Everything You Must Know Before Moving From Quebec City to Ottawa in 2023
Have you ever considered moving from Quebec City to Ottawa in 2023? With its majestic architecture, vibrant culture and rich history, Quebec City is the perfect place to live. It has a population of over 500,000 people and covers an area of 466 square kilometers. Tourists can easily get lost in the city's cobbled streets and historic buildings that date back hundreds of years.
Ottawa is Canada's capital city, located on the south bank of the Ottawa River in Ontario. It is home to about one million people with a total area of 2,796 square kilometers. The city boasts impressive architecture from its gothic revival parliament buildings to its modern glass skyline bristling with energy and life. There are many museums and galleries for those who are interested in art or science, as well as numerous parks for outdoor activities such as cycling or kayaking along the riverfront pathways.
Relocating to Ottawa from Quebec City
Moving to a new city isn't easy and relocating to Ottawa from Quebec City in 2023, can be especially challenging. With so many factors to consider, we have compiled the most important five that you need know before relocating. From cost of living differences, to benefits of moving and best moving solutions, these are all critical considerations when plotting a move. As you read on further in this blog post, these considerations will be addressed in more detail.
Cost of Living
Ottawa is a diverse, vibrant metropolitan city, larger in size compared to Quebec City. Moving from one city to another can be overwhelming, with differences in cost of living that depend on individual lifestyle choices. Therefore, it is important to consider these expenses before making the move - the table below provides a comparison between the two cities.
| Category | Ottawa | Quebec City |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate (Production Home) | $305 / sq ft. | $200 / sq ft. |
| Real Estate (Custom-Built Single- Family) | $300 / sq ft. | $194 / sq ft. |
| Housing (1 Bedroom) | $1400 / Month (for a 1 bedroom apartment) | $757 / Month. |
| Housing Utilities and Insurance | $150 - $250 / Month | $250 / Month |
| Transportation | $119 / Month for an adult Presto monthly pass. | $83.25/Month for the monthly transit pass. |
| Car Insurance | $1200 / Year | $765 / Year. |
| Entertainment | $300 / Month | $100 / Month |
| Grocery Cost for 1 Person | $400 / Month. | $200 / Month. |
| Communication (Phone and Internet) | $120 / Month | $113 / Month |
| Health and Fitness | $70 / Month (average gym membership) | $40-60 / Month (gym membership) |
| Sales Taxes | 13\% | 15\% / Year |
Moving to Ottawa from Quebec City can be less expensive in some ways, but more expensive in others. Real Estate production home and custom-built single-family homes are approximately 50\% more costly in Ottawa compared to Quebec City. However, monthly housing costs are almost double in Ottawa; the average costs for a 1 bedroom apartment are $1,400 compared to $757 in Quebec City. Similarly, transportation and insurance costs are also higher in Ottawa; a monthly Presto pass is $119 compared to $83.25 for the same pass in Quebec City and car insurance averages around $1,200 per year compared to about $765 per year in Quebec City. Entertainment can also be more costly at around $300 per month versus around $100 per month in Quebec City. Groceries, phone/internet and gym memberships are all slightly cheaper or the same price in Quebec City compared to Ottawa. Finally, sales taxes are higher by 2\% (15\%) in Quebec City than they are (13\%) in Ottawa.
Benefits of Moving to Ottawa
Ottawa is a wonderful place to move to, offering many benefits that you wouldn't find in Quebec City. The city is clean and well-kept, with its own unique culture and diversity. Moreover, there are plenty of job opportunities to explore, making it easier for those looking for work. Meanwhile, Ottawa's proximity to nature makes it a great place to live if you love spending time outdoors. Whereas Quebec City has historically had a high crime rate, Ottawa's crime rate is considerably lower - a clear benefit for anyone considering the move!
Best areas to live in Ottawa
Finding the perfect neighbourhood to move to in Ottawa can be a challenging task. With many unique areas throughout the city, it can be difficult to decide which one is best for you. Here are five of the best neighbourhoods in Ottawa, each offering its own special charm and attractions for prospective residents.
