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Moving to Ottawa

A Comprehensive Guide

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Whether it’s for the beautiful scenery, or the exciting work environment, moving to Ottawa can be an exciting and stressful experience. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll provide you with all the essential information for your move.

Moving to Ottawa: How Much Does It Cost?

We know you might be asking yourself how much does it cost to move to Ottawa? Well, we’re here to show you. Depending on if you’re coming from the East or West coast via road the costs might differ.

West Coast Moving Costs

West Coast20FT Container 40FT Container
Full Container Load (FCL)$2500 – 4000$5000 – 8000
Less than Container Load (LCL)$1500 – 2500$2500 – 4500

East Coast Moving Costs

East Coast20FT Container 40FT Container
Full Container Load (FCL)$2500$5000
Less than Container Load (LCL)$1500$3750

Disclaimer! These are estimates and will not necessarily be the price quoted to you as the cost of your move will vary depending on many factors such as volume, distance, choice of moving company, and more.

Moving to Ottawa: Request Free Quotes

Want to make sure you get the most accurate price possible before moving to Ottawa? By filling out the form below, you’ll be able to receive up to five free moving quotes from International moving companies in Ottawa.

Moving to Ottawa?
Choose the size of your move below to receive up to 5 free moving quotes!

International Moving Companies Ottawa

We know moving to a new city can be stressful and costly, that’s why we’re here to help. By Requesting 5 free quotes you can find a mover that suits your needs and compare prices helping you save time and money. For now, you can check out the top 3 Ottawa movers and compare them.

1. Ruby International

Ruby International is a women owned and ran Miami Florida based moving company specialising in cost effective transportation for your move to Ottawa.

Services Provided:

  • International Removals
  • Excess Baggage

Pros

 Professional (13)
 Communication (10)
 Price (6)

Cons

 Communication (6)

2. SDC International Shipping

SDC International Shipping is a California based moving company providing stress free global moving with competitive pricing and rapid response times and are here to help you in the process of moving to Ottawa from the USA.

Services Provided:

  • International & National Removals
  • Excess Baggage
  • Car and Vehicle transport
  • Piano Transport
  • Art Transport

Pros

 Communication (5)
 Packing of furniture (3)
 Efficient (2)

Cons

 Planning (3)

3. Uplift Movers

Uplift Movers is a New York based moving company offering luxury moving with first class moving teams with no hidden fees or surprise costs. They offer an all-inclusive price for your move from New York to Ottawa and are considered a professional mover to Ottawa.

Services Provided:

  • International & National Removals
  • Excess Baggage
  • Car and Vehicle transport
  • Piano Transport
  • Art Transport

Pros

 Price (5)
 Professional (3)
 Careful with furniture (1)

Cons

 Unfriendly (1)

Moving to Ottawa: Checklist

Here’s a comprehensive checklist to help you navigate the process of moving to Ottawa, ensuring a smooth move from your current home to your new vibrant and culturally rich home in the capital of Canada.

Gather Essential Documents

Before moving to Ottawa, you’ll need to gather some essential documents. The most common documents you’ll need are language test results, education assessments, job offers, police certificates, medical exams, proof of funds. Check out Canada’s immigration page for a detailed overview of the documents you’ll need.

Choose an International Mover

Finding the best international moving companies in Ottawa is key for a stress-free move. Do your research and pick a mover that best suits your needs. If you want to receive 5 free moving quotes to easily compare, then use our handy quote form.

Prepare Pet Documents

If you’re bringing along your furry friend, ensure that they meet the pet entry requirements in Canada. You’ll need a certification of rabies vaccination, a veterinary certificate, proof of your animal’s age, veterinary certificates against avian influenza. For more details check Canadas pet immigration page.

Apply for a Visa

Whether you’re living in Ottawa temporarily or permanently you’ll need a visa. Check out the city of Ottawa official guide for more information. For a simple and easy process check out our partners to help you get everything you need.

In the spotlight

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✍️Still Concerned? If you want to read more about getting a visa for Canada check out our Visa in Canada page.

Inform Relevant Parties

Notify any relevant parties like such as the IRS, US postal service, DMV about your move to Ottawa. Also make sure you don’t forget to tell your family and friends. Checkout this checklist for all the relevant parties to notify.

