Calgary is the largest city in Canada’s Alberta province. It offers a superb quality of life, a robust job market, low taxes, a vibrant culture, and easy access to incredible natural beauty. The Global Liveability Index voted it one of the most livable cities in the world in 2023, as did the Economist Intelligence Unit.
Introduction
Located in picturesque southern Alberta, Calgary lies at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow rivers in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies on the western edge of the Great Plains. The city is distinctly different from the Prairie Provinces’ other urban centers, thanks to this spectacular setting.
This modern city owes its beginnings to the founding of a North-West Mounted Police (later Royal Canadian Mounted Police) post in 1875. The small settlement became the heart of a cattle ranching area, but the discovery of natural gas and crude oil changed everything. Calgary is now a modern city offering a good quality of life, plentiful job opportunities, and a lively culture.
With so much to offer, it’s not surprising that people from other parts of Canada, the US, and other countries are happy to make Calgary their new home. This guide will help you prepare to make the move to Calgary yourself.
Index
- Why do people move to Calgary?
- How much money is needed to move to Calgary?
- How much money is needed to live comfortably in Calgary?
- Calgary’s best neighborhoods
- The robust job market makes Calgary extremely attractive
- Education a major drawcard for moving to Calgary
- Pleasant, distinctive climate and weather add to the appeal
- Immigration requirements
- An excellent option for settling down
- About Polly’s data
Why do people move to Calgary?
People move to Calgary for a variety of reasons. According to data collected by Polly from 205,919 people for 12 months to May 12, 2024, it answers the question of why people move to the city. The graph below is what Polly found.
20.8% of the sentiments expressed online confirmed that people moved to Calgary for job opportunities, while 20.7% said that affordability was a major factor in moving to the city. 19.8% named cultural events as a major reason. The city is home to several theater companies, a symphony orchestra, ballet, and opera companies.
13.9% suggested that outdoor activities are what attracted them to this part of Canada. Calgary has a thriving culture of sports, with teams such as the Calgary Flames (National Hockey League), Calgary Roughnecks (National Lacrosse League), and Calgary Stampeders (Canadian Football League). While these sports teams receive tremendous support from locals and visitors, international attention is mostly directed to the Calgary Stampede, a 10-day festival celebrating the Old West. The event features a parade, rodeo events, live music, and other entertainment and activities and attracts more than 1 million visitors each year. Many locals and visitors also enjoy winter sports, thanks to the Rocky Mountains ski areas being a little more than an hour’s drive from the city.
13.8% of those surveyed by Polly moved to Calgary for its diverse community. 5.6% of online sentiments indicate that quality of life was a major factor in their moving, while 4.5% said that they moved to the city for education. The city boasts numerous educational institutions, such as the University of Calgary, Mount Royal University’s main campus, and SAID Polytechnic, as well as many state and private schools. Only 0.9% said they moved to Calgary for the city’s scenic beauty. It seems that despite the uncommon beauty of the city, the scenery cannot surpass job opportunities, affordability, and other essential livability factors as a primary motivation for newcomers.
How much money is needed to move to Calgary?
The cost of moving to Calgary varies from person to person, depending on a variety of factors. Some of the biggest costs you will need to cover include the cost of moving your belongings from your current home to your new home in Calgary. This cost depends on your choice of moving company as well as on the distance between your current home and Calgary.
Hiring Movers: Next, you’ll need to pay movers to help offload your belongings and move them into your apartment or house. Plus, you should give them a tip when the job’s complete. According to Moving Waldo, you can look at hiring two movers to move your belongings into a one- to two-bedroom apartment. This would require around three hours of labor and cost approximately CA$150. Tips for the two movers bring the total amount to CA$500.
Rental Costs: Whether you plan on renting long-term or until you buy an apartment or house, you need to cover the deposit, which is usually a month’s rent, as well as your first month’s rent. According to Numbeo, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is CA$2,010.60. With a deposit, the amount is CA$4,021.20. Outside the city center, the average rent on a one-bedroom deposit is CA$1,632.50. With a deposit, the amount you’ll need to cover is CA$3265.00.
Example Summary of Initial Costs:
Moving Company Fees: Variable
Hiring Movers: $150 – $500
First Month’s Rent + Deposit (City Center): $4,021.20
First Month’s Rent + Deposit (Outside City Center): $3,265.00
Once you have moved in, you will need to think about additional costs, such as groceries, internet, and transport. You can find out more about that below.
How much money is needed to live comfortably in Calgary?
