Accommodation in Calgary

Calgary has seen significant suburban development in recent years. Despite significant suburban development in recent years, competition for good-quality housing remains stiff, and high demand leads to high prices. Accommodation prices in Calgary are still not as expensive as Vancouver’s, but they are now almost on par with those in Toronto.

Neighbourhoods in Calgary

Calgary has undergone considerable suburban sprawl, and you’ll find that housing is low-density, typically consisting of separate, detached dwellings rather than high-rise apartment blocks. If you’re drawn to the bustling heart of the city, be prepared to pay a premium compared to the more affordable suburbs. That said, if you opt to live in the suburbs away from downtown Calgary, you’ll find that the properties are more modern and spacious.

You should research Calgary's various areas and suburbs before starting your search for a home. Popular areas like Kensington and Inglewood are ideal if you enjoy vibrant cultural scenes, boutique shops, and great dining options. For families, there are plenty of suburban neighbourhoods where the kids can walk to school and take part in local activities. For single professionals or younger couples, living close to Calgary’s downtown core might be a better fit for the urban lifestyle.

The most popular neighbourhoods in Calgary are often found in the northwest and southwest, thanks to their attractive mountain views and proximity to the Rockies. Naturally, rent and property prices are higher in these areas.

Read more about the Best (and Worst) Neighbourhoods in Calgary.

Types of accommodation in Calgary

If you’re moving to Calgary, you’ll find a range of accommodation options to suit your budget and lifestyle. The city has a wide variety of housing types, including apartments, condos, townhouses, as well as detached and semi-detached houses.

Apartments in Calgary are typically located in multi-storey buildings and range from studios to multi-bedroom units. Many include shared amenities like laundry facilities, fitness centres, and parking. Condos resemble apartments but are individually owned units within a larger building. If you choose a condo, you’ll be paying condominium fees for the upkeep of shared spaces, which may include gyms, pools, and security services.

Townhouses offer a mix between apartment living and detached homes. These multi-level properties share walls with adjacent units but have separate entrances and often include a private garage and small yard. Semi-detached houses share one common wall with another unit, providing a balance. They often come with separate entrances and private yards, making them popular among families. Detached houses are standalone homes that offer the most privacy, typically with a private yard and garage.

Furnished vs unfurnished

In Calgary, you can choose between furnished and unfurnished accommodation. Furnished properties are ideal if you’re planning a short-term stay or prefer convenience, as they come with essential furniture like beds, sofas, dining tables, and sometimes even kitchenware and linens. This can be a huge time-saver, particularly if you’re new to the city or between homes.

On the flip side, unfurnished homes give you more freedom to make the space your own, as you can furnish and decorate to your taste. These properties have lower rental costs than furnished options and are better suited for long-term stays.

Short lets

Short-term rentals are also available in Calgary but typically cost more monthly than long-term leases. These are particularly useful if you’re still in the process of finding something more permanent or if you’re just testing the waters in Calgary before committing to a longer-term arrangement.

Many short rentals come fully furnished, and you can usually find them through rental portals or specialised agencies that cater to expats and business travellers. Short-term accommodations often include utilities like electricity, water, and heating in the rental price, which can make managing your monthly expenses a breeze.

Useful links

• Airbnb Calgary
• ExecSuite – Furnished Apartments
• Urban Suites
• Premiere Suites in Calgary
• Corporate Stays: Corporate Housing in Calgary

Finding accommodation in Calgary

Finding accommodation in Calgary can be competitive, given the high demand across different neighbourhoods. When searching for accommodation in Calgary, starting with online listings is always a good idea, as these are updated regularly. Websites like RentFaster.ca and Kijiji are popular for finding rental properties. You should also check out your desired suburb’s community pages and forums on social media for additional listings.

If you don’t want to go through this process alone, you can enlist the services of a real estate agent. Since many landlords in Canada choose not to bother with the hassle of finding tenants, estate agents often have a mandate over the best rental properties in the country. While agents can be very helpful for new arrivals, they will charge a fee for their services, typically between 10 and 100 percent of the monthly rent.

