Cost of Living in Calgary

Estimated Monthly Cost

per person · per month

About Calgary

Calgary is a sprawling prairie city in southern Alberta with about 1.6 million people in the metro area. The downtown skyline reflects its history as an oil and gas hub, though the economy has diversified significantly. Winters are cold and long, often dropping below minus 20 Fahrenheit, but the city gets 330 days of sunshine annually. Most residents live in single-family homes spread across the city. Daily life centers around car travel, shopping malls, and neighborhood communities. The population is relatively young and transient, with many people moving for work in energy or tech sectors.

Calgary's main cost advantage is housing. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center rents for around $1,200 to $1,500 per month, while a three-bedroom house in suburbs like Bridgeland or Mahogany costs $1,600 to $2,200. Home ownership is more affordable than in Toronto or Vancouver. Groceries are moderate, with a basic meal at a restaurant running $15 to $25. Utilities are reasonable due to competitive energy markets. The biggest variable is transportation. Most residents need a car, adding fuel and insurance costs. Public transit (Calgary Transit) is affordable at around $130 per month for unlimited access but covers limited geographic area. Winter driving increases costs. Expats often find Calgary cheaper than European cities or major US metros, but more expensive than smaller Canadian towns. The $2,750/month moderate lifestyle assumes shared transit use or one car, eating out occasionally, and modest entertainment spending.

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