The Cost of Living in Calgary [2025]

Calgary offers a strong job market, beautiful natural surroundings, and relatively affordable housing compared to other cities like Vancouver. Alberta's low tax rates and the city’s proximity to Banff National Park add to its appeal, with rental rates being more affordable than those in major cities in B.C. or Ontario.

If Calgary is on your list of relocation possibilities, become familiar with the cost of living so that you know if the city is a good fit for you.

• Reasons to move to Calgary
• What’s different about Calgary?
• Calgary lifestyle
• Cost of living in Calgary
• Things to do in Calgary
• Calgary events
• The cost of food in Calgary
• Getting around in Calgary
• Parking in Calgary
• FAQs about Calgary

Reasons to move to Calgary

There’s a diversity of career opportunities in Calgary. Jobs are abundant in the city’s energy sector, driven by oil and gas. The construction industry is thriving due to the development boom. Opportunities in agriculture and agribusiness are plentiful, in the areas of food production, distribution and innovation. Calgary is a transportation hub that creates demand for logistics and warehouse jobs. Tech, finance, healthcare, and tourism also contribute stable jobs to the job market.

The average annual income in Calgary is CA$58,243, and the average household income is CA$131,600.

What’s different about Calgary?

Calgarians benefit from Alberta’s lack of provincial sales tax which keeps living costs lower. Calgary is next door to the Rocky Mountains which provides easy access to world-class outdoor activities in famous “outdoor playgrounds” like Banff and Jasper. To top it all off, Calgary offers affordable housing compared to cities like Vancouver and Toronto, and a reputation for cleanliness and well-organised infrastructure.

Living in Calgary has its challenges, particularly with urban sprawl, which results in long commutes for many locals, especially those living in the suburbs. This is especially challenging as the public transit system is relatively underdeveloped. Additionally, Calgary’s economy is heavily affected by the energy sector, leading to a boom-and-bust cycle. Job instability is rampant during downtimes in oil and gas.

Weighing the pros and cons of living in Calgary can help you to make your choice based on your employment, income and lifestyle choices.

Calgary lifestyle

Outdoor activities

Calgary is known for its outdoor lifestyle, thanks to the city's close proximity to the Rocky Mountains and numerous parks. Residents and visitors can explore the Bow River pathway for biking or running, enjoy fly fishing in the Bow River, or head to nearby Banff National Park for world-class skiing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. In the city, Nose Hill Park and Fish Creek Provincial Park provide urban hiking and nature experiences.

Arts and Culture

The city's commitment to arts and culture is evident in its diverse offerings. The Glenbow Museum houses significant art and cultural collections, while the Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, celebrates Canadian music. The annual Calgary Stampede includes a large arts and crafts fair, and the Calgary International Film Festival and Folk Music Festival also attract global attention. Public art installations are also a common sight around the city.

Food

Calgary's food scene is a melting pot of cultures, with a selection of restaurants offering everything from local Alberta beef to authentic international cuisines. Calgary's food scene is enriched by events like Calgary Stampede Pancake Breakfasts, Taste of Calgary, and YYC Food and Drink Experience. Local farmers' markets, including the Calgary Farmers' Market and Crossroads Market, offer fresh produce, artisanal products, and unique local foods.

Sports

Sports are a significant part of life in Calgary, home to the NHL's Calgary Flames, the CFL's Calgary Stampeders, and the WHL's Calgary Hitmen. The city annually hosts the Calgary Stampede, known as "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth," which features rodeo events and chuckwagon races. For amateur athletes and sports enthusiasts, there are numerous sports leagues, golf courses, and the Olympic Oval, a legacy of the 1988 Winter Olympics held in Calgary.

Cost of living in Calgary

Renting in Calgary

Despite high demand and limited supply of rentals in Calgary, renting a place is still more affordable than in Toronto or Vancouver. The most affordable areas of Calgary include:

• Forest Lawn

• Dover

• Ogden

• Falconridge

• Pineridge

If you're looking to cut down on rent, consider sharing a place with roommates. Some of the top online platforms for finding or listing room rentals include:

• Craigslist

• Kijiji

• Facebook Marketplace

• Roomies.ca

• Rentals.ca

• Zillow

• Roomster

• Zumper

Buying Property in Calgary

The average home price in Calgary is CA$588,600. This is a quarter of Toronto and Vancouver's average home prices! Some of the most affordable areas to buy a home in Calgary include neighbourhoods like Abbeydale, Penbrooke Meadows, and Castleridge in the northeast, and Ogden and Dover in the southeast. Average home prices in these areas range from CA$320,000 to $450,00.

Calgary’s Neighbourhoods of Interest

With the size of Calgary’s urban sprawl, it's no surprise that the city has approximately 206 neighbourhoods, which are referred to as "communities" by the municipal government. There are a few areas of Calgary that are exceptionally popular and unique:

Beltline

Beltline has the quintessential urban vibe which attracts young professionals and urbanites. You can find trendy restaurants, bars, clubs and everything is close to downtown offices. Housing is a mix of upscale, modern condos, and gorgeous historic homes.