Before looking at how much money you need to live comfortably in Calgary, it’s important to note that the city is relatively expensive. Calgary ranks 63rd on Numbeo’s list of the 424 most expensive cities by cost of living. It should also be said that the amount you need depends on the type of lifestyle you want to live and the associated expenses.
A single person would need between $3,500 and $5,000 monthly after tax to cover housing and utilities, transportation, food, and entertainment/lifestyle expenses. A family of four would need between $6,000 and $7,000, if not more. Let’s take a closer look.
Housing costs in Calgary can vary significantly depending on the size and location of the accommodation. We’ll touch on Calgary’s various neighborhoods later, but for now, it suffices to say that the cost of housing in the city center is higher than outside of the center. For example, the average monthly cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is CA$2,010.60, while a one-bedroom apartment outside the center is CA$1,632.50. The average monthly rental on a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is CA$3,097.80, while the average monthly rental on an apartment of the same size outside the city center is $2,520.37. The average price per square foot to buy a city center apartment is CA$373.15, and the average price per square foot to buy an apartment outside the city center is CA$375.72.
The average monthly cost for basic utilities (including electricity, cooling, heating, water, and garbage) for a 915 sq ft apartment is CA$296.51. Monthly internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) costs approximately CA$92.24. Purchasing home appliances is an additional expense you might need to consider, although these are once-off costs. To give you an idea, a microwave oven from a popular brand such as LG, Panasonic, or Bosch costs approximately CA$327, while a 40” flat screen TV costs approximately CA$460.
Your monthly food costs can also vary considerably, depending on your choices. You might spend much more money on food if you eat out regularly than you would if you prepare most of your meals at home.
For example, the average cost of a meal for one in an inexpensive restaurant in Calgary is CA$27.50, while the average cost of a three-course meal for two people in a mid-range restaurant is $100.00. In contrast, a McDonalds McMeal (or equivalent combo meal) has an average cost of $14.38. The average cost of a regular cappuccino is CA$5.24, while that of a 12 oz small bottle of Coca-Cola or Pepsi is CA$2.91. The average price of a 12 oz small bottle of water is CA$2.43. A 1-pint draft of domestic beer costs approximately CA$7.50.
The cost of groceries in Calgary is generally affordable. For example, the average price of a gallon of regular milk is CA$9.61, of a 1lb loaf of white bread is CA$3.06, and of 12 regular eggs is CA$5.41. 1lb of regular cheese has an average price of CA$8.80, while 1lb of chicken fillets costs approximately CA$8.14. 1lb each of apples, oranges, tomatoes, potatoes, and onions costs CA$2.67, CA$2.37, CA$2.55, CA$1.61, and CA$1.41, respectively. The average price of a mid-range bottle of wine is $19.50.
The cost of clothing in Calgary is comparable to other large cities. A summer dress from a high street store such as H&M or Zara costs approximately CA$66, while a pair of jeans from Levi’s or a similar popular brand costs approximately CA$75. A pair of men’s leather formal shoes costs approximately CA$139, while a pair of sports shoes from Adidas, Nike, or another popular brand costs approximately CA$106.
There is a wide variance in personal care expenses in this Canadian city. The average prices of basic toiletries are reasonable. For example, a tube of toothpaste costs approximately CA$3.09, and a roll-on deodorant costs approximately CA$6.00. On average, a 15-minute visit to a private doctor costs CA$79. A six-day course of cold medication costs approximately CA$11.00, while a 12-dose course of antibiotics has an average cost of CA$20.00.
Your monthly transport costs depend on whether you already have your own car, purchase a car and use it, use your own vehicle and public transport, use public transport exclusively, or use a combination of public transport and other methods, such as a bicycle. A one-way ticket on local transport costs CA$3.70, while a monthly pass costs CA$115.00. A Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (or equivalent new car) costs CA$33,978.00, while a Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (or equivalent new car) costs CA$28,992.90. One gallon of gasoline costs CA$5.48.
Entertainment and lifestyle costs can also vary considerably. The average monthly fee for one adult at a fitness club is CA$75.09, while a single movie ticket costs approximately CA$18.00. Two tickets for the best seats available at the theater cost approximately CA$182.
Calgary’s best neighborhoods
One of the big decisions you will be faced with when moving to Calgary is which neighborhood to move to. The city is divided into four quadrants, each of which is comprised of several different neighborhoods. They include Southwest, Northwest, Northeast, and Southeast. Each of the quadrants has a distinct character. The city’s four quadrants are indicated in street addresses, which end in SW, NW, NE, or SE.
