Thanks to lower taxes in Alberta compared to the rest of Canada, people moving to Calgary often pay less for their homes and certain cost of living fees when compared to other major cities in Canada. If you are thinking about moving to Calgary, you should make sure to factor the cost of living expenses into your overall budget. Doing so will make sure that you are prepared to handle the expenses that crop up in day to day life within the city.

Housing and Rent

Buying a house in Calgary can cost, on average, anywhere from $300,000 to $500,000. The final cost depends on the size of the house and whether you want a detached property or a condo. These prices are largely in line with what you can find elsewhere in Alberta, but they are still sometimes beyond the price range of a newcomer to the area. Luckily, rent costs are much more affordable. The average one- or two-bedroom apartment in the city costs between $1,200 and $1,800. Of course, if you are moving to Calgary you will also want to make sure that you know the costs required by the moving company you choose, and any other incidental one-time fees associated with your move.

Food, Clothing, and Other Essentials

The cost of day-to-day life in Calgary depends greatly on whether you buy in bulk or choose to live a more expensive lifestyle that involves more eating out and higher-end clothing. A boneless chicken breast costs about $7 in Calgary and can serve as several days’ of meals for one person. Similarly, a liter of milk costs just a little more than $2. By comparison, dining out can cost $15 to $20 per meal, depending on where you go and what you order. Clothing can cost upwards of $100 to $200 per outfit, but buying off-label products can lower that cost. As for other essentials, you can expect to spend $20 to $30 total every month on incidental expenses like shampoo, toothpaste, and feminine products.

Transportation

Buying a new car in Calgary will cost you as much as $20,000 to $25,000. Buying used can cut the cost down, but you should make sure to do your research, so you buy something that is reliable and which hasn’t been damaged. Once you have a vehicle of your own, gasoline is relatively inexpensive thanks to the lower taxes in Alberta and the proximity of oil fields in the province. Typically, you can expect to spend a little above $1 per liter of fuel, although the price can fluctuate depending on a variety of different market factors. If you don’t own a vehicle yourself or don’t want to drive much, you can save money by relying on the city’s very robust public transportation system.

Calgary offers luxury for those who can afford it but also provides ways in which people working on a tight budget can enjoy life without having to tighten their belts too much. Wages are reasonable, cost of living is affordable, and there are many options for people who want to make Calgary their long-term home.