Everything You Must Know Before Moving From Calgary to Ottawa in 2023
Have you ever thought about making a move from Calgary to Ottawa in 2023? If so, then this post is for you! Calgary, located in the province of Alberta, is the largest city in Western Canada with a population of 1.2 million people and an area of 726 km². This bustling city offers an urban-suburban lifestyle where visitors can feel the vibrant energy that radiates throughout the city.
Meanwhile, Ottawa is located in Eastern Canada and serves as the capital of Canada boasting a population of over 1 million people and an area size of 2,779 km². It’s a modern metropolis with something for everyone - from its national monuments to its outdoor activities and cultural events - which makes it an ideal place to live or visit.
Moving to Ottawa from Ottawa
Moving to Ottawa from Calgary in 2023? There are many things to consider, but we have collected the five most important considerations you should keep in mind. From cost of living and benefits of moving, all the way to where to live and other practicalities, our next section outlines everything you need to know before making this major move.
Cost of Living
Moving to Ottawa in 2023 is a great step forward, as the capital city of Canada is much larger than Calgary. One thing that you should consider before the move is the differences in cost of living between these two cities, which can vary depending on your lifestyle. The table below shows a comparison of the average costs between Calgary and Ottawa so you can get an idea of how your budget may be affected by this move.
| Category | Ottawa | Calgary |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate (Production Home) | $270 per sq ft. | $251 / sq ft. |
| Real Estate (Custom-Built Single- Family) | $290/sq ft. | $450 / sq ft. |
| Housing (1 Bedroom) | $1500 / Month | $1,200 / Month |
| Housing Utilities and Insurance | $200-300 / Month | $250 / Month. |
| Transportation | $119 / Month for transit pass. | $109 / Month for a Calgary Transit Pass. |
| Car Insurance | $1200 / Year | $1,132 / Year. |
| Entertainment | $150 / Month | $360 / month |
| Grocery Cost for 1 Person | $200 / Month | $250 / Month |
| Communication (Phone and Internet) | $120 / Month | $110 / Month |
| Health and Fitness | $60 / Month | $60-80 / Month |
| Sales Taxes | 13% | 5% / Annual |
Moving to Ottawa from Calgary is relatively cheaper in terms of real estate, housing and transportation costs. Real estate prices in Ottawa are lower with custom-built single-family homes costing around $290 per sq ft. compared to $450 per sq ft. in Calgary. Renting a one bedroom apartment in Ottawa will cost about $1500, while it's only $1200 in Calgary. Transportation in Ottawa is also significantly more affordable at just $119 per month for a transit pass, compared to $109 per month for a Calgary Transit Pass. Additionally, the sales tax rate is higher in Ottawa at 13%, while it's 5% annually in Calgary. On the other hand, entertainment expenses and groceries cost more in Ottawa than they do in Calgary. Monthly communication costs such as phone and internet are also slightly higher in Ottawa at $120 compared to $110 for Calgary.
Benefits of Moving to Ottawa
When moving from Calgary to Ottawa, it's clear that there are plenty of benefits to be embraced. Ottawa offers stunning cityscapes, beautiful parks and nature reserves, and a variety of cultural diversity. The quality of life in Ottawa is highly rated compared with Calgary, while the economy is stronger in the capital city as well. Moreover, living in Ottawa gives people easy access to outdoor activities like skiing and camping that often aren't available or as accessible in smaller cities like Calgary. Meanwhile, located on the banks of the mighty Rideau Canal system, Ottawans love taking advantage of all this natural beauty by participating in various water activities such as kayaking or snowshoeing during the colder months! These experiences can rarely be found elsewhere - even within the same province - giving people another reason why they should move to downtown Canada’s capital city!
Best areas to live in Ottawa
Choosing a neighbourhood in Ottawa can be an overwhelming experience. With so many vibrant and diverse communities to choose from, it can be difficult to determine which one will best suit your needs. With this in mind, here are five of the top neighbourhoods that should be taken into consideration when thinking of relocating to Ottawa in 2023.
Rockcliffe Park
Rockcliffe Park is one of Ottawa's premier residential neighbourhoods, home to many diplomats representing over 130 countries around the world. Here, you can find everything from fine dining and art galleries to green parks and bike trails. Rockcliffe Park residents are never too far from the action; nearby attractions such as Byward Market and Rideau Canal are only a short drive away. Families in this area enjoy being part of a vibrant community with plenty of activities available for children in the summer months. Moving to Rockcliffe Park means having access to great amenities that families would love, such as excellent schools and local shops, all within easy reach.