Pack Up

Take this time to do that long awaited spring cleaning you’ve been putting off.Go through your belongings, decide what items you want to take with you to Ottawa, and pack them up securely.

Apply for Health Insurance

As soon as you move to Ottawa, apply for public health insurance to ensure you’re covered. Check out our Healthcare in Canada guide for more details.

Open a Canadian Bank Account

If you haven’t done so online already, set up a Canadian bank account after your move to Ottawa.

Remember, preparation is key when moving to Ottawa. This checklist will help you stay organized and make your move as stress-free as possible and hopefully a little enjoyable.

Cost of Living in Ottawa

When moving to Ottawa, it’s important to understand the cost of living in Ottawa. Here’s an Ottawa cost of living comparison to Washington DC:

Cost CategoryWashington DCOttawa% ChangeDetails
McDonalds$12$9.5-20.9%McMeal or equivalent combo
Utilities258$188-27.3%Standard 85m2 (915 sq ft) apartment
Transportation$116$95-21.3%Monthly transit pass
Apartment$2752$1420-48.4%1 Bedroom apartment city center

✍️Want to know more about the public transport? Check out Ottawa’s public transport page to get all the information you need.

Average House Cost in Ottawa

We know that you might be wondering how much housing will cost when you move to Ottawa. Well don’t worry we’ve compiled a list of average rent prices for you.

Property TypeAverage Monthly Cost
1 Bedroom Apartment (Centretown)$1,200 – $1,800
2 Bedroom Apartment (The Glebe)$1,500 – $2,500
Single Family Home (Rockcliffe Park)$2,500 – $3,500

If you want to find apartments for rent in Ottawa Canada, then check out these handy websites to simplify the process for you.

Jobs in Ottawa

When you move to Ottawa it offers some of the lowest unemployment rates in Canada and offers a tremendous amount of job opportunities. Some of the major job sectors in Ottawa are the tech industry, government sector, healthcare, and education. Here are some helpful websites on how to find a job in Ottawa.

✍️Want to learn more about finding a job in Canada? check out our working in Canada page.

Schools in Ottawa

If you’re moving with kids, then you might want to check out the Canadian education system vs American system when you move to Ottawa. If you want some more detailed descriptions of the different school types check out our moving to Canada page. Below you can see the main differences between the USA and Canada.

American SystemCanadian System
Grading GPA systemPercentage system
FocusTest scores, CompetitionCritical Thinking, Individual performance
Language English onlyEnglish and French are taught.

✍️If you’re still wondering about the different school and school districts check out Ottawa’s Information guide to give you a list of all the School districts.

Best Neighborhoods in Ottawa

As you plan your move to Ottawa, it’s important to consider where you’ll put down roots. If you’re wondering, is Ottawa a good place to live? Then here are a few Ottawa neighborhoods that stand out for their unique charm and amenities:

  • Centre town: An energetic urban hub with a blend of eateries, shops, and cultural attractions.
  • The Glebe: A family-friendly neighbourhood known for its community vibe and charming Bank Street.
  • Westboro: A trendy hotspot with boutique shops, cafes, and a modern, lively atmosphere.
  • Old Ottawa South: A serene neighbourhood near the Rideau Canal, known for its historic homes and green spaces.
  • Rockcliffe Park: An upscale, tranquil area preferred by diplomats and professionals for its sophistication and peacefulness.

Before you go…

We know that this might be a stressful time so here are some delightful facts about Ottawa so you can move to Ottawa stress free.

  • Multicultural Melting Pot: Ottawa is one of the most multicultural cities in Canada, with over 20% of its population born outside of Canada. It’s a true melting pot of cultures.
  • Bilingual Capital: Ottawa is the most bilingual city in Canada. Approximately half the population can speak both official languages – English and French.
  • World’s Largest Skating Rink: Each winter, the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, becomes the world’s largest outdoor skating rink.
  • Festival Capital: Ottawa hosts over 35 major festivals each year, including the Canadian Tulip Festival and Winterlude.

Good Luck Moving to Ottawa!

We hope that we’ve helped shed some light for your journey to Ottawa. Feel free to come back to this article during your move if you need some clarity. If you need a helping hand, then take a look at the articles we’ve handpicked below for you. Goodluck with your move.