Pros and cons of moving to Calgary

Famed for its breathtaking views and well-preserved frontier history, Calgary is fondly known as ‘the Texas of Canada’. The city boasts a fantastic quality of life, yet the cost of living is much gentler than in Vancouver or Toronto. Be that as it may, just like any destination, life in Calgary has some advantages and disadvantages.

Below is our list of pros and cons.

Lifestyle in Calgary

+ PRO: Great sports and outdoor activities

Thanks to Calgary’s proximity to the Rocky Mountains and its abundance of green spaces, lakes and rivers, you can enjoy a wide range of summer and winter activities. Popular pursuits include snowboarding, mountain biking, horse riding and skiing.

- CON: Limited arts and culture scene

While fitness enthusiasts may feel right at home in Calgary, art lovers might find the city’s cultural scene a bit understated. That said, this is changing with significant developments like the Arts Commons Transformation (ACT) project. This initiative aims to enhance the city’s arts infrastructure with new theatres and expanded venues, reflecting Calgary’s commitment to becoming a hub for artistic innovation.

Working in Calgary

+ PRO: Favourable tax policies

Calgary is well known for its business-friendly policies with lower taxes and less government intervention than anywhere else in Canada. These favourable policies have enticed many corporations and small businesses to set up their operations in Calgary, which has helped diversify the city’s economy.

Job Market in Calgary

- CON: High unemployment rate

Calgary’s unemployment rate is higher than the national average, driven largely by fluctuations in the oil and gas sector. The economy has faced challenges with a boom and bust cycle, but the city is gradually adapting. Emerging industries like technology, aerospace, and creative sectors are gaining traction. Calgary’s technology sector is among the fastest-growing in North America, and initiatives such as the Aerospace Innovation Hub are fostering growth and innovation.

Accommodation in Calgary

+ PRO: Impeccable standard of accommodation

Accommodation in Calgary includes furnished and unfurnished detached houses, apartments, condos, and townhouses. The housing is generally good quality, with some apartment buildings offering modern and highly sought-after amenities.

Accommodation in Calgary

- CON: Competitive housing market

Housing in Calgary has become increasingly competitive, with home prices seeing significant growth in recent years. The median home price has also surged, driven by an influx of new residents and economic stability. Popular neighbourhoods like Beltline, Bridgeland, Altadore, and Evanston offer a range of options depending on whether you prefer a lively urban environment or a quieter, family-friendly community. With the city’s economic resilience and population growth, demand continues to outstrip supply, making it essential to act quickly if you find a property you like.

Neighbourhoods in Calgary

Getting around in Calgary

+ PRO: Exceptional public transport infrastructure

Getting around Calgary is convenient with an integrated travel pass, allowing access to the CTrain and buses. The city also has e-hailing and taxi services readily available.

Getting Around in Calgary

+ PRO: Cycling in the city centre is encouraged

With off-street bike paths and a pedestrian-friendly city centre, Calgary is a cycling enthusiast’s dream. The city has two shared micromobility programmes, which provide you with access to bikes and e-scooters for short trips. E-scooter programmes have also been integrated into the transport network, making it easier than ever to get around for short-distance travel.

Cost of living in Calgary

+ PRO: Free education

If you’re an expat parent on a permanent residence visa, you will be eligible to enrol your children in one of Calgary’s top-tier public schools for free. Calgary’s public education system is seeing growing enrolment. To meet increasing demand, new schools and modernisation projects are underway, ensuring quality facilities for students.

Public Schools in Calgary

+ PRO: Publicly funded healthcare

Thanks to Canada’s excellent social development programmes, you can access the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) at no cost if you’re a citizen or an expat on a permanent residence or work visa. Healthcare eligibility remains consistent, with coverage extended to all eligible residents under AHCIP. There is also an ongoing effort to decentralise Alberta Health Services, aiming for improved service efficiency and responsiveness.

Healthcare and Health Insurance in Calgary

+ PRO: Low entertainment costs

As much of the entertainment in Calgary is focused on outdoor physical activity, which is usually free or fairly low cost, you can significantly reduce your monthly expenses.

Entertainment in Calgary

- CON: High accommodation costs

The cost of housing in Calgary has seen a dramatic increase in recent years. Accommodation is likely to be your biggest expense, as prices in the city are now comparable with those in Toronto. This makes it important to budget carefully, particularly if you’re new to the city and figuring out the competitive housing market.

Safety and security in Calgary

+ PRO: Calgary is extremely safe

Calgary has significantly low crime rates. Still, you should use common sense, lock your doors, and keep your personal items safe. Recent data shows mixed trends in crime, with an increase in assaults but a decrease in robberies. The Calgary Police Service has stepped up patrols in areas of concern, particularly downtown and in transit zones, to deter crime and reassure residents.