Manor Park
Manor Park is one of the most vibrant neighbourhoods in Ottawa, with a population consisting of a diverse mix of cultures, backgrounds and ages. It’s surrounded by lush forests and wetlands, as well as all the amenities that come with city life. You can also find several parks nearby, making it an ideal area for nature-lovers. The neighbourhood is close to Queen Elizabeth Driveway and Rideau Canal Skateway – both easily accessible from Manor Park by foot or bike to get some beautiful views of downtown Ottawa. Living in Manor Park offers plenty of opportunities for adventure – whether you want to explore its nearby trails for nature walks or take part in Ottawa's cultural events like the annual jazz festival. There’s something for everyone here!
Rideau Forest
Rideau Forest is a vibrant neighbourhood located in central Ottawa that is home to over 8,000 residents. The area offers stunning views of the Gatineau Hills and Rideau Canal and is surrounded by lush greenery for miles. With nearby attractions like Parliament Hill, Canadian Museum of History and Dows Lake just a short drive away, there's plenty to explore. Living in Rideau Forest provides the perfect balance between city convenience and tranquil nature walks - all within easy reach! Whether you're looking for shopping or night-life, or peace and quiet among natural beauty - Rideau Forest has it all!
Rothwell Heights
Rothwell Heights is a vibrant and family-oriented neighbourhood in Ottawa. With a population density of nearly 10,000 people per square kilometer, it is an attractive destination for prospective residents. The area is surrounded by plenty of green spaces and pathways for outdoor activities. There are also plenty of nearby attractions such as the Irish National War Memorial Park and Dows Lake from which visitors can take stunning views of the city skyline or enjoy a picnic or walk around its lake. Furthermore, Rothwell Heights offers some excellent educational opportunities with schools like Russell High School that offer students an opportunity to pursue their studies in an environment brimming with potential. Living in Rothwell Heights promises an enjoyable lifestyle with great access to shops, parks, restaurants, and other amenities all within easy reach.
Glebe
Glebe is an affluent neighbourhood in Ottawa with a population of 7,277 people as of 2016. It is renowned for its vibrant culture, eclectic mix of shops and restaurants and variety of architectural styles. Located on the western boundary of Browns Inlet, it is within easy walking distance to many popular attractions in Ottawa like Parliament Hill and the Byward Market. Residents can easily access public transportation to get around the city, as well as enjoy a high quality lifestyle with plenty of parks, trails and recreational activities nearby. Living in Glebe means exploring a unique neighbourhood full of history and quaint character while still being able to experience all that Ottawa has to offer - making it an ideal place for anyone wanting to move here in 2023!
Pros
- Exploring Ottawa's new cityscape can be an exciting and memorable experience for those moving from Calgary to Ottawa in 2023.
- The strong job market in Ottawa, compared to Calgary, offers new opportunities for those looking to relocate.
- The historical and political significance of Ottawa makes it an attractive destination for those looking to relocate from Calgary.
Cons
- Cold weather in Ottawa can be a disadvantage compared to Calgary, where winters are milder.
- Given the absence of mountains in Ottawa compared to Calgary, the change of scenery from Calgary to Ottawa can be quite disappointing for those who enjoy outdoor activities.
- Moving to Ottawa from Calgary in 2023 may come with the disadvantage of a higher cost of living than what you would have to pay in Calgary.
What Are the Best Moving Solutions in Moving From Calgary to Ottawa?
Moving from Calgary to Ottawa can be a thrilling yet challenging journey. Choosing the right moving company is even more challenging as there are so many services and companies to choose from. Hercules Moving Company offers a range of services that can make this process easier and smoother for you, including long-distance moving, storage solutions, packing services, and custom crating for fragile items. It's important to remember to do your research on the different companies in order to ensure you get quality service for an affordable price - ensure that the company is registered with Canadian Association of Movers (CAM). Moreover, look around online for reviews from customers - these can give you an idea of a company’s reputation and how reliable their service may be.
Conclusion
Moving to Ottawa from Calgary in 2023 has its advantages, such as beautiful cityscapes, rich cultural diversity and access to outdoor activities. However, it is important to research the cost of living differences between the two cities and choose a suitable neighbourhood. From Rockcliffe Park for diplomats, Manor Park for diverse cultures and outdoor enthusiasts or Rothwell Heights for its great educational opportunities, there is something for everyone when moving from Calgary to Ottawa. With the help of reliable moving companies like Hercules Moving Company you can make this transition easier and smoother.
