- Download our Moving to Calgary Guide (PDF)
While not quite as expensive as Toronto's or Vancouver's, Calgary's cost of living is still relatively high in some aspects. Mercer's 2023 Cost of Living Survey placed Calgary 145th out of 227 cities surveyed, making it the fifth most expensive city in Canada.
Cost of accommodation in Calgary
Housing is likely to be the highest expense expats in Calgary will incur. There is a significant shortage of affordable accommodation in the city, which has driven up rental prices in the city centre and forced many families into the outlying areas and suburbs of Calgary.
Cost of transport in Calgary
The cost of travelling in Calgary is relatively affordable, especially compared to other major Canadian cities. A monthly integrated travel pass is the most cost-effective means of getting around in Calgary. While taxis are readily available in the city centre, they are not cheap. Running a vehicle is also becoming increasingly expensive, so expats should consider car ownership carefully.
Cost of entertainment and eating out in Calgary
Luckily, most of what Calgary has to offer in terms of lifestyle is focused on the outdoors and is therefore relatively inexpensive. With an abundance of green spaces, expats in Calgary will likely spend most of their time on the hiking and biking trails in the Rockies instead of splurging their hard-earned dollars at a shopping mall.
The restaurant and dining scene in Calgary is less diverse than what some expats from cosmopolitan cities may be used to. While much of the cuisine is American, expats can explore the city to discover some of its hidden culinary gems. Those who like to eat out will find the cost quite reasonable.
Cost of groceries in Calgary
The cost of groceries in Calgary is fairly affordable, and Alberta is the only province in Canada that does not levy a provincial sales tax on goods and services. This further adds to Calgary's affordability. That said, the cost of groceries in the city, as is the case worldwide, is rising.
Expats can make their grocery baskets more wallet-friendly by buying in bulk or from discount supermarkets, and ensuring they buy seasonal produce to avoid paying exorbitant prices.
Cost of healthcare in Calgary
Expats who are permanent residents and those who have valid work or residence visas are eligible to receive free healthcare in Calgary. Additionally, the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) will reimburse expats for any medical expenses incurred before they receive their AHCIP card.
New arrivals may consider investing in private health insurance to cover specialist services such as physiotherapy, dental care and mental health services. Some expats may be fortunate to have this covered by their employers. Otherwise, it's recommended that newcomers research the options available.
Cost of education in Calgary
Expats moving to Calgary with children will be glad to know they have the option of sending their child to a public school in the province at no cost. Alberta's education system benefits from extensive government funding, and some of the province's best-performing public schools are in Calgary. Nevertheless, childcare outside of school hours can be expensive, and expat parents with little ones will have to budget for this.
Cost of living in Calgary chart
Prices may vary depending on product and service provider. The list below shows average prices for June 2023.
Accommodation (monthly rent in a good area) |
|
One-bedroom apartment in city centre |
CAD 1,700 |
One-bedroom apartment outside city centre |
CAD 1,420 |
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre |
CAD 3,000 |
Three-bedroom apartment outside city centre |
CAD 2,300 |
Shopping |
|
Milk (1 litre) |
CAD 2.52 |
Loaf of white bread |
CAD 3.10 |
Chicken breasts (1kg) |
CAD 15.32 |
Rice (1kg) |
CAD 3.85 |
Dozen eggs |
CAD 4.27 |
Pack of cigarettes |
CAD 18 |
Eating out |
|
Big Mac meal |
CAD 12 |
Coca-Cola (330ml) |
CAD 2.54 |
Cappuccino |
CAD 5.16 |
Bottle of beer (local) |
CAD 7.50 |
Three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant |
CAD 100 |
Utilities |
|
Mobile phone monthly plan with data |
CAD 56 |
Internet (average per month) |
CAD 88 |
Basic utilities (per month for a small apartment) |
CAD 315 |
Transportation |
|
Taxi rate/km |
CAD 2 |
City centre bus/train fare |
CAD 3.60 |
Petrol (per litre) |
CAD 1.36 |
Further reading
► Accommodation in Calgary provides a detailed overview of the city's property market
Expat Interviews
"The cost of living in Calgary is high compared to back home, but it’s all relative once you start earning a Canadian salary. Housing is quite reasonable, and pretty much on par, if not cheaper than what we would have paid in Cape Town. Food is expensive, especially meat. Fresh produce is also expensive and not always the best quality – we really miss the beautiful fresh South African produce. Cars are affordable and gas is cheap, but insurance is exorbitant. Schooling and healthcare are free, although dental, optometry and medicines are not included under Alberta Health, and they are expensive. However, most companies offer their employees health benefits to help cover these costs."
Read about South African expat Catherine's experiences in Calgary.
Are you an expat living in Calgary?
Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Calgary. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.
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