Cost of Living in Calgary

How Much Does It Cost to Live in Calgary in 2024?

What is the average monthly cost of living in Calgary?

The average cost of living in Calgary is $3,209.90 per month.

Calgary, the biggest city in Alberta, is well-known for having one of the world’s biggest rodeos. That’s why people call it “Cow town” and “Stampede City”.

It’s a popular choice for those seeking a better quality of life and promising opportunities. However, it’s important to note that Calgary’s cost of living is relatively high, although it’s still more affordable than major cities like Toronto or Vancouver.

Maintaining financial comfort in Calgary can be challenging. But with a good financial planning and budgeting, it’s entirely possible to have a comfortable life in Calgary.

If you’re considering moving to Alberta, especially to the most populous city, which is Calgary, keep reading to learn essential information about its cost of living. 

Methodology

The main data collection source for this article is Numbeo and trusted city-related websites, including Calgary Transit, and Government of Canada. The costs presented are estimates and pertain to an individual living alone on a monthly basis.

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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

Area/Neighborhood 1-bed apartment 3-bed apartment
Calgary (Outside of Center) $1,630.71 $2,659.46

Numbeo (Aug 2024)

Cost of buying a property in Calgary

Area/Neighborhood Average home price 
Calgary $588,600

CREA (Aug 2024)

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

$291.18
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) $88.37
Total $379.55

Numbeo (Aug 2024)

What is the average monthly cost of utilities in Calgary?
The average monthly cost of utilities in Calgary is $379.55.

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 liter) $2.67
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) $3.44
Rice (white), (1kg) $4.99
Eggs (regular) (12) $5.23
Local Cheese (1kg) $20.24
Chicken Fillets (1kg) $18.44
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) $21.51
Apples (1kg) $5.94
Banana (1kg) $1.92
Oranges (1kg) $5.40
Tomato (1kg) $5.71
Potato (1kg) $3.83
Onion (1kg) $3.11
Lettuce (1 head) $3.64
Water (1.5 liter bottle) $2.64
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) $20.00

Numbeo (Aug 2024)

What is the average monthly cost of groceries in Calgary?

The average monthly cost of groceries in Calgary is $900.97.

*The grocery list on Numbeo was summed (without beer and cigarettes) and then multiplied seven times to meet a 2000 calorie per day diet.

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 $3.70
10 Tickets $37.00
Daily pass $11.60
Monthly pass $115.00
What is the Calgary Transit monthly pass price?
The Calgary Transit monthly pass price is $115.00.

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 $39.06
1 cinema ticket $18.00
Total $107.06

Numbeo (Aug 2024)

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 $76.61

Numbeo (Aug 2024), Hellosafe (2023) & Insurance Business (Apr 2023)

What is the average monthly cost of employee-sponsored health insurance in Calgary?
The monthly cost of employee-sponsored health insurance in Calgary is $63.00.

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 this year.

Category Monthly cost
1 bed apt rent outside city center $1,630.71
Groceries $900.97
Utilities (Electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) $291.18
 Internet with 60 Mbps $88.37
Transit pass $115.00
Entertainment (Meal, taxi, movie) $107.06
Gym membership $76.61
Total $3,209.90

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Ann Nacario

The author

Meet Ann – our head writer with a knack for making moving and city living a breeze. From the many details of moving to picking the perfect moving company, she’s your guide. Ann has a friendly yet detailed approach to ensure your move goes off without a hitch. When she’s not writing about relocation, it will always be on her mind, but you’ll catch her spending time with her three furry friends.
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