | 10 days | 27 | 16 | 9 days |
August | 22 | 11 | 7 days | 25 | 15 | 8 days |
September | 17 | 6 | 5 days | 21 | 10 | 9 days |
October | 110 | 0 | 3 days | 13 | 4 | 10 days |
November | 1 | -8 | 3 days | 5 | -2 | 9 days |
December | 5 | -14 | 4 days | -2 | 10 | 10 days |
From my research and experience, I can assure you that most of the resident’s feedback from both cities is quite positive.
I can share two comments from Quora –
A resident from Edmonton, Rechelle Sinclair said, “Edmonton has something for everyone no matter what they like to do”
A resident from Ottawa, Jeff Pellarin said, “Ottawa is just far, far more…of everything”
Choosing the right city to move to is an important decision and one that should not be taken lightly. When it comes to Edmonton (Alberta) and Ottawa (Ontario). I’ve highlighted a few factors such as job opportunities, cost of living, weather, etc. so that you can make the best choice for your needs.
Consider the pros and cons of each city. Align with your needs. Make your decision.
As an expert in the moving industry, I have enough knowledge of different cities and provinces. My opinion is to choose Ottawa if you like fast & natural landscapes. Choose Edmonton if you like festivals and vibrant life.
Lastly, the decision comes down to your personal preference. But you can consider my points to rethink before making your final decision.
Check the 5 Best Commercial Movers in Ottawa here and the 3 Best Moving Companies in Ottawa to choose from for your condo, apartment, home, or office move here.
Yes.
Edmonton is colder than Ottawa.
Up to your preference.
Ottawa has some of the best schools in the country, and its public transit system is considered one of the most efficient and convenient. The vibrant culture, many diverse restaurants, a strong job market, and natural beauty make it an ideal place to be one of the best cities in Canada.
Find out all the possible valuable information about living in Edmonton vs Ottawa now done.
The time has come for you to make a decision. So, I wish you all the best in your new home.
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Until next time, goodbye!
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