Cost of Living in Calgary

Calgary, Alberta, stands out as one of Canada's most affordable major cities, offering a high quality of life without the hefty price tag found in cities like Toronto or Vancouver. Here's a comprehensive look at the cost of living in Calgary as of 2025.

🏠 Housing Costs

Housing is a significant factor in Calgary's affordability.

• Rent:

  • One-bedroom apartment in the city center: approximately $1,500 per month.

  • One-bedroom apartment outside the city center: around $1,200 per month.

  • Three-bedroom apartment in the city center: about $2,500 per month.

  • Three-bedroom apartment outside the city center: roughly $2,100 per month.

    Check out rentfaster.ca to find rents in the area of the city that you are interested in.

• Home Purchase:

  • Average home price: approximately $585,000, which is significantly lower than in Toronto or Vancouver. 

  • Prices vary with the community within Calgary. Numbers sourced from CREB:

    • Average price of Detached home (April 2025): $839,000

    • Average price of Semi-Detached home (April 2025): $695,000

    • Average price of Row/Townhome (April 2025): $487,000

    • Average price of Condo Apartment (April 2025): $367,000

💡 Utilities

Monthly utility costs can vary based on usage and property size:

• Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage: Between $250 and $400.

• Internet/TV: Approximately $80 to $200, depending on the provider and speed.

🛒 Groceries

Grocery expenses in Calgary are moderate:

• Monthly grocery bill for one person: Around $400 to $600.

• Common item prices:

  • Milk (1 liter): $2.31

  • Bread (500g): $ 2.95

  • Eggs (12): $5.18

  • Chicken (1 kg): $14.28

🚗 Transportation

Calgary's transportation costs are reasonable:

• Public Transit:

  • Monthly pass: $112

  • One-way ticket: $3.60

• Gasoline: Approximately 1.60 per liter.

• Car Insurance: Ranges from $100 to $400 per month, depending on various factors such as:

  • Age of driver

  • Value of vehicle

  • Driver’s record

  • Multiple vehicle discounts

🍽️ Dining and Entertainment

Calgary offers a diverse culinary scene and entertainment options:

• Dining Out:

  • Casual meal: $20 to $30

  • Three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant: $100 for two people

• Entertainment:

  • Movie ticket: $15 to $18

  • Monthly gym membership: $60 to $80

🏥 Healthcare

Alberta's healthcare system covers many services:

• Basic healthcare: Covered under the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan.

• Additional health expenses (e.g., dental, prescription drugs): May require private insurance, costing between $70 and $100 per month.

👶 Childcare and Education

For families, childcare and education are essential considerations:

• Childcare:

  • Daycare fees: $1,000 to $1,300 per month per child.

• Education:

  • Public schools: Free for residents.

  • Private schools: Tuition ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 annually.

  • Post-secondary tuition: Approximately $7,000 to $9,000 per year for domestic

💼 Income and Salaries

Understanding income levels helps contextualize living costs:

• Average monthly income for a single individual: Approximately $4,500.

• Combined household income for families: Ranges from $7,500 to $10,000.

• Comfortable annual salary: Generally considered to be between $80,000 and $100,000.

📊 Summary Table

Calgary offers a balanced lifestyle with its combination of affordability, economic opportunities, and high living standards. While certain expenses like childcare and utilities can be significant, the overall cost of living remains manageable, especially when compared to other major Canadian cities. Whether you're a single professional or a growing family, Calgary presents a compelling option for those seeking both quality of life and economic viability.