Rockcliffe Park
Rockcliffe Park is situated in Ottawa, Canada and the neighbourhood is home to an affluent demographic. The area offers stunning views of the Ottawa River on one side, while the other side provides a view of Parliament Hill and downtown Ottawa. Rockcliffe Park is conveniently located by many attractions such as Lansdowne Stadium, Rideau Canal Skateway, National Arts Centre and National Gallery of Canada for those who wish to explore outside their neighbourhood. Living in Rockcliffe Park grants residents direct access to all these attractions with only a few minutes drive away from each one. The vibrant and inviting atmosphere in the area make it a desirable place for anyone looking for an adventure-filled lifestyle or a relaxing day out with family.
Manotick
Manotick is a neighborhood in Ottawa abundant with natural attractions and outdoor activities, located just 20 minutes south of the city's downtown. The Rideau Canal runs through Manotick, creating multiple tranquil spots for walks, play or leisurely boat rides. For those looking to explore farther afield, Manotick is within an hour’s drive of Montreal and Toronto. In terms of amenities, there are plenty of grocery stores and restaurants to try out. With several community centers offering art galleries and sporting events, moving to Manotick can be a great opportunity for anyone looking to live near Ottawa while still taking advantage of all that nature provides!
Rideau Forest
Rideau Forest is a vibrant Ottawa neighbourhood that has been growing steadily since the 19th century. It is surrounded by Gatineau Park, offering many outdoor recreational activities, as well as several attractive restaurants and shops. Central Ottawa is only 15 minutes away by car, while the nearest beach can be reached in less than 25 minutes on foot. Living in Rideau Forest means having convenient access to nature and urban life activities at the same time!
The Glebe
The Glebe is a neighborhood in Ottawa renowned for its vibrant and diverse atmosphere. Located near the heart of the city, The Glebe offers plenty of parks and green spaces to enjoy, as well as some popular attractions such as Dows Lake Pavilion and the Rideau Canal. The nearby iconic landmarks are easily reachable by bike or foot, so residents can quickly get everywhere they need to go. With its eclectic mix of restaurants and shops, this thriving community provides a unique lifestyle that will make you feel right at home.
Westboro
Westboro is an Ottawa neighbourhood composed mainly of young professionals, art galleries and cozy cafes. It is close to the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO heritage site known for its stunning view and diverse range of activities. It is located within easy walking distance to some of Ottawa’s signature attractions such as Parliament Hill and the Byward Market. It’s also accessible to some great shopping areas, restaurants and pubs. Moving to Westboro provides an ideal place for a young professional or family who are looking for a lively community with access to urban amenities.
Pros
- The bilingual city of Ottawa gives an advantage over Quebec City for those looking to move due to its diverse culture and language community.
- In Ottawa, there are ample possibilities for career-oriented individuals, offering a wide range of job opportunities that may not be available in Quebec City.
- The cultural vibrancy of Ottawa offers its residents a diverse range of experiences and opportunities not available in Quebec City.
Cons
- Moving to Ottawa from Quebec City may come with a higher cost of living due to its greater economic activity.
- Moving to Ottawa from Quebec City can be challenging due to the increased traffic congestion.
- Moving to Ottawa from Quebec City means dealing with a warmer climate.
What Are the Best Moving Solutions in Moving From Quebec City to Ottawa?
Moving from one location to another can be stressful without the help of a professional moving company. Fortunately, many reliable and experienced companies offer their services to make the process smooth and painless. Hercules Moving Company is just one example of a reliable business that offers top-notch moving solutions for those relocating from Quebec City to Ottawa. Clients can trust these companies with their belongings, as they are often well-staffed with knowledgeable employees who can do all types of packing and loading work quickly and efficiently. Moreover, there are many other reputable companies available for customers to choose from depending on their needs and budget. A key factor in choosing a good moving company is reputation – customers should take time to read online reviews as well as checking if they are registered with the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM). By doing this, customers will be able to select a mover that suits them best and ensures that all their belongings reach their desired destination safely.
Conclusion
Summary: Moving to Ottawa from Quebec City in 2023 can be a difficult decision, as there are many factors to consider. The cost of living in Ottawa is higher compared to Quebec City, but the city has many benefits such as lower crime rate and great outdoor activities. Different areas of Ottawa offer various attractions ranging from stunning views of the river and Parliament Hill, to lively cultures and excellent job opportunities. When planning a move, it is important to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making any decisions. It would also be beneficial to find reliable moving companies like Hercules Moving Company for an efficient relocation experience.
