With more than 360,000 new residents in the last decade, Alberta’s most populous city is also one of Canada’s fastest-growing. Before following the trend and settling in this corporate head office hub, calculate the cost of living in Calgary. It will help you figure out how much money you actually need to live there.
Moving to Calgary will put you in a location with breathtaking scenery, where you can enjoy prairie, Canadian Rockies, and foothills. The metropolis is not only heaven for outdoor enthusiasts. With plenty of educational, employment, and entertainment options, it attracts a diverse crowd. From young professionals to families, there is something for everybody. Before hiring an international moving company to help you relocate, take a look at our guide, and you’ll find answers to questions like Is it expensive to live in Alberta and What is a good salary in Calgary.
What Are the Things You Should Know Before Moving Abroad to Canada
No matter if you are shipping overseas all of your stuff or you are relocating to a neighboring country such as Canada, you shouldn’t go in blind. While an overseas shipping company is handling all the heavy lifting, you’ll have enough time to gather documents needed to travel abroad but also thoroughly research. When you have all the necessary information adjusting to a new country will be easy, especially when you opt for settling in a friendly place like Calgary (CGY). If you want to find your footing quickly, remember that:
- You’ll be relocating to one of the friendliest countries in the world with a diverse population and a large number of strong expat communities,
- Settling in Alberta’s most-populous city means you won’t have to worry about breaking the language barrier since here most people speak English,
- You won’t be moving across the world, CGY is only 160 miles away from the US border,
- The official country currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD), and even though some places accept USD, exchange your money and pay without a problem on a day-to-day basis.
Is It Expensive to Live in Alberta
When undergoing the relocation process, you will have to find a way to successfully handle your finances without going over the spending limit. Relocating to Alberta will be great for your budget because the overall expenses that include housing, taxes, and entertainment are among the lowest in the country.
According to data from the government agency StatCan Albertans spend less on housing than residents of British Columbia and Ontario. Additionally, households in Alberta pay the least in the country for food. However, if you are still wondering Is it expensive to live in Calgary, just compare the prices in the city with other metropolises in CA, and you will easily find the answer.
Cost of Living in Toronto vs Calgary – Where You Should Live if You Hope to Save Up
When you figure out how to immigrate to Canada, make sure you are completely sold on a city you’ll call home. To do so, compare it with other cities across the country and ensure you made the best decision.
Does living in Toronto sound tempting? The most populous city in CA has a lot to offer to expats, but how does the cost of living in Toronto compare to the one in CGY? Where can you save up more? According to data from the website Numbeo, Toronto is more expensive when it comes to housing and transportation. Additionally, the average monthly salaries are almost the same, showing that you will save up more by staying in CGY than in Toronto. If you are still not convinced, take a look at the table below, where we compared the costs of housing, transportation, and salaries in these two cities.
| City | Monthly Public Transportation Pass | Renting Apartment (1 bedroom) | Price per Square Feet to Buy | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calgary | $86 | $825 | $220 | $3,950 |
| Toronto | $125 | $1,315 | $665 | $3,690 |
How Do Housing Prices Affect the Overall Cost of Living in Calgary
Living in Calgary means you will be staying in a place that is divided into 197 neighborhoods locally known as communities, and there will be plenty of places you can settle in. That’s why one of the first things on your moving checklist should be securing affordable accommodation that fulfills all of your needs. Also, keep in mind that housing here is cheaper compared to other cities in Canada, meaning you’ll be able to save up.
From studio flats and one-bedroom apartments to family homes, CGY has it all. The question is, are you renting or buying, and how much money you are willing to spend. If you want to become a homeowner, one of the first things to consider before buying a house abroad is money. Data from the real estate website CalgaryHomes shows that a detached single-family home’s median price is $365,400. However, you can buy a condo for $172,850 on average and a townhome for around $243,860. Suppose you balance out your finances and realize that you can currently afford to rent, not buy, look for a home in some of the more affordable communities around the metropolis.
What Are the Most Affordable Neighborhoods to Rent an Apartment
Some areas are more budget-friendly than others, and when you are looking for an apartment to rent in CGY, check out these communities with the most affordable housing options:
- Brentwood is located in the northwest part of the metropolis, and it is popular with people relocating with pets because it has many parks and recreational facilities. A variety of rental options make it attractive to everybody, from young professionals to families. If you want to rent a two-bedroom apartment, you’ll need somewhere between $1,400 and $1,700.
- Bridgeland Riverside is northeast of Downtown, and it is home to a variety of food markets, shopping centers as well as schools, and restaurants. Because of a large number of educational institutions, it is ideal for people relocating with kids. The monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment here is roughly $1,500.
- Edgemont, with its elevated position, gives its residents beautiful views of the city. Because of its low crime rates and the vicinity to Downtown, it is one of the best places to live abroad with family. Additionally, it is very affordable, and a two-bedroom apartment rent is around $1,650 a month.
