Moving company: 8 Cheap Places to Live Near Ottawa
A practical, local guide from Foosun Moving Ottawa — where to find affordable housing near Ottawa and how a professional moving company can make the transition easy and affordable.
Introduction
Moving company—if you’re reading this, you’re likely planning a move and hunting for affordable places near Ottawa without sacrificing commute time, amenities or quality of life. This guide from Foosun Moving Ottawa walks you through eight budget-friendly neighbourhoods and commuter towns, gives practical moving and cost-saving advice, and explains how local movers can actually save you time and money. You’ll get local rent/price context, real-world moving-cost examples, a 30-day moving checklist, and FAQs so you can plan a smooth, cost-efficient relocation.
Why choose cheaper areas near Ottawa?
Choosing an affordable neighbourhood near Ottawa is often the smartest way to stretch your housing dollar while keeping
access to jobs, schools, transit and stores. Ottawa’s average rents and home prices change with demand; recent market snapshots show many renters and buyers can find budget-friendly options in suburbs and select inner-city pockets. According to rental market trackers, the average rent in Ottawa has room for variance by neighbourhood, and searching slightly outside the core frequently yields better value.
Benefits at a glance
- Lower monthly rent or mortgage payments
- More living space for the same budget
- Often quieter, family-friendly streets
- Opportunities to buy vs. rent sooner
Trade-offs to consider
Some trade-offs include longer commutes (or busier transit during peak hours), different school or service catchments, and fewer entertainment options right on your doorstep. Our list balances price and convenience so you don’t sacrifice the essentials.
How we picked these 8 cheap places
We reviewed local listing sites, neighbourhood affordability guides, municipal resources and moving-company service areas to create a practical list tailored for people relocating to or around Ottawa. We assessed: typical rent & sale prices, transit and commute times, local amenities, and how often moving companies service those areas. Sources included local real estate write-ups and moving-company service pages to ensure each area is realistic for a local move.
Selection criteria
- Affordability relative to Ottawa averages
- Reasonable commute or transit options
- Frequent listings for rentals and homes
- Served by local moving companies (same-day/next-day availability)
The 8 cheap places to live near Ottawa
1. Vanier — inner-city value with quick access to downtown
Vanier is an eastern neighbourhood with multi-unit housing and older stock that often rents for less than some central downtown properties. It’s close to the Rideau River and offers quick access to downtown Ottawa by car or transit — a key reason renters and first-time buyers choose it. Many moving companies in Ottawa list Vanier as a common service area due to short-distance access.
Why it’s cheap
Older building stock, a mix of apartments and houses, and a market that’s recovering from past redevelopment phases.
Who it fits
Young professionals, students, and small families who want short commutes to downtown without central prices.
2. Overbrook — pockets of affordability near major routes
Overbrook sits east of the core and offers reasonably priced apartments and small homes. The neighbourhood has good transit along main corridors and is often recommended on local housing guides as one of the more affordable pockets close to downtown.
Why people choose it
Short commute, accessible amenities, and some newer rental conversions that still undercut central prices.
3. Carlington — an overlooked budget option
Carlington (west of the central core) contains diverse housing types, from apartment blocks to single-family lots. Historically it’s been presented in “affordable neighbourhoods” lists because of older housing stock and proximity to key transit routes. Expect to trade a little in modern finishes for a much lower monthly cost.
Best for
Buyers who want entry-level ownership options or renters who want space over luxury finishes.
4. Barrhaven — suburban value with amenities
Barrhaven (southwest Ottawa) has historically offered new housing at lower per-square-foot prices than the downtown core, especially for families. It’s well-serviced by transit arteries and offers shopping and schools nearby. Many moving companies run frequent local jobs to Barrhaven, which can reduce overall moving time and cost.
Why movers like it
Predictable layouts, drive-up access in most new subdivisions, and high volume of residential moves that allow moving companies to optimize routes.
5. Kanata — tech hub, still budget-friendly in parts
Kanata appeals to tech workers and families with larger homes at lower price points than central Ottawa. Many movers service Kanata as part of regular local routes which helps with scheduling and competitive quotes.
6. Orleans — east-end options for families
Orleans blends suburban development with older pockets that can be more affordable. Transit routes into Ottawa are expanding and the area often appears on local “affordable neighbourhood” lists.
7. Arnprior & Almonte — commuter towns for the cash-strapped mover
Outside City of Ottawa limits, towns like Arnprior and Almonte offer lower housing costs if you’re willing to commute. These are great options for people open to a drive or occasional remote work. Local movers frequently run highway routes to these towns and may bundle moves to nearby towns to cut costs.
8. Stittsville — affordable family options west of the core
Stittsville provides a semi-suburban feel with newer subdivisions and rental options priced lower than downtown — good for families wanting more space. Many Ottawa moving companies list Stittsville in service areas and provide fixed-price local quotes that can keep moving costs predictable.
Typical moving costs & budgeting tips
Local moving costs in Ottawa vary with move size, distance, and timing (weekends/holidays cost more). As a practical reference, local residential hourly rates from reputable companies in the area often fall into a range that depends on crew size and truck size; it’s common to see competitive hourly rates for small local moves and flat quotes for whole-house moves. Booking in off-peak seasons or weekdays usually saves money. For larger jobs, ask for an in-home estimate so the moving company can quote accurately.
