Housing costs in Calgary
Calgary, like Toronto, has a housing market where buying or renting a home can be tough because many people want to live there. Calgary has its own special qualities, such as more people moving there, lots of job options, cheaper neighborhoods to live, and the beautiful Rocky Mountains nearby. Even though it’s not as crowded as Toronto, Calgary is known for having a strong economy and is considered one of the best places to live in Alberta.
Cost of rent in Calgary, CA
| Area/Neighborhood | 1-bed apartment | 3-bed apartment |
| Calgary (Outside of Center) | $1,509.55 | $2,386.41 |
Cost of buying a property in Calgary
| Area/Neighborhood | Average home price |
| Calgary | $553,800 |
Utility costs in Calgary: Internet, electricity and water
In Calgary, whether you own or rent, utility bills are an important part of your budget. Natural gas is significant in Alberta, serving as a major energy source and economic driver. Many homes in Alberta use natural gas for heating because it’s affordable.
In the table below, is the monthly average cost of a basic utility package for a 915 sq. ft apartment in Calgary, covering electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage, and internet services:
| Utilities | Cost |
| Basic
(Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
$347.20 |
| Internet
(60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
$96.25 |
| Total | $443.45 |
Grocery costs in Calgary
Grocery costs in Calgary are more reasonable compared to other major cities like Toronto or Vancouver. Additionally, basic items such as dairy, eggs, cereals, vegetables, meat, fish, coffee, and more are tax-exempt when purchased in grocery and convenience stores.
| Grocery items in Calgary | Cost |
| Milk (regular), (1 gallon) | $10.65 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) | $3.02 |
| Rice (white) (1 lb) | $2.05 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | $4.50 |
| Local Cheese (1 lb) | $7.17 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 lb) | $7.04 |
| Beef Round (1 lb) | $8.96 |
| Apples (1 lb) | $2.52 |
| Banana (1 lb) | $0.91 |
| Oranges (1 lb) | $2.28 |
| Tomato (1 lb) | $2.20 |
| Potato (1 lb) | $1.56 |
| Onion (1 lb) | $1.54 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | $3.53 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $17.50 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) | $3.43 |
| Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) | $4.02 |
Public transit in Calgary
The easiest way to travel around Calgary is by using its public transit system, which includes buses, and two Light Rail Transit (LRT) lines called the CTrain. Tickets and passes can be purchased at C-Train stations, online, via the transit app, or at city stores. Payment options at C-Train stations include cash and credit cards, but please be aware that buses only accept cash and do not give change.
A single fare is valid for 90 minutes, while a pass covers an entire day. For additional information, you can visit the Calgary Transit’s website.
| Type of fare | Rate |
| Single ticket | $3.60 |
| 10 Tickets | $36.00 |
| Daily pass | $11.25 |
| Monthly pass | $112.00 |
Entertainment costs in Calgary
Calgary has it all, from must-see attractions like the Calgary Tower and Prince’s Island Park to the world-class Glenbow Museum and the breathtaking Peace Bridge. When it comes to food, Calgary’s diverse culinary scene offers top-notch restaurants and delicious local specialties. Without forgetting Calgary’s iconic Stampede, featuring rodeos, shows, races, and a rich 111-year history.
Below, find Numbeo’s data on Calgary’s entertainment and dining costs.
| Entertainment in Calgary | Cost |
| Mid-range restaurant meal | $50.00 |
| Taxi 1h | $46.50 |
| 1 cinema ticket | $17.00 |
| Total | $113.50 |
Sales tax in Calgary
Canada has three types of sales taxes that vary by province. In Alberta, there’s the GST only, set at about 5%, which applies to purchases of goods and services.
While some items, like basic groceries and sometimes feminine hygiene products, are exempt from sales taxes, the rate for other products depends on the specific province.
Government of Canada (Sept 2023)
Healthcare costs in Calgary
When moving to Calgary, you need to know about Alberta’s public healthcare system, known as the AHCIP. Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan provides coverage for doctor visits, diagnostic procedures, and hospital stays; however, it doesn’t extend to dental care, alternative treatments, or hearing aids.
For more comprehensive coverage that includes these services, you can consider buying private health insurance or use your employer-sponsored plan. Private insurance costs and coverage vary based on factors like age, gender, lifestyle, pre-existing conditions, specific needs, and the provider you select.
Here’s an overview:
| Type of healthcare | Cost |
| Employer-sponsored health insurance | $63.00 |
| Non-employer-sponsored health insurance | $50.00-$250.00 |
| Gym | $76.78 |
Numbeo (Sept 2023), Hellosafe (2023) & Insurance Business (Apr 2023)
Conclusion
If you’re considering a move to Calgary, we hope this article has provided the answers you need about the cost of living there.
When you’re ready to make the move, make sure to plan ahead and find the best movers in Calgary well in advance. This step ensures a smooth transition as you begin your new life in the city.
Below, you will find a table summarizing all the information about the cost of living in Calgary for 2024.
| Category | Monthly cost |
| 1 bed apt rent outside city center | $1,509.55 |
| Groceries
Numbeo’s grocery list ($82.88 multiplied by 4) |
$331.52 |
| Utilities
Electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage |
$347.20 |
| Internet with 60 Mbps | $96.25 |
| Transit pass | $112.00 |
| Entertainment
Meal, taxi, movie |
$113.50 |
| Gym membership | $76.78 |
| Total | $2,586.80 |
