Ottawa’s rental market tightened through the first quarter of 2026. Vacancy hovered near 1.8%, pushing rents higher across every property type.
Average Rents by Unit Type
| Unit | Avg Rent | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,525 | +4.2% |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,950 | +5.1% |
| 2 Bedroom | $2,450 | +5.8% |
| 3+ Bedroom | $3,100 | +6.0% |
Neighbourhood Breakdown
Downtown and Centretown lead the market. One-bedrooms in the core average $2,100. Westboro and the Glebe follow at $2,050. Kanata and Orleans offer the best value — one-bedrooms around $1,700 and $1,650.
What’s Driving Prices
Three factors explain the increases. Immigration to Ottawa remains strong. New construction starts fell 22% from 2025, slowing supply. Mortgage rates above 5% push buyers into renting while they wait.
Forecast: Second Half of 2026
Expect rents to rise another 3–5% by December. Vacancy will stay below 2%. Downtown and transit-adjacent neighbourhoods will see the sharpest increases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average rent in Ottawa for 2026?
A one-bedroom apartment averages $1,950 per month. Two-bedroom units run $2,450. Prices vary by neighbourhood — downtown commands a premium over suburbs.
Are Ottawa rents still going up?
Yes. Rents rose 5.4% year-over-year from spring 2025 to spring 2026. Low vacancy and high demand fuel the trend.
Which Ottawa neighbourhood has the cheapest rent?
Orleans, Barrhaven, and Kanata offer the lowest average rents. One-bedrooms in these areas start around $1,550.