What is the Cost of Living in Calgary?

Living in a new city can be an exciting but daunting journey. Between finding the perfect home and understanding the area’s customs and culture, there’s a lot to learn before settling into your new companion. One important factor to consider before relocating is the cost of living in the city. Whether you’re looking to move to Calgary from a different city or even country, understanding the key costs associated with living in Calgary is important. To get an idea of what your expenses might look like, here is an overview of the cost of living in Calgary:

Housing Costs

Housing is likely one of the biggest factors when it comes to understanding the cost of living in Calgary. According to Rent Jungle, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Calgary is $1,173. Rent for a two-bedroom apartment runs an average of $1,312 per month. The cost of a home also varies greatly depending on neighbourhood, condition, and availability. As of June 2020, a semi-detached house in Calgary has an average listing price of $403,000 while a detached house has an average list price of $500,000 according to Condo.ca. For comparison purposes, a property in Calgary’s most affluent neighbourhoods—like Marda Loop—will cost significantly more than the aforementioned prices.

Utilities

The average price of utilities in Calgary is fairly competitive compared to other major Canadian cities. For a 85m² apartment, heat and electricity will cost around CAD $139 per month while water costs around CAD $37. Electric bills can rise depending on certain usage such as air conditioning and larger appliances that use a significant amount of electricity; however, rest assured that these costs in Calgary remain approximately equal to the national average. For internet access and cable tv, expect to pay around $130 per month for basic packages.

Transport Costs

Calgary has a comprehensive public transportation system including light rail trains (C-Trains) and buses which both operate throughout the city. For savings and convenience, purchase a monthly transit pass for CAD$118 or travel with cash or tickets (CAD$3.40). Residents within the city can also take advantage of bike paths, although cars remain the most popular source of transportation in Calgary. On average, Canadians pay around $6,140 CAD a year to drive, including vehicle purchase price, fuel and maintenance costs.

Cost of Healthcare

If you’re a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Calgary you will be covered by government funded healthcare provided under the provincial Individual Health Insurance Plan. With this coverage, residents don’t have to pay for doctor visits, hospital stays, drugs or other medical procedures.

Food Costs

According to PriceOfFood.ca, if one were to purchase items that make up the North American Nutritional Guidelines (NANG), it would cost an average of CAD $1613 annually per person living in Calgary. The items listed in the NANG include staples such as bread and cereals as well as dairy products, fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and fish, eggs, oils and fats.

Other Purchases and Services

Groceries are just one part of life in Calgary. From haircuts to new clothes and movie tickets, many everyday services and products cost less than you’d expect in this city. A woman’s haircut averages at CAD $54 while men can expect to pay around CAD $39 for a regular trim. Tickets for movies range from CAD $8-11 depending on the cinema you choose. Clothing prices are significantly lower than many other major metropolitan cities—an average women’s blazer costs around CAD$65–80 compared to about CAD$200 in Toronto or Vancouver.

Taxes in Calgary

Whether you’re moving to Calgary from another part of Canada or abroad, it’s important to consider taxes when assessing the cost of living in this city. Currently the provincial sales tax (PST) rate is 5%, while the federal goods and services tax (GST) is 5%. For individuals earning more than CAD$128,137, the federal tax rate is 33%. Calculating taxes can be complex since they may depend on where you work and what type of goods or services you purchase; however, you can use online calculators such as this one from Canada Revenue Agency to better understand potential deductions or amounts you might owe at tax time. In general, those looking to move from a larger city like Toronto may experience some savings when adjusting to the lifestyle here—especially when it comes to housing prices—and can also take comfort in knowing that Alberta offers one of the lowest provincial income tax rates (10%) compared to other provinces such as Ontario (13%) or British Columbia (14%). Realistically speaking, when considering items such as rent or food as well as taxes and other charges you may need to pay such as condo boards and utility fees, Canadians living in Calgary can expect an average increase cost of living of 11% more than their current place of residence making it a relatively affordable place to live overall.