Cost of Living in Calgary – Is it Cheap or Expensive?

Cost of Living
 
What if you're thinking about moving to a new city but aren't sure if it'll be financially beneficial? If that's the case, you'll want to look into the average cost of living in Calgary, Canada. The cost of living is the sum of all the various expenses you must bear in order to maintain a reasonable standard of living. If you're considering moving to Calgary for a new job, it's a good idea to compare the various factors affecting the city's Cost of Living with your current location. As long-time residents and professional realtors, we are well-versed in the needs of clients moving to Calgary from elsewhere. We've put together a guide to our city's cost of living for your convenience.
 
Calgary, Canada
 
1.4 million people live in and around Calgary, with a total land area of 825 square kilometers, making it an excellent city center. Except for a brief dip from 2014 to 2016, the city's population has increased steadily over the last decade. Calgary, located in Alberta, is well-known for its striking skyline. The city's business district is well-established, and it's the epicenter of Canada's oil industry. Financial services, film, and television production, transportation and logistics, information and communications technology, manufacturing, aerospace, healthcare, retail, and the energy sector are all important parts of the Calgary economy. The city of Calgary has the highest per capita income in the United States at $59,907. The city's $15 hourly minimum wage makes it one of the most productive places to work in Canada. Here, you'll find a wide range of excellent job opportunities.
 
Factors Affecting Cost of Living in Calgary
 
Transportation
With a large population of residents and commuters, Calgary has a well-developed public transportation system. From Calgary, a slew of highways branches out in all directions. Bus stops and light rail stations are available to residents for mass transportation. Residents can also use Ride-sharing apps and taxi services to get around the city. A one-way ticket costs around $3.30, while a monthly pass costs $103. A liter of gas costs $1.57. Passengers flying into and out of Calgary International Airport can choose from a wide range of domestic and international flights. Cheadle Airport, Springbank Airport, Okotoks Airport, and other smaller regional airports can be found outside Calgary's city limits.
 
Sports and Recreation
Residents and visitors to Calgary can choose from a wide range of activities. There is a vibrant nightlife in the city that comes to life as the sun sets. Mid-priced meals in the city-run between $14 and $20, and you can expect to pay around $6 to $9 for a drink. If you're feeling brave, you can head to the WinSport Ski Resort, which offers a wide range of winter sports activities. A beginner can expect to pay somewhere around $200 for your first lesson. Many other sports facilities, recreation centers, and fitness centers can be found in Calgary's many neighborhoods.
 
Shopping Costs
Budgeting for daily expenses is essential, and it's vital to include them in your overall budget. We've compiled a list of some of the most commonly purchased groceries for your convenience.
 
1 kg apples = $4.79
1 kg potatoes = $3.25
1 kg of tomatoes = $6.00
1 kg of onions = $2.70
1 kg of bananas = $1.87
1 liter of milk = $1.66
1 dozen eggs = $4.65
1 kg of cheese = $22.00
1 kg of chicken = $18.00
1 kg of beef = $15.33
1 piece of bread = $2.01
1 bottle of beer = $3.67
 
If you're in the market for new clothes, you can expect to pay approximately:
 
1 pair of jeans = $62.13 – $77.00
1 dress = $51.00 – $54.37
1 pair of shoes = $99.69 to $163.00
 
You can expect to pay for a variety of other common household goods at these prices:
 
100 oz Laundry Detergent = $11.00
1 Tube of Toothpaste = $2.67
1 haircut = $29.00
4 rolls of toilet paper = $3.69
1 roll-on deodorant = $7.00
1 bottle of shampoo = $5.47
1 box of tampons = $10.00
 
Healthcare Costs
The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) is available to all residents of Calgary. Provide proof of residency and identification to locals and eligible residents with a two-year working visa in order to enroll in this healthcare insurance plan.  This plan covers most healthcare costs. You can expect to pay around $100 for a doctor's visit if the AHCIP does not cover you.
 
Healthcare Costs
Currently, the median home price in Calgary is $402,000, representing a 7.09% increase year-over-year from when this article was written. Fifty-nine days is the average length of time a home is on the market. There are two options for renting instead of buying: $1,300 in the heart of the city for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,082 outside of the city. The cost of a three-bedroom home in the city of Calgary is $2,376, while the cost is $1,819 in the outskirts of the city. Please don't hesitate to contact our team if you have any questions about the city's housing market. We'd be happy to assist you in your search for a new home.