1. First steps before moving to Edmonton
Finding a job
Edmonton is a city with abundant career opportunities in sectors like oil and gas, healthcare, education, technology, and more, is a prime destination for professionals seeking diverse prospects. To kick-start your job search, explore online platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor for job listings.
Government-sponsored resources and programs are also at your disposal. Edmonton’s dynamic economy attracts individuals from diverse backgrounds, with salaries in Alberta varying based on factors like education, experience, and responsibilities. Consider exploring Alberta Career and Employment Information Services, which provide a range of career, employment, and training options for Albertans.
Getting there
To travel from Toronto to Edmonton, the quickest and most convenient option is flying. You can book a direct flight from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to Edmonton International Airport (YEG), with a flight duration of approximately 3.5 to 5 hours, considering any connections.
Alternatively, you can choose Via Rail, which offers a train service from Toronto and Edmonton. The journey on “The Canadian” route is renowned for its scenic beauty, taking you through the Canadian Rockies and lasting around three days.
Another choice is a bus journey with companies like Greyhound, or you can opt for a road trip by car, which takes 34–40 hours of driving.
What are the Best Movers From Toronto to Edmonton?
Given the considerable distance between these two cities, it’s advisable to seek the best Toronto to Edmonton moving companies for your relocation. While you do have the option to rent a moving truck and manage the move yourself, it’s worth noting that long-distance moving companies possess extensive expertise in cross-country moves, offering assistance that includes packing and unloading.
Moreover, they can provide short-term local storage for your belongings, thereby facilitating a smoother transition.
Must dos before your arrival in Edmonton
- Update Your Address: Changing your address is a crucial step when moving. You can easily complete this process using our free change of address service. To ensure you don’t miss any essential information, refer to our comprehensive change of address checklist in Alberta.
- Housing Arrangements: Ensure a smooth relocation by securing temporary lodging and exploring long-term housing options.
- Cost of Living Analysis: Make informed decisions by conducting thorough research on living expenses, including housing, groceries, transportation, and healthcare in advance.
2. Upon your arrival in Edmonton
Must dos right upon your arrival
- Get familiar with your neighborhood and note important emergency numbers.
- Locate essential facilities like the nearest hospital, police station, and fire department for safety in emergencies.
- If you plan to move around the city of Edmonton for work or leisure, consider purchasing a monthly transit pass to save money.
Edmonton’s public transit, managed by the Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), encompasses bus services, Light Rail Transit (LRT), and paratransit for those with disabilities, serving as a key transportation option for residents.
To enhance your transit experience, explore ETS’s popular route information and maps. Here are the current public transport rates in Edmonton:
Here are Edmonton’s public transport rates:
|
Type of fare |
Rate |
|
Single ticket (90 minutes) |
$2.75 |
|
10 Ticket pack |
$27.75 |
|
Daily pass |
$10.25 |
|
Monthly pass |
$100 |
|
Family Pass (Up to 5 people) |
$10.25 |
ETS Edmonton Transit Service(Sept 2023)
Exchanging your driver’s license
When relocating to Edmonton, it’s important to promptly update your driver’s licence and vehicle registration through Service Alberta. You are required to change your address within 14 days of any personal information update. To complete this process, make sure to gather the necessary supporting documents. When you visit a local registry agent, be prepared to present documentation that verifies both your physical and mailing address within Alberta, ensuring a smooth and compliant transition.
For more information, check out our article on how to change your address on your driver’s licence in Alberta.
Setting up a bank account
When moving from Toronto to Edmonton, it’s crucial to establish a local presence by setting up a bank account. Before selecting a bank, compare institutions for the best returns, lowest administration costs, and the option to open your account remotely before arriving in Edmonton.
Some banks have a presence in both cities. To make this transition smoother, inquire in advance about how to change your home branch with the bank. You should also inform your bank of your new mailing address to receive any statements or other communications.
To do this, visit the bank you wish to select as your new home branch. Some banks with a presence in both cities include the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD Bank), Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank), HSBC Canada, and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC).
Getting health insurance
Health insurance acts as a safety net for your well-being, safeguarding you from substantial medical expenses in times of emergencies. If you’re relocating to Edmonton, it’s important to be aware of AHCIP, short for Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan. This program assists eligible residents in accessing fundamental medical services.
However, it’s crucial to note that AHCIP doesn’t extend coverage to services such as dental care, alternative treatments, or hearing aids. For comprehensive coverage, you have the option to secure private health insurance or utilize your employer-sponsored plan.
|
Type of healthcare |
Cost |
|
Employer-sponsored health insurance |
$63.00 |
|
Non-employer-sponsored health insurance |
$50.00-$250.00 |
|
Gym |
$63.01 |
Numbeo (Sept 2023), Hellosafe (2023) & Insurance Business (Apr 2023)
3. Best places to live in Edmonton
As you search for a place to live in Edmonton, you’ll find that the city has lots of different neighborhoods to choose from. No matter if you’re coming here for a job or to raise a family, you’ll have many great neighborhoods that match what you’re looking for.
|
City |
Characteristics |
|
Downtown Edmonton |
Central hub for work and entertainment, featuring a mix of heritage and modern buildings. |
|
Glenora |
Offers diverse housing options and family-friendly facilities. |
|
Hazeldean |
Safe, family-friendly neighborhood with excellent schools, greenery, and tree-lined streets. |
|
Old Strathcona |
Historic district known for hosting local events and vibrant shops and music venues along Whyte Avenue. |
Setting up home services
Living in Edmonton, whether you own or rent, it’s vital to understand how to manage your utility bills for budgeting. In Alberta, many homes opt for cost-effective natural gas heating, which, despite higher initial furnace costs, ultimately results in long-term savings. Alongside this, it’s essential to consider your internet services. Some of the major internet providers in Edmonton are Shaw, TELUS, VMedia and TekSavvy.
|
Utilities |
Cost |
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
$294.97 |
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
$86.41 |
|
Total |
$381.38 |
Should you rent or buy?
