Calgary is a major economic hub that opens up plenty of job opportunities and draws people in from every corner of Canada. The city is growing fast, yet it never feels cramped or short on breathing room, thanks to the natural landscape surrounding it. The Rockies, lakes, and parks are what set this city apart from other big Canadian centres.
Thinking about a move to Calgary but not sure whether life here will actually suit you? Let's take a closer look at what makes this city tick.
The Big Picture
Calgary is one of Canada's largest cities, home to close to 1.6 million people. The population has been growing quickly in recent years, and the city's infrastructure is keeping pace, with new schools, medical facilities, shopping centres, and restaurants popping up regularly.
Calgary's key economic sectors include:
- Energy: home to numerous oil and gas companies.
- Logistics: major road and rail routes run right through the city.
- Agribusiness: a large number of farms operate just outside the city.
- Finance and business: corporate offices here provide financial and insurance services to people across Canada.
Calgary moves at a fast pace. Expect the occasional rush hour, traffic, and noise. That said, the city also has plenty of quiet, scenic neighbourhoods for those who value calm and comfort.
Cost of Living
Calgary isn't the cheapest city out there. To live comfortably, dining out, catching a show, and not pinching pennies on groceries, you'll want a steady, reliable income.
Housing
Rent is your biggest monthly expense. Here's roughly what to expect:
- Studio: $1,300.
- 2-bedroom apartment: $1,800.
- 3-bedroom apartment: $2,000.
- Townhouse or detached house: starting at $2,400.
Rent varies quite a bit by neighbourhood. Valley Ridge and West Springs sit at the higher end, while New Brighton and Cranston offer noticeably lower rents.
Buying property is a bigger commitment. Approximate prices:
- Condo: $300,000.
- Townhouse: $424,000.
- Duplex: $695,000.
- Single-family home: $750,000.
Transportation
Getting by without a car here isn't easy, especially if you settle in a neighbourhood without CTrain access. Calgary isn't the kind of compact city where everything important is within walking distance. Kids can take the school bus to class, but you'll be driving them to extracurriculars. In Calgary, a car isn't a luxury, it's a necessity.
Groceries
Monthly food costs for one person who cooks at home run about $500 to $550. For a family of four, that's roughly $1,400 to $1,600. Eating out regularly will push that number up noticeably.
Worth noting: many groceries here are actually cheaper than in other parts of Canada, thanks to the abundance of local farmers' markets that help keep food costs down.
Taxes
Taxes in Calgary run lower than in many other Canadian cities, and that's a strong point in the city's favour. GST sits at 5% of the purchase price, and property tax is 0.66% of the assessed value. To put that in perspective: a $1,000 washing machine would cost you around $1,120 in Ontario, where tax runs 12 to 15%. That same model runs about $1,050 in Calgary.
Job Market
Calgary has a low unemployment rate. The most in-demand fields include:
- Healthcare.
- Construction.
- IT.
- Education.
- Transportation and logistics.
- Finance.
Average annual salaries by role:
- Nurse, software developer: $100,000.
- Truck driver: $62,000.
- Engineer, construction worker: $110,000.
- Electrician, elementary school teacher: $83,000.
Climate and Weather
If you're not used to sharp temperature swings, adjusting to Calgary's climate can take some getting used to. Winters are long and harsh, with temperatures regularly dropping below -20°C, and strong winds that make it feel even colder. Conditions can shift within just a few hours, though. Thanks to chinooks, the warm winds this region is known for, deep freezes are often followed by a brief thaw.
Spring doesn't offer much stability either. In March and April, sunny days can quickly turn to rain or snow, so residents learn to be ready for just about anything.
Summer in Calgary is warm and comfortable. Extreme heat is rare, but strong thunderstorms with heavy rain and hail do happen.
Fall brings comfortable temperatures: around 17 to 20°C in September, about 10°C in October, and down to 5°C by November.
One more thing worth knowing before you move: Calgary's air is quite dry. That dryness can be uncomfortable, so moisturizer and lip balm quickly become everyday essentials. Many residents rely on humidifiers to keep their homes comfortable, especially through the heating season.
The Upside of Life in Calgary
Living in a city like Calgary comes with real advantages, including:
- Career opportunities. With oil and gas, tech, logistics, and other industries all growing here, there's steady demand for talent across the board.
- Beautiful scenery. The Rockies and popular ski resorts sit right on the city's doorstep, giving residents endless options for outdoor adventure. Within the city itself, you'll find well-kept parks and scenic walking trails.
- A vibrant cultural scene. There's never a dull moment for Calgarians. The city hosts music and film festivals, fairs, and exhibitions year-round. One of the most anticipated events is the Calgary Folk Music Festival, which brings in performers from around the world. The setting alone is worth the trip: the festival takes place along the Bow River, where you can enjoy the performances alongside the natural beauty around you.
- A strong education system. Elementary, middle, and high schools are spread across every part of the city. The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology offers programs in IT, construction, culinary arts, business, and aviation. On top of that, the city is also home to the University of Calgary.
- Accessible healthcare. Calgary has 5 public hospitals offering a full range of medical services, along with private clinics.
The Downsides of City Life
For all its strengths, Calgary isn't without its drawbacks. The main ones come down to:
- Sharp temperature swings. Icy roads are common in winter, and summer can bring thunderstorms with hail.
- Heavy reliance on transportation. At 825.3 square kilometres, Calgary is spread out, which makes getting from one end of the city to the other a challenge, especially without a car or if the nearest transit stop is a few kilometres away.
- High housing costs. Rapid population growth has driven up demand for housing, pushing rental and purchase prices higher across apartments, townhouses, and detached homes.
Who Calgary Is Best Suited For
A move to Calgary can be a great fit for a range of people, including:
- Families with kids. Calgary offers plenty of options for education and development, with public and private daycares, schools, sports programs, and after-school activities.
- Professionals. Landing a well-paying job tends to be easier in a big city than in a smaller one.
- Students. With both a college and a university in the city, Calgary is an appealing choice for young people building their future.
A move isn't just a change of address, it's the start of a new chapter, full of possibilities and change. If you've made the decision to move and want the process to go smoothly, without the extra hassle, leave it to the professionals at PlusOne Moving. We'll take care of every organizational detail: carefully packing and transporting your belongings, then reassembling and arranging your furniture at your new place. With us on your side, you can focus on what matters most: settling comfortably into Calgary and making your new house feel like home.