The average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Beltline is CA$2,030, and the median home price is CA$403,437.

Kensington

You can walk everywhere in this artistic neighbourhood, and it's filled with funky boutiques, shops, cafes and galleries. The tight-knit community feeling is similar to that of a small town, and it's close to the Bow River and lots of cycling paths.

The average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Kensington is CA$1,393 and the average home price is CA$595,489.

Bridgeland

Bridgeland offers urban convenience with quiet, residential living. Families and hardworking professionals like having access to parks such as Tom Campbell’s Hill, and local cafes and farmer’s markets. The Calgary Zoo and downtown are both close by.

The average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Bridgeland is CA$2,015 and the average home price is CA$694,434.

Altadore

What makes Altadore special, especially with nature lovers, is its abundance of green spaces, including River Park and Sandy Beach. The community is strong here and the schools are renowned.

The average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Altadore is CA$1,865 and the average home price is CA$795,981.

Inglewood

Inglewood is Calgary’s oldest neighbourhood and is loved by locals for its history, unique shops, art galleries, and opportunities to see live music. Musicians and artists flock here and the community feeling is strong. An added bonus is Inglewood’s proximity to the Bow River.

The average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Inglewood is CA$1,415 and the average home price is $882,548.

Things to do in Calgary

Calgary is a balanced mix of urban vibes and natural beauty. The nearby Rockies offer easy access to outdoor activities, and within the city there is an abundance of the arts, culinary diversity, festivals, museums and galleries.

Heritage Park Historical Village

Heritage Park has over 180 exhibits and 55,000 artefacts, making it one of the largest living history museums in Canada. You can really get a feel for what life was like in the past, in the form of re-enactments, antique steam train rides, historical buildings, etc.

General admission for ages 16–64 is CA$34.95, child admission for ages 3–15 is CA$22.95, and senior admission for ages 65 and over is CA$26.95.

Studio Bell - National Music Centre

This live music venue is also a museum where you can learn all about Canada’s music history as well as enjoy interactive exhibits.

Adult tickets are priced at CA$24.50, tickets for students and seniors (65+) are CA$19.50, and youth tickets for ages 4–12 are CA$16.50.

The Calgary Stampede

The Calgary Stampede is famous globally and is known as "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth". Millions of visitors come every July, to see rodeo competitions, chuckwagon races, agricultural exhibitions, live music, parades, and carnival rides.

Calgary Stampede admission prices offer a variety of options. Evening show admission, which includes access to the rodeo and chuckwagon races, costs extra depending on seating and availability. 2-day passes provide more value and are priced accordingly, offering discounts over single-day rates.

General adult tickets are CA$24.50, while students and seniors (65+) can enter for CA$19.50, and youth tickets for ages 4–12 are CA$16.50. 

Canada Olympic Park

This is a chance to visit the site of the 1988 Winter Olympics. Take part in year-round activities like skiing, snowboarding, bobsleigh rides, and ziplining.

• Summer Hill Tickets typically start at $24.99, granting access to outdoor adventures such as mountain biking and zip lining.
• Winter Hill Tickets are for skiing and snowboarding, with adult day tickets starting at CA$47.99, youth tickets at CA$37.99, and child tickets priced CA$26.99.
• The Servus Tube Park offers tickets priced at CA$22.99 for adults, CA$18.99 for youth, and CA$12.99 for children, for unlimited rides.

Calgary events

Beyond the world-famous Stampede mentioned in the last section, Calgarians and visitors stay busy with the wide array of events that the city has to offer. Some of the most popular Calgary events include but aren't limited to:

Calgary Folk Music Festival

This festival happens every July and is one of Canada’s most diverse festivals, bringing musical acts from all over the world. The event is held at Prince’s Island Park, featuring multiple stages, food trucks, and artisan vendors.

• Ticket prices for the Calgary Folk Music Festival include full festival passes for adults at CA$200 to CA$250 and for youth (ages 13-17) at CA$130 to $150.
• Single-day tickets cost CA$80 to CA$90 for adults and CA$40 to CA$50 for youth.
• Children 12 and under can attend for free with a ticketed adult. VIP passes are available at higher rates for added perks.

GlobalFest

If you like fireworks, then visit GlobalFest in August. This international fireworks competition features the best of the best in pyrotechnics and performances. The festival is held at Ellison Park in southeast Calgary.

Nightly passes start at CA$12.50 and 5-day passes start at CA$50.00.

Big Winter Classic

This festival brings together music fans in the dead of winter when people need connection the most. The festival features local and international independent artists, during the time of year when it can be challenging for musicians to have steady work. Big Winter Classic is a memorable celebration of music, art, and winter culture, and takes place across multiple venues in Calgary.

A full weekend pass is CA$105 and daily passes range from CA$50-CA$65 depending on the day.

Beakerhead

One way to make science more interesting is to make it fun. Beakerhead Festival in September combines art, science and engineering into interactive exhibits, art installations and workshops. Beakerhead is held at various venues across Calgary.