Useful links

• RentFaster Calgary
• Kijiji Calgary Rentals
• Realtor.ca Calgary Listings

Renting accommodation in Calgary

Renting accommodation in Calgary has its own considerations. Lease agreements in Calgary and greater Canada are strictly adhered to, so be sure to read your contract carefully; once you’ve signed it, the conditions will be legally binding.

Making an application

When you’re ready to apply for a rental, be prepared to provide proof of income, references from previous landlords, and possibly a personal reference if you’re an expat. Ensure these documents are ready, as competition is fierce and desirable properties go fast.

Some landlords might require a credit check, so be upfront about your situation if you’re new to Canada and don’t yet have a local credit history. It’s also wise to inspect the property thoroughly to identify any pre-existing issues before signing the lease.

Leases, costs and fees

Standard lease agreements are generally for 12 months. You may negotiate shorter agreements directly with the landlord, but most property owners are reluctant to do so. Leases can vary depending on the landlord and usually require one month’s notice before moving out.

The security deposits on rentals in Calgary are usually two months’ rent. When viewing a house or an apartment, be sure to take inventory of any issues or changes that may be necessary before moving in. The full deposit should be refunded if there’s no damage to the property when you leave.

Terminating the lease

Terminating a lease early can be a challenge, as most landlords expect you to honour the full term of the lease. If you need to end the lease sooner, you will likely need to find a replacement tenant or be liable for the remaining rent.

Always communicate with your landlord as early as possible if you need to move out before the lease ends. Having an open line of communication can sometimes make the process smoother.

Useful links

• Alberta Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service
• Landlord and Tenant Rights in Alberta

Utilities in Calgary

Utilities in Calgary are an essential part of any rental agreement. The lease will state whether you’re liable to pay for utilities such as gas, water, electricity, and cable, which will vary between landlords. Utilities can significantly impact your monthly expenses, so clarify with your landlord what your rent includes. Typically, utilities such as electricity, gas, and water are additional costs, while waste disposal and internet might be included.

Electricity

In Calgary, electricity is primarily supplied by companies like ENMAX Energy, Direct Energy, and Peace Power. ENMAX, owned by the City of Calgary, offers both regulated and competitive rate plans, while Direct Energy and Peace Power provide various fixed-rate options. ENMAX is responsible for electricity transmission and distribution. You can set up your electricity service online or by phone, and most providers offer flexible payment options, including direct debit and online payments.

Voltage in Calgary is the standard 120V used across North America, so check that your appliances are compatible.

Gas

Natural gas is another essential utility, especially during winter. Companies such as Direct Energy Regulated Services and ATCOenergy supply gas to Calgary residents. Direct Energy offers standard rates approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission, while ATCOenergy provides both fixed and variable-rate plans to suit different customer needs.

Payment plans often include balanced monthly billing to spread out the higher winter heating costs.

Water

Water services are managed by the City of Calgary, which handles water treatment and distribution. New accounts are set up with a water meter, which is provided and installed at no cost to the tenant. Typically, landlords will include water in your rent, but it’s always worth confirming this in your lease agreement.

Tap water in Calgary is safe to drink, meeting or exceeding Canadian guidelines for water quality.

Bins and recycling

Calgary has a well-established waste management system, including separate bins for general waste (black cart), recycling (blue cart), and organic composting (green cart). Bins are usually provided by the city, and collection schedules are available online.

Follow the waste sorting guidelines to avoid fines or missed collections.

Internet

Internet services in Calgary are offered by several providers, including Shaw Communications, Telus, and Peace Power. Shaw and Telus provide a range of high-speed options, including fibre-optic connections for fast and reliable internet. Peace Power also offers internet services, providing flexibility to bundle with energy plans.

Bundling your internet with other services like cable can help you save money. Speeds and costs will vary depending on the plan you choose, and most companies offer packages suitable for different usage needs, from basic browsing to high-speed streaming.

Useful links

• ENMAX Energy, Direct Energy, Peace Power and ATCOenergy
• City of Calgary Water Services
• Shaw Communications and Telus