Top 5 Cheapest Neighborhoods to live in Ottawa with the Best Quality of Life - 2025

Top 5 Cheapest Neighborhoods to live in Ottawa with the Best Quality of Life - 2025

Ranking Studies
Canada
Ontario
Ottawa

When choosing a neighborhood in Ottawa, it’s crucial to find the one that best fits your lifestyle. This bilingual city, nestled along the picturesque Ottawa River, blends English and French cultures, offering a range of diverse living options. Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant atmosphere near the University of Ottawa or the family-friendly charm of neighborhoods like McKellar Park, Ottawa has something for everyone.

Ottawa’s emphasis on government, natural beauty, and its scenic parks, rivers, and green spaces provide abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. What makes Ottawa even more appealing is its relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger nearby cities.

In fact, we’ve noticed a significant drop in home prices across several neighborhoods in 2024, with many of the cheapest places to live in Ottawa featured in this article.

To help you compare, read on to discover the top 5 cheapest places to live in Ottawa with the best quality of life this year.

Methodology

We based our ranking of the 5 cheapest places to live in Ottawa on the average cost of buying a property, the average cost of rent for a 1-bed apartment in December 2024, and the quality of life. Statistics come from Redfin for the average cost of buying a property and Zumper for the average cost of rent for a 1-bed apartment.

The “Best quality of life” aspect is measured based on feedback from real people who have moved to this area in our database or real people from trusted online forums. More specifically, we look for positive feedback on job opportunities, quality of education, quality of healthcare, feeling of safety, public transportation, environment (cleanliness), as well as availability of recreational facilities and parks.

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Cheapest Places to live in Ottawa

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1. Carlington

  • Average cost of rent for 1-bedroom apartment: $1,679
  • Average home price: $530,000

Carlington, a residential neighborhood in Ottawa characterized by its rich history and numerous amenities. The area is defined by Carling Avenue to the north, Fisher Avenue to the east, the NCC bicycle path to the west, and Merivale Road to the south. Known for its “war homes” built for returning soldiers after World War II, Carlington boasts a strong military history. 

The neighborhood is also home to Carlington Hill, once a ski tow lift and now an approved City of Ottawa sledding site. With its large size, Carlington offers residents a wide range of amenities and a strong sense of community. 

Redfin (Dec 2024) & Zumper (Dec 2024)

Carlington, Ottawa

2. Sandy Hill

  • Average cost of rent for 1-bedroom apartment: $1,751
  • Average cost of buying a property: $388,000

Sandy Hill, located to the east of downtown Ottawa, is a quiet place with little traffic noise, especially away from Highway 417. People living here can easily access nearby green spaces. The neighborhood has wealthier residents near the embassies along the Rideau River, and closer to the University of Ottawa, you’ll find more students. 

In Sandy Hill, with a population of 52,830 residents, about half are young, ranging from their 20s to mid-30s. Most households are single families, and housing options include apartments and low-rise buildings. 

Redfin (Dec 2024) & Zumper (Dec 2024)

Sandy Hill, Ottawa

3. Orleans Village

orleans village ottawa
  • Average cost of rent for 1-bedroom apartment: $2,050
  • Average cost of buying a property: $487,000

Orleans Village, situated along the Ottawa River, offers residents beautiful natural surroundings and easy access to outdoor recreational activities. Orleans Village features a mix of housing options, including single-family homes, townhouses, and condominiums. With its convenient location, affordable housing, and high quality of life, it’s a popular choice for families and individuals looking to settle down in Ottawa. 

This community is steps away from conveniences and boasts access to an incredible 100-acre green space with walking trails. Aside from the walking trails, it has direct access to Petrie Island, a distinctive 12-kilometer beachfront that stretches along the Ottawa River, which is one of its most distinctive features. 

Redfin (Dec 2024) & RentCafe (Dec 2024)

Orleans Village, Ottawa

4. Hintonburg

  • Average cost of rent for 1-bedroom apartment: $2,029
  • Average cost of buying a property: $470,000

Hintonburg, located in Ottawa’s West End between Wellington West and Westboro, is a trendy neighborhood known for its vibrant food, fashion, art, and entertainment scene. You can easily walk or bike around Wellington Street. The Bayview and Westboro bus lines connect to Centretown, making transportation convenient.

With a reported crime rate of 57.81 crimes per 1,000 people, it ensures a secure living environment. Home to 43,430 residents, primarily aged from their 20s to 40s, it mainly features apartments and condominiums. 

Redfin (Dec 2024) & Zumper (Dec 2024)

Hintonburg, Ottawa

5. Little Italy

  • Average cost of rent for 1-bedroom apartment: $2,202.50
  • Average cost of buying a property: $593,000

Little Italy is a neighborhood in the west of downtown Ottawa, proud of its Italian heritage, especially along Preston Street. It’s the perfect spot for authentic Italian food, known for murals like the Corso Italia Mural and Da Vinci Mural along the sidewalk, representing its history.

The neighborhood is great for enjoying green spaces, including popular parks, with Dow’s Lake located in the southern part of the community. 

Redfin (Dec 2024) & Rentals.ca (Dec 2024)

Little Italy, Ottawa

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Conclusion

When choosing the ideal neighborhood to call home in Ottawa, factors such as amenities, proximity to the city center, and the overall vibe of the community play crucial roles. Affordable communities may be found in Ottawa, the capital of Canada, which boasts an amazing urban setting along the Ottawa River.

Are you going to move soon? Check the best moving companies in Ottawa for a stress-free move.

 

Last year’s ranking (2024)

  1. Sandy Hill
  2. Hintonburg
  3. Little Italy
  4. Carlington
  5. Orleans Village

 

Our rankings are meticulously curated with a focus on safety, affordability, and quality of life. Please note that some locations from last year’s rankings may have been excluded from this year’s list due to deviations from our methodology. This could include areas with insufficient rental/safety data or those with higher/lower averages compared to the previous year. We encourage readers to consider these rankings in conjunction with their individual needs and preferences to make well-informed decisions.

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Ann Nacario

The author

Meet Ann – our head writer with a knack for making moving and city living a breeze. From the many details of moving to picking the perfect moving company, she’s your guide. Ann has a friendly yet detailed approach to ensure your move goes off without a hitch. When she’s not writing about relocation, it will always be on her mind, but you’ll catch her spending time with her three furry friends.
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