Edmonton logs 2 hot days a year to Ottawa's 9 — Edmonton wins by 7. Ottawa also leads on frost days by 38.

Edmonton runs about $2,448/mo for a balanced lifestyle against Ottawa's $2,521/mo — Edmonton comes in $73 cheaper each month, roughly 3% less.

On mobility, Ottawa scores 3.2 vs Edmonton's 2.4 (0–5 scale), with the biggest gap on walkability. Edmonton still holds an edge on airport accessibility.

Ottawa's culture score of 3.8 sits well above Edmonton's 3.5, with the biggest gap on arts & culture.

Ottawa's nature & outdoors score of 4.7 sits well above Edmonton's 4.0, with the biggest gap on hiking. Edmonton still holds an edge on green areas.

Ottawa's safety score is ~1.3× Edmonton's — in the upper band, while Edmonton lands in the middle of the scale, with the biggest gap on walking safety. Edmonton still holds an edge on earthquake safety.

Ottawa's career score of 3.8 sits well above Edmonton's 3.1, with the biggest gap on career opportunities.

Ottawa's social & community score of 3.9 sits well above Edmonton's 3.6, with the biggest gap on expat-first community.

On food & dining, Ottawa scores 3.6 vs Edmonton's 3.2 (0–5 scale), with the biggest gap on restaurant variety.

Edmonton and Ottawa score neck-and-neck on family (3.3 vs 3.5, 0–5 scale).

Edmonton and Ottawa score neck-and-neck on healthcare (2.0 vs 2.0, 0–5 scale).

Edmonton averages 8.0 µg/m³ (good) PM2.5 annually versus Ottawa's 6.6 µg/m³ (good) — Ottawa breathes ~18% cleaner air (1.4 µg/m³ lower).

Who Thrives Here