Southwest (SW) Quadrant
In the Southwest (SW) quadrant, the most well-recognized, sought-after neighborhoods include Bankview, Killarney, and Mount Royal. This quarter also includes popular downtown accommodation locations, such as the Beltline. Further out from downtown, you’ll find neighborhoods such as Acadia, Chinook Park, Haysboro, and Sundance.
The rent and house prices in this quadrant are some of the highest in the city, as the Southwest is widely thought of as one of the best places to live in Calgary. You can enjoy relatively easy access to the C-Train Blue Line for an easier commute downtown from the quadrant’s northern part. Head to 17th Avenue for a vibrant mix of bars, shops, and restaurants.
Northwest (NW) Quadrant
The Northwestern quadrant’s neighborhoods considered to be in prime locations include Arbour Lake, Bowness, Edgemont, Hamptons, and Kensington and Crescent Heights. Arbour Lake, Bowness, Edgemont, and Hamptons are ideal if you plan to head to the Rockies regularly, while Kensington and Crescent Heights are popular among newcomers and younger residents who love the eclectic mix of arts and crafts shops, bistros, boutiques, cafes, and pubs.
This quadrant is better served by the C-Train than the Southwest quadrant. The Red Line offers easy access to downtown for residents in Kensington, neighborhoods near the University of Calgary, and other suburbs. If you are looking for a countryside feel in the city, make your way to the quadrant’s Nose Hill Park.
Northeast (NE) Quadrant
Calgary’s Northeast quadrant is home to Calgary Airport as well as various commercial areas. While some neighborhoods in this quadrant are popular among new immigrants and young couples due to lower rents and house prices, neighbourhoods in the Northeast are generally not considered to be the city’s best. Some neighborhoods east of Deerfoot Trail, unfortunately, face gang problems and higher crime rates than many of the city’s other areas. One of the quadrant’s nicer areas is Bridgeland, which is closer to downtown Calgary. If you enjoy shopping for bargains, head to the quadrant’s Crossiron Mills and Sunridge Mall complexes.
Southeast (SE) Quadrant
The Southeast quadrant is best known for being Calgary’s main industrial hub, although you can find a few neighborhoods worth looking at if you want lower rent or house prices. The most popular neighborhoods in the quadrant include McKenzie Lake and Midnapore, although the lack of public transport in this quadrant means you might struggle to get around if you don’t have your own car.
The Inglewood neighborhood, located closer to downtown Calgary, is being revitalized and boasts numerous antique stores, unique shops, and breweries. Popular with younger residents, the area is great to visit on weekends. Inglewood is also within easy distance of the Scotiabank Saddledome.
The robust job market makes Calgary extremely attractive
Calgary’s diverse economy means the city boasts a robust job market offering opportunities across a diversity of industries. After natural gas was discovered at nearby Turner Valley in 1914, Calgary experienced a new growth wave thanks to the fledgling petroleum industry. This growth was spurred on by the opening of Alberta’s first refinery in 1923. A second refinery opened after crude oil was discovered in 1936. The city saw even greater economic expansion after the discovery of the Leduc fields near Edmonton in 1947.
A little less than 100 years later, Calgary is a modern city whose historic roots are still evident. As the petroleum industry’s corporate center, it has attracted various other industries and services, such as aerospace, banking, creative industries, digital media, energy and environment, entertainment, finance, insurance, life sciences, logistics, petroleum supply, technology, and transportation, as well as a manufacturing industry encompassing electronics, machinery, food and beverage, and wood processing.
Industry Diversity and Major Employers
In addition to being home to 118 of Canada’s largest corporate headquarters, Calgary is also at the center of the country’s oil and gas industry and has an excellent film industry. Calgary is known for having one of the country’s highest rates of self-employment, and there are more millionaires per capita in the city than anywhere else in Canada.
This Alberta city has a growing reputation as a tech hub and has attracted big names such as Amazon, Google, and IBM. Spending by industry in Alberta was forecast at $18.4 billion in 2022, and this is on the rise. An estimated CA$7.5 billion will be spent on big data, blockchain, cloud, and other digital transformation technologies in the coming years. This spending is expected to take place, especially within aerospace, agribusiness, creative industries, energy and environment, finance, interactive digital media, life sciences, transportation and logistics, and technology industries, leading to even more opportunities.
Some of Calgary’s biggest employers include:
- Imperial Oil Limited
- Shaw Communication
- Suncor Energy
- Canadian Pacific Railway
- Calgary West Central Primary Care Network
- University of Calgary
- Enbridge Inc.
