The Cost of Living in Calgary: An Overview

Calgary, located in the Western part of Canada, is known for its cultural diversity, thriving economy, and picturesque landscape. However, before moving to any new city, one must consider the cost of living. In this blog post, we will discuss the cost of living in Calgary, including accommodation, transportation, food, and more, to help you plan your budget effectively.

Housing:

One of the most significant expenses in Calgary is housing. The average rental rate for a one-bedroom apartment is CAD 1,200, and for a two-bedroom apartment, it is CAD 1,500. However, if you are looking for premium neighborhoods, the rent can go up to CAD 2,500 for a two-bedroom apartment. For those interested in buying property, the average price of a single-family home in Calgary is CAD 465,000. On the other hand, the average cost of a condo is CAD 265,000.

Transportation:

Public transportation is the most economical way to get around in Calgary. An adult monthly pass costs CAD 105. However, if you prefer to use taxis, it can cost you anywhere from CAD 8 to CAD 20 for a 5-kilometer ride, depending on the time of the day.If you plan on buying a car, the average cost of a new car in Calgary is around CAD 40,000, while a used car ranges from CAD 15,000 to CAD 25,000.

Food:

The cost of food in Calgary is relatively reasonable compared to other major cities in Canada. On average, a single person can expect to spend CAD 300-400 per month on groceries. Eating out at a mid-range restaurant may cost around CAD 60 for a meal for two. However, if you prefer to cook at home, you can visit the weekly outdoor farmers’ markets that offer fresh produce from local vendors. The most popular ones include Crossroads Market, Kingsland Farmers’ Market, and Hillhurst Sunnyside Farmers’ Market.

Utilities:

Utilities such as electricity, gas, and water cost an average of CAD 200 per month in Calgary. Internet and cable TV packages cost around CAD 100-150 per month, depending on the provider and the package.

Education:

Calgary offers many excellent educational facilities, including public and private schools, colleges, universities, and technical institutes. For primary and secondary education, public education is entirely free. For post-secondary education, tuition fees vary between CAD 6,000 and CAD 20,000, depending on the institution and the program.

Health Care:

Canada has a universal health care system, meaning the majority of medical treatments are covered by the government. However, dental and vision care are not part of the universal health care system, and thus additional insurance is required. The cost of health care insurance in Calgary can range from CAD 50 to CAD 150 per month.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the cost of living in Calgary is relatively affordable compared to other major cities in Canada, such as Vancouver and Toronto. However, housing costs remain a significant expense, and it is crucial to plan your budget accordingly. Overall, if you are planning to move to Calgary, the cost of living is something to keep in mind, but the abundance of opportunities, beautiful scenery, and overall quality of life make it a worthwhile investment.

The Insider’s Guide to Calgary, Canada

If you’re planning a trip to Canada, make sure to add Calgary to your itinerary. The city is located in the province of Alberta and is known for its stunning mountain views, western heritage, and thriving energy industry. But before you book your flight, it’s important to understand the cost of living in Calgary and how it may impact your travel budget. In this insider’s guide, we’ll provide an overview of the cost of living in Calgary and highlight some of the best local attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions.

Cost of Living in Calgary

As one of Canada’s largest cities, Calgary tends to have a higher cost of living than smaller towns or rural areas. However, it’s still relatively affordable compared to other major cities like Toronto or Vancouver. Here are some average costs to help you budget your trip to Calgary:

Accommodation: A hotel room in Calgary can cost anywhere from $100 to $300 CAD a night. Alternatively, you could choose to stay in a hostel or Airbnb for a more budget-friendly option.

Transportation: Calgary has a reliable public transportation system that includes buses and a light rail transit (LRT) system. A single fare is $3.50 CAD, while a daily pass costs $10 CAD. Taxis are also available, with an average fare of $3 CAD per km.

Dining Out: Eating out in Calgary can range from fast food at $10 CAD to fine dining at $100 CAD or more per person. A typical mid-range restaurant meal will cost around $20-$30 CAD per person.

Local Attractions: Most of Calgary’s attractions are reasonably priced and include iconic sites such as the Calgary Tower ($18-$20 CAD per adult), Calgary Zoo ($29-$34 CAD per adult), and Heritage Park Historical Village ($27-$32 CAD per adult).

Local Attractions

Calgary has many iconic attractions that are worth a visit during your stay. Here are some of the best:

Calgary Tower: Standing at 191 meters, the tower provides a bird’s eye view of the entire city. The observation deck offers spectacular panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains and the city’s skyline.

Calgary Zoo: The Calgary Zoo is home to over 1000 animals from around the world. It has several exhibits, including the Prehistoric Park, Canadian Wilds, and Destination Africa, making it one of the city’s top family-friendly attractions.

Glenbow Museum: Located in downtown Calgary, this museum features over 20 galleries showcasing art, culture, and history from Calgary and the surrounding region.

Dining Spots

Calgary’s culinary scene is diverse and offers something for everyone. Here are some popular dining spots to check out:

Alforno Bakery and Cafe: This charming cafe serves delicious pastries, sandwiches, and coffee. The interior is cozy, and the outdoor patio offers a great view of the Bow River.

Charbar: Located in the historic Simmons building, Charbar serves up delicious Argentine-inspired cuisine. The menu features steaks, seafood, and a great selection of wines.

Vendome Cafe: This popular cafe is located in the trendy Kensington neighborhood and serves up tasty brunch dishes, sandwiches, and coffee in a cozy 1920s-inspired setting.

Cultural Experiences

Calgary is a city with a rich cultural heritage, and visitors can explore its history and traditions through a variety of experiences. Here are some of the best:

Heritage Park Historical Village: This living museum is set on 127 acres and features over 180 exhibits, including a working steam train, a replica of an early 1900s town, and many interactive experiences that provide a glimpse into Calgary’s past.

Calgary Stampede: Known as “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” the Calgary Stampede is a 10-day event held every July. It features rodeo competitions, live music, carnival rides, and lots of delicious food.

Local History

Calgary has a rich history that dates back to the late 1800s. Here are some places to explore its past:

Heritage Park Historical Village: See “Cultural Experiences” above.

The Military Museums: This museum is dedicated to preserving Canada’s military history and features exhibits on all branches of the Canadian Armed Forces. It’s located on the historic Currie Barracks site and features over 33,000 square feet of exhibits.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions

If you’re looking for something unique to do in Calgary, why not try one of these off-the-beaten-path suggestions:

Inglewood Bird Sanctuary: This urban nature reserve covers 36 hectares and is home to over 270 species of birds. Visitors can take a guided tour or explore the park’s trails on their own.

The Calgary Farmers Market: This indoor market is open year-round, featuring local vendors, artisans, and farmers selling fresh produce, baked goods, and crafts. It’s a great place to sample authentic Calgary cuisine and pick up some souvenirs.

In conclusion, Calgary is a city with a lot to offer, from its stunning natural scenery to its rich cultural heritage and diverse culinary scene. Although the cost of living may be higher than other Canadian cities, there are plenty of affordable attractions and dining spots to make your trip worthwhile. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures or exploring the city’s history, Calgary has something for everyone.