• Daytime admission prices for Beakerhead are CA$32.95 for adults (18-64) and CA$29.95 for seniors (65+). F
• or Beakernight, tickets are CA$32+GST for Spark members and CA$36+GST for regular admission.
• All-ages tickets are CA$36.00, and child tickets (ages 3-17) are CA$23.95.

The cost of food in Calgary

Alberta, and Calgary in particular, is known for its beef. So, farm-to-table restaurants are popular, offering the best of Albertan beef. The city also offers international cuisines, from Asian and Middle Eastern to Mexican. Craft beer is big in Calgary as well!

Grocery costs

Grocery costs in Calgary vary depending on the store and what kind of food is being purchased.

Monthly food bills are approximately CA$300-400 for a single person and around CA$800-1,200 for a family of four.

Cost of dining out

According to Google Maps data, there are a whopping 3757 restaurants in Calgary. Good luck choosing one!

Cheap Eats CA$3-15

• Naina’s Kitchen - Indian
• The Wooden Dog - Hot dogs and poutine
• Banh Mi Thi Thi - Vietnamese

Mid-range CA$20-40

• Mercato - Italian
• Foreign Concept - Asian and Canadian

Fine Dining CA$30-60

• La Brezza - Italian
• Bistro Rouge - French

Getting around in Calgary

Traffic congestion in Calgary can be significant during peak hours. Weather conditions can affect driving, with snow and ice during winter months making driving more challenging and precarious.

Most residents drive, but cycling and walking are also popular, especially downtown (during the warmer months, of course).

Public Transit in Calgary includes buses and the CTrain light rail service. The CTrain has two main lines, the Red Line and the Blue Line, connecting outer neighbourhoods to downtown and other areas.

• Single-trip fares are CA$3.50 for adults, CA$2.50 for youth (ages 6-17), and free for children under 6.
• Monthly passes are CA$109 for adults, CA$80 for youth, and CA$53 for seniors (65+).
• A Day Pass costs CA$11.25, and a Family Day Pass costs CA$11.25 (valid for two adults and up to four children under 18).
• Full-time students can purchase a monthly pass for $CA80.
• Seniors also get discounted passes.

Parking in Calgary

Street parking downtown ranges from CA$2-$5 per hour, with higher rates during peak hours. Outside the downtown core, you can park for $1 to $3 per hour.

In parking lots and parkades, downtown rates range from CA$20-35 per day, with hourly rates between CA$4-6. Outside the city centre, it’s CA$10-15 per day.

For monthly parking, downtown passes cost between CA$200-500, while outside downtown, rates are lower, ranging from CA$100-200 per month.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Calgary

Is Calgary a good place to live?

Yes, Calgary is often rated as one of the best places to live in Canada due to its high quality of life, job opportunities, and access to outdoor activities. The city is safe and clean and boasts a diverse and welcoming community.

Is life expensive in Calgary?

Compared to cities like Toronto and Vancouver, the cost of living in Calgary is generally lower, particularly in terms of housing. However, it's still a major city and expenses like food, utilities, transportation, and entertainment can add up.

Is it better to live in Toronto or Calgary?

This depends on individual preference. Toronto has a larger population, more cultural diversity, and a more robust job market in fields like finance, technology, and media. Calgary, on the other hand, has a lower cost of living, more access to nature, and a smaller, community-oriented feel.

What salary do you need to live in Calgary?

The salary you need to live comfortably in Calgary depends on your lifestyle and expenses. On average, a single person would need around CA$3,000 to CA$4,000 per month after tax to cover all expenses including housing, food, transportation, and entertainment.

What is the average monthly cost of living in Calgary?

The average monthly cost of living for a single person in Calgary, not including rent, is estimated to be around CA$1,000-1,500. For a four-person family, this could increase to around CA$3,500-$4,000, excluding rent.

Is it cheaper to live in Calgary or Ontario?

The cost of living can vary greatly within Ontario, but on average, it's generally cheaper to live in Calgary, particularly when it comes to housing.

What street has all the bars on it in Calgary?

17th Avenue, also known as "The Red Mile," is famous for its numerous bars, restaurants, and nightlife establishments.

Where to avoid in downtown Calgary?

While Calgary is generally a safe city, it's advised to be cautious in areas like East Village and parts of Forest Lawn, particularly late at night.

How much is the average monthly utility bill in Alberta?

The average monthly utility bill in Alberta, which would typically include heating, electricity, and water, can range between CA$150-250 depending on the size of the home and the number of occupants.

How much is the average monthly water bill in Calgary?

The average monthly water bill in Calgary for a single-family home is around CA$50 to CA$75.

How much does electricity and heating cost in Calgary?

For a typical apartment or small home in Calgary, electricity and heating costs can range from CA$75 to CA$150 per month, depending on usage and the time of year.

How much does it cost to maintain a house in Calgary?

The cost to maintain a house in Calgary can vary widely depending on the age and condition of the home. On average, homeowners should budget around 1-3% of the home's overall value per year for home maintenance and repairs.

Where do most immigrants live in Calgary?

Immigrants in Calgary live throughout the city, but certain neighbourhoods like Northeast Calgary, Forest Lawn, and Marlborough are known for their diverse immigrant populations.