- Western Financial Group Inc.
- Calgary Police Service
- The Workers’ Compensation Board.
Education a major drawcard for moving to Calgary
Calgary’s education system has an excellent reputation for offering diverse options, ranging from childcare and kindergarten to grade 12, post-secondary, and continuing education. This makes Calgary an attractive destination for families and individuals seeking quality education.
Public School System
The public school system is divided into three groups: elementary (kindergarten to grade six), junior high school (grades seven through nine), and high school (grades 10 through 12). Children can attend public school for free.
The Calgary Board of Education and the Calgary Catholic School District systems each have a wide network of good kindergarten to grade 12 (K-12) schools. The city is also home to more than 80 private schools offering unique programs and higher tuition fees. The Alberta Ministry of Education inspects private schools that offer credits toward the Alberta High School Diploma.
Private Schools
Calgary is home to more than 80 private schools, each offering unique programs and often higher tuition fees. These schools provide specialized education, from rigorous academic curricula to programs focusing on arts, athletics, or religious studies. The Alberta Ministry of Education inspects private schools to ensure they meet the standards required for credits toward the Alberta High School Diploma.
Post-Secondary Education
More than 90,000 students are enrolled in Calgary’s post-secondary educational institutions, which collaborate with arts, business, non-profit, progressional services, and technology communities to prepare students for the city’s changing economy. Calgary boasts one of the highest post-graduate levels of all of Canada’s major cities.
Pleasant, distinctive climate and weather add to the appeal
Calgary is 3,556 feet above sea level and sits on the prairies, so the climate is dry and has low humidity levels. With an average of 333 days of sunshine yearly, this is Canada’s sunniest major city. Unsurprisingly, summer is often warm and dry, with temperatures reaching 86°F (30°C) or higher. That said, nights in the city are almost always cool. Frost can occur in any month of the year.
The city has four distinct seasons. Winter tends to be less harsh than in other parts of the country, although temperatures still stay below 14°F (-10°C) for a few weeks of the year. Thankfully, Calgary’s proximity to the Rockies means you can take advantage of many great ski resorts. Winter also brings the Chinook. This warm wind from the Pacific Ocean can raise temperatures by 15 degrees within a few hours.
May is known for being windy, while June’s rainfall is often higher than average. The warmest months are July and August, although you can still enjoy warm conditions in September and October.
Immigration requirements
If you are thinking about immigrating to Calgary, there are a few different programs or pathways you can take. The federal department responsible for processing temporary residence, permanent residence, and citizenship applications is the Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.
If you are a skilled worker, you can consider the express entry option. This option includes three different immigration programs and is designed for skilled immigrants who want to settle permanently in Canada. In Alberta, the option is known as the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP).
If you are a business owner or entrepreneur, you can also consider immigrating to Calgary, Canada. The option to consider in this case is the Start-Up Visa Program, provided you have a letter of support from a designated organization, a qualifying business, meet the language requirements, and bring enough money with you to settle.
If you are a skilled refugee, you can look at immigrating to Calgary through the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP). This option can help you immigrate through existing programs. However, before applying for the EMPP, you will need to apply through the AAIP.
The AAIP includes eight immigration streams. These include:
- Alberta Opportunity Stream for skilled workers.
- Alberta Express Entry Stream for candidates with Express Entry profiles.
- Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway for tech workers.
- Rural Renewal Stream for candidates with job offers in a rural Alberta community.
- Alberta Farm Stream for those who want to operate a farming business.
- Graduate Entrepreneur Immigration Stream for international graduates in Alberta who want to start a business.
- Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream for foreign-educated international graduates who want to start a business in Canada.
- Rural Entrepreneur Stream for candidates who want to start a business in a rural Alberta community.
An excellent option for settling down
Calgary is a city where modern convenience, technological advancement, vibrant cultures, eclectic art and culture, and breathtaking natural beauty meet. Offering excellent schools, a robust job market, and a wide range of accommodation options, this Alberta city could be the ideal place to choose as your new home.
About the Data
The data was sourced from Polly, who created independent samples of 205,919 people living in Calgary from online platforms like X, Reddit, and TikTok. The data was collected over 12 months, ending on 12 months to 12th May 2024. All the responses were collected and analyzed to produce outcomes within a 90% confidence interval and with a 5% margin of error. The engagement estimated how many people in the location were participating.
Demographics were determined using many features, including people’s names, locations, and self-disclosed descriptions. Privacy was preserved using k-anonymity and differential privacy. Results are based on what people describe online — questions are not posed to the people in the sample.