How Do Utilities and Groceries Affect the Calgary Cost of Living
CGY might be one of the best places to live in Canada, but that still doesn’t mean you can escape paying your bills. That being said, a monthly bill for basic utilities that covers water, electricity, heating, cooling, and garbage will knock $150 out of your pocket. Also, if you are wondering how to keep in touch with friends back in the US, get unlimited internet data for $60 and chat online for as long as you want.
Next on the agenda should be food. If you prefer cooking on your own instead of dining out, buying groceries will be an essential part of your expenses. According to StatCan, a family of four in Alberta spends roughly $270 a week on groceries. However, this can vary depending on the eating habits of your household.
Enjoying Restaurants Will Increase the Overall Expenses
CGY might not be one of the best vegan cities in the world, but it surely has plenty of dining out options that will leave even the pickiest eaters satisfied. That’s why when you want to grab a quick bit in an inexpensive restaurant, expect to pay around $15. Also, a three-course meal in mid-range restaurants for two people will set you back for $60.
What Are the Other Costs You Should Think About When Moving Internationally to CGY
There are many different things to do in Calgary, and depending on your interests, they will slightly affect your expenses. Let’s say you are a passionate moviegoer, you’ll need $13 for every ticket. Also, if you like theater, the two best seats available can set you back for $150. If you want to stay active, know that prices for a gym membership are around $50, and you need an extra $20 for renting a tennis court. However, besides entertainment costs, there are some other day-to-day expenses you should think about.
How Will Transportation Affect Your Monthly Expenses
When you are learning how to live in another country, figuring out all the transportation options is one of the most important steps. If you opt for shipping your car to CGY, you’ll have to think about how driving affects your monthly budget. According to Numbeo, a gallon of gas here is $2.83, if you commute daily, paying for gasoline will be one of your mandatory expenses. On the other hand, if you opt for public transportation, you can take advantage of busses and light rail and pay for a monthly pass $85.
How Much Does Alberta Healthcare Cost per Month
Relocating to CGY will put you in a spot with top-rated hospitals and pediatric centers, and since CA has universal Medicare, visiting a hospital won’t leave you completely broke. According to the website Expatistan, a short visit to a private doctor is around $50, while buying a box of antibiotics will set you back for $16.
What Is a Good Salary in Calgary
No matter if you are relocating for love or just because you need a change, consider securing a steady income before packing up your bags. CGY is a leader when it comes to the oil and gas industry, but you can also find work in trade, tech services, and healthcare. However, before accepting new employment and a salary, look into average incomes. This way, you will know if your new bosses are paying you enough. Data from the website PayScale shows that the yearly salary in the metropolis is $50,500, which is a bit higher than the national average.
What Are the Highest Paying Jobs in CGY
There are plenty of employment opportunities in CGY no matter what your dream job is, but according to PayScale, some of the highest paying ones are:
- Project Manager – $66,300
- Operations Manager – $57,900
- Software Developer – 51,800
No matter what kind of job you land, one of the most important relocation questions to ask the employer is how they will help you overcome culture shock, fit in, and adjust to a new environment.
What Are the Costs of Hiring an International Moving Company to Help You Relocate
There are many things to consider when relocating, especially when it comes to moving internationally. You might not be moving overseas, but you are still packing up your entire life and shipping it across the border. If you want to avoid moving stress as much as possible, hire professionals to assist you with relocation to CGY.
Basically, when it comes to international relocation to Calgary, you can take advantage of the top-notch moving services professionals offer. Furthermore, they can provide you with various additional services that will ensure all of your belongings are shipped to CGY. From shipping your vehicle across the border to packing, a reputable overseas moving company will do all the grunt work instead of you. However, all of that comes with the price.
According to data from the website WorldFreightRates, to ship your stuff from Los Angeles to CGY, you’ll need around $3,000, but that amount can vary. If you are headed from the East Coast to CGY, you’ll need anywhere between $2,000 and $4,000 depending on the volume of your shipment.
Hiring movers is one of the easiest ways to move abroad. However, if you are moving on a low budget, you can declutter and get rid of things you don’t need before calling professionals. This way, you will lower the overall expenses of the relocation.
Is Becoming Calgarian Worth the Trouble of International Relocation
Are you still wondering Is Calgary a good place to live? This vibrant and diverse metropolis is one of the more affordable places in CA. On top of that, there are many employment opportunities and excellent health care within your reach. Before packing up your bags and hiring an international moving company, go over your budget, make a plan, and you will successfully avoid dipping into your savings during the relocation. When you settle in and find your footing, you’ll see that salaries are more than enough to cover all of your expenses. All of the trouble of becoming Calgarian will pay off in the long run because you will be able not only to live comfortably but to save up as well.