In 2023, on average, a house in Edmonton costs around $374,100. If you’re considering renting, a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center will cost you about $1,125.04.
Edmonton offers an affordable housing market compared to other Canadian cities. This affordability, along with the city’s unique qualities, makes Edmonton an appealing choice for real estate investment or finding a comfortable rental home very easily.
Cost of rent in Edmonton
|
Area/Neighborhood |
1-bed apartment |
3-bed apartment |
|
Edmonton (Outside of Center) |
$1,125.04 |
$1,694.15 |
Cost of buying a property in Edmonton
|
Area/Neighborhood |
Average home price |
|
Edmonton |
$374,100 |
4. Cost of living in Edmonton vs. Toronto
Edmonton’s cost of living
|
Category |
Monthly cost |
|
1 bed apt rent outside city center |
$1,125.04 |
|
Groceries Numbeo’s grocery list ($79.84 multiplied by 4) |
$319.36 |
|
Utilities Electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage |
$294.97 |
|
Internet with 60 Mbps |
$86.41 |
|
Transit pass |
$100.00 |
|
Entertainment Meal, taxi, movie |
$96.00 |
|
Gym membership |
$63.01 |
|
Total |
$2,084.79 |
Toronto’s cost of living
|
Category |
Monthly cost |
|
1 bed apt rent outside city center |
$2,280.60 |
|
Groceries Numbeo’s grocery list ($88.59 multiplied by 4) |
$354.36 |
|
Utilities Electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage |
$208.67 |
|
Internet with 60 Mbps |
$76.09 |
|
Transit pass |
$156.00 |
|
Entertainment Meal, taxi, movie |
$104.00 |
|
Gym membership |
$72.73 |
|
Total |
$3,252.45 |
5. The weather in Edmonton
Edmonton, Alberta’s capital, experiences four distinct seasons. During the summer months from June to August, the weather is warm and sunny, with temperatures typically ranging from 20 °C to 30 °C.
In contrast, winter, from December to February, brings cold and snowy conditions, often dropping below freezing. The transitional seasons of spring and fall in Edmonton are marked by unpredictable and rapidly changing weather, so be prepared for a mix of conditions during those times.
6. What to do as a local in Edmonton
If you live in Edmonton, there are plenty of year-round activities to enjoy. If you like the outdoors, you can go hiking in the River Valley or take a leisurely walk along its beautiful trails. During the winter, skiing and snowboarding are great options at places like Marmot Basin in Jasper National Park.
Moreover, you can take day trips to the Canadian Rockies and discover Elk Island National Park, just 35 minutes east of Edmonton. This city also offers a rich cultural scene with numerous festivals, such as the Edmonton Folk Music Festival. You can immerse yourself in the arts and culture by visiting the Art Gallery of Alberta and the Royal Alberta Museum. For families, there are outings to the Edmonton Valley Zoo or interactive learning experiences at Telus World of Science.
7. Fun facts about Edmonton
- Edmonton, known as the “Festival City” hosts a lot of festivals each year, such as the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival and Edmonton Folk Music Festival.
- West Edmonton Mall is North America’s Largest Shopping Mall. One stop destination for entertainment and the widest variety of retailers with over 800 stores and restaurants, 12 world-class attractions, and 2 hotels.
- Edmonton’s River Valley, spanning 18,000 acres, is North America’s largest urban park, attracting outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
- Positioned for prime Aurora Borealis viewing, Edmonton offers many opportunities to witness this natural light show in winter.
The Benefits of Moving to Edmonton From Toronto
Aside from the lower cost of living, there are also several other benefits that you can enjoy when you decide to relocate to Edmonton from Toronto. For starters, it’s not everywhere that you get to experience as much as 18 hours of sunlight in a day. Outdoor enthusiasts also have a lot to look forward to in Edmonton. The River Valley, which is easily accessible from dozens of neighborhoods, is one of the most remarkable natural amenities in Edmonton. During winter, you can also witness the amazing transformation of this urban parkland.
Despite being much closer to the wilderness than the entire urban environment of Toronto, Edmonton is not missing at all in opportunities for superior education and career growth opportunities in the tech industry.
Pros and Cons in Moving to Edmonton from Toronto
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
|
Conclusion
Edmonton is an excellent choice if you want to save money on your cost of living. However, moving to a new city comes with its own set of challenges. You’ll need to consider potential expenses, comparing mobility plans, find a new place to live, and choose one of the best moving companies. It’s essential to think about all these factors when moving to the province of Alberta, so your move goes smoothly, enabling you to start fresh in your new city