Ways to reduce moving costs
- Declutter before you move — fewer items = fewer hours.
- Use a local moving company with short travel time to reduce drive time fees.
- Book weekday moves or mid-month dates.
- Do some packing yourself and request only loading/unloading labor.
- Ask movers about bundled services (packing + move) discounts.
Sample budget
For an average 1–2 bedroom local move in Ottawa expect a ballpark that includes crew, truck and basic supplies — many customers report standardized quotes from local companies that are often less than the cost of a long-distance move. Exact pricing will vary; always get a written quote.
How a moving company helps you move cheaper (and smarter)
Hiring a professional moving company can seem like an upfront cost, but the time savings, reduced risk of damage, and fewer personal hours lost often make it cheaper overall — especially for busy families and business moves. Professional movers bring specialized equipment (dollies, protective covers) and experience estimating time which reduces unexpected overtime charges. Local movers who run frequent trips to Barrhaven, Kanata and Orleans can pass route efficiencies to you through competitive quotes.
Examples of cost-savings a mover provides
- Faster load/unload reduces total billable hours.
- Proper packing avoids replaceable-damage costs.
- Movers can negotiate parking permits or elevator reservations in buildings.
Case study (illustrative)
Customer A moved from Overbrook to Barrhaven: packing themselves and hiring two movers for loading/unloading saved them ~20% vs full-service packing + moving because travel and handling were optimized by the mover’s route planning. (Example based on common pricing models and local mover practices.)
Packing, storage and special items
Plan for piano, appliance, and treadmill moves — these often carry extra charges and require equipment or extra crew members. Many Ottawa movers list flat fees for specialized items to simplify pricing. If you need temporary storage while you wait for your new place, look for movers who offer short-term storage bundles — this often reduces transfer fees.
Packing tips
- Label boxes by room and priority.
- Keep an essentials box for first 48 hours.
- Use linens and clothing to pad fragile items to save on packing supplies.
Storage tips
Ask about insurance for stored items and whether the storage facility is climate controlled if you have sensitive belongings.
30-day moving checklist — Easy timeline for an affordable move
30 days before
- Research neighbourhoods (use guides and local listings).
- Get 3 moving quotes (including one from Foosun Moving for a local estimate).
- Declutter and sell/donate unneeded items.
15 days before
- Confirm move date, parking/elevator reservations.
- Pack non-essentials and label boxes.
Week of move
- Pack essentials box; confirm contact details with the moving company.
- Prepare payment and tip for crew if satisfied.
Linking to local services & Foosun Moving offers
Foosun Moving Ottawa offers tailored local services — from single-item pickups to full-house moves — with competitive hourly and flat-rate options. If you’re moving to one of the eight areas above, ask for our neighborhood-specific tips (parking, building access, elevator dimensions) which help cut surprises and time onsite. We also partner with local storage facilities and can provide bundled quotes.
Quick Takeaways
- Choosing a cheaper area near Ottawa can dramatically reduce housing costs while keeping access to jobs and transit.
- Barrhaven, Kanata, Orleans, Vanier, Overbrook, Carlington, Stittsville and commuter towns like Arnprior & Almonte are practical affordable options.
- Getting multiple local quotes and booking mid-week can lower moving costs.
- Professional movers save time, reduce risk, and often make a move cheaper overall when you factor your time and potential damage.
- Pack smart, declutter first, and use storage bundles if you need temporary space.
Conclusion — Ready to move affordably with a professional moving company?
Moving to a more affordable neighbourhood near Ottawa is an excellent way to lower monthly costs without losing access to the city. Whether you pick Vanier for inner-city value, Barrhaven for family-friendly space, or commute from Arnprior to save on purchase price, local movers like Foosun Moving Ottawa can make the logistics simple and cost-effective. If you want a personalized quote or a neighbourhood-specific moving plan, request a free estimate from our team — we’ll factor distance, access, and any special item needs to keep your move smooth and within budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How much does a local move in Ottawa cost?
A: Local move costs vary by crew size and distance. For accurate pricing get at least three quotes and request an in-home assessment for whole-house moves. Many customers find weekday and off-peak dates cheaper. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
Q2: Which neighbourhoods near Ottawa are cheapest?
A: Pockets like Vanier, Overbrook, Carlington, and certain parts of Orleans and Barrhaven consistently show more affordable listings compared to downtown. Check up-to-date listings for current prices.
Q3: Do moving companies provide packing and storage?
A: Yes — many local movers offer packing services and short-term storage, or partner with storage facilities for bundled pricing. Ask for bundled quotes for best savings.
Q4: How far in advance should I book a mover?
A: Aim for 2–4 weeks ahead for non-peak times and 4–8 weeks for busy seasons (summer, month-end). Booking sooner increases your chances to pick a preferred date and crew size.
Q5: Can Foosun Moving help me move to Arnprior or Almonte?
A: Yes. We service commuter towns and will provide flat or mileage-inclusive quotes for out-of-city moves; bundling jobs or flexible dates can lower cost.