Ottawa’s rental market tightened through the first quarter of 2026. In particular, vacancy hovered near 1.8%. As a result, rents climbed 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. Specifically, one-bedrooms in the core average $2,100. Westboro and the Glebe follow at $2,050. In addition, Kanata and Orleans offer the best value. For instance, one-bedrooms sit around $1,700 and $1,650.
What’s Driving Prices
Three factors explain the increases. First, immigration to Ottawa remains strong. Second, new construction starts fell 22% from 2025, slowing supply. Finally, 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. In addition, vacancy will stay below 2%. Specifically, 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. Likewise, two-bedroom units run $2,450. However, prices vary by neighbourhood. For example, downtown commands a premium over suburbs.
Are Ottawa rents still going up?
Yes. Specifically, rents rose 5.4% year-over-year from spring 2025 to spring 2026. As a result, low vacancy and high demand fuel the trend.
Which Ottawa neighbourhood has the cheapest rent?
Orleans, Barrhaven, and Kanata offer the lowest average rents. For instance, one-bedrooms in these areas start around $1,550.