IS CALGARY STILL AFFORDABLE IN 2026?
Thinking about moving to Calgary? Whether you are relocating from another province, moving within Alberta, one of the first questions people ask is the cost of living. With Calgary being one of Canada’s fastest growing cities, it offers a vibrant lifestyle and plenty of opportunities.
I have lived in cities across Canada, and as a Calgary local and realtor, I see every day how costs here compare with the rest of the country. In this guide, I will break down housing, rent, utilities, transportation, groceries, and childcare, plus give insights from the Calgary market.
Prefer video? You can also watch my full breakdown of Calgary’s cost of living here.
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If you’d like to break these costs down for your own budget, grab my free Calgary Cost of Living Budget Template. It’s a simple one-page tool where you can adjust the numbers to match your lifestyle and get a clearer picture of what living in Calgary will really cost you.
Calgary Housing Costs in 2026: Prices, Taxes, and Fees
Housing is the biggest factor in Calgary’s cost of living. As a local realtor, I see first hand how prices shift across the city. Whether you are looking at detached homes in the suburbs or condos downtown, knowing average prices, taxes, and fees will help you budget with confidence.
Property Taxes: About $250–350 per month on a typical home. Lower than Toronto or Vancouver, which helps monthly affordability.
I work with clients every week who are surprised at how Calgary’s property taxes are often lower than in other major Canadian cities. It is one of the reasons affordability here stands out.
Interest Rates: Around 4% as of late 2025. Even small changes in rates can shift your budget by hundreds per month.
Condo Fees: Usually $300–500 per month. Always factor these into your monthly housing costs, since they can make a “cheaper” condo more expensive overall.
For a closer look at where prices differ across the city, see our guide to the most affordable Calgary neighbourhoods.
How Much Does Rent Cost in Calgary?
Renting in Calgary gives people flexibility whether they want a downtown apartment or a family home in the suburbs. Here is a look at average rental costs in 2025.
- 1 Bedroom – $1500 – 1800
- 2 Bedroom – $2000 and up
- Basement Suite – $1000-2000
- Full House – $3000 and up
For current listings, one of the most popular Calgary rental websites is Rentfaster.ca.
HOW MUCH ARE UTILITIES IN CALGARY?
Utilities are one of the most overlooked parts of Calgary’s cost of living. Bills can add hundreds to your monthly budget, especially in winter when heating costs rise. On average, expect about $350 per month for a smaller home, with natural gas fluctuating based on current prices.
Electricity ($50–75) — higher if you run AC in summer.
Natural Gas ($150–300) — winter heating is the biggest driver of monthly cost.
Water (~$100) — varies if you have a larger yard or family.
Internet ($100–120) — high by global standards, most people use Telus or Shaw.
Transportation Costs: Driving vs Public Transit
Getting around Calgary comes with costs whether you drive or take public transit. Driving means factoring in insurance, fuel, and winter tires, while transit offers lower fixed monthly costs. Here’s how both options compare so you can decide which fits your budget.
What Costs Are Involved Driving A Car in Calgary?
Registration — $93 per year for most vehicles.
Car Insurance — Around $150 per month on average, but costs are higher for new drivers, luxury vehicles, or those with limited driving history.
Gas — About $1.30 per litre as of late 2025. Filling up a midsize SUV typically costs $60–70, while smaller cars are less.
Oil Changes — Usually $60–90, depending on vehicle type.
Winter Tires and Changeover — A set of winter tires often runs $600–700, with installation and seasonal changeover adding about $150. Winter tires are not legally required in Calgary but are highly recommended for safety, and they are mandatory if you plan to drive in the nearby mountain parks during winter.
Public Transportation Costs in Calgary
- Single Ride Pass – $3.70
- Day Pass – $11.60
- Monthly Pass – $115
- Ages 12 and Under – Free
Healthcare Costs in Calgary: What’s Free and What’s Not
While Alberta’s public system takes care of most essential services, many everyday expenses like prescriptions and dental visits are out-of-pocket. For newcomers and families, these can add hundreds per month to the cost of living.
Typical Health Care Services Covered in Calgary
- Family doctor visits, check-ups, and consultations
- Hospital services including emergency care, surgeries, and inpatient stays
- Diagnostic testing such as blood work, x-rays, and ultrasounds
- Maternity and prenatal care
- Medically necessary surgeries like knee replacements
- Public vaccinations – mostly free
Services Not Covered (With Typical Costs in Calgary)
- Prescription medications — $50–150 per month depending on your needs and whether you have insurance
- Dental care — cleaning around $200; fillings $150–300; major work like crowns $1,000+
- Vision care for adults — eye exams $100–150; glasses or contacts $200–500
- Physiotherapy and chiropractic care — $50–120 per session
- Cosmetic procedures — pricing varies, most not covered at all
- Massage therapy and acupuncture — $80–120 per session
- Travel vaccinations — $50–100 each, depending on the vaccine
- Medical equipment (crutches, wheelchairs, hearing aids) — $200 to several thousand depending on the item
As someone who has lived across Canada, I’ve found Alberta’s public system generous for major medical needs, but out-of-pocket costs for dental, vision, and prescriptions often surprise newcomers. Many residents choose supplemental health insurance to help cover these expenses.
Recreation and Entertainment Costs in Calgary
Calgary offers an incredible mix of recreation and leisure options, from its stunning outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and biking, to its vibrant dining scene featuring everything from trendy local bistros to international cuisine. Whether you’re exploring the nearby Rocky Mountains or enjoying a night out in the city, Calgary’s lifestyle has something for everyone. Here are some common expenses:
- Banff National Park Day Pass – $11
- Kananaskis Pass – Day Pass $15 and Yearly $90
- Ski Passes – Lake Louise $150 for a day pass & Sunshine Village $144
- Calgary Zoo – $36
- Calgary Stampede – $25 for a day pass.
- Golf – Most city owned courses are starting around $60 for 18 holes.
- Monthly Gym Membership – $50-150 per month.
- Joining A Sports League – Joining a beer league hockey team for a full season is around $600
- Calgary Flames Games – Tickets range from about $40-300.
- Restaurant Meals – A typical restaurant meal will be around $20 and can go up from there. Some of the higher end restaurants can charge $60-150.
Education and Childcare Costs in Calgary (Schools and Daycare)
Public education is free for residents in Calgary. The Calgary Board of Education as well as the Calgary Catholic School District operates public schools from kindergarten through grade 12 without charging tuition fees.
There may be additional costs for extracurricular activities, programs, and materials.
Private Schooling – Operates independently from the public education system and charges tuition fees. On average, annual tuition fees can range from $3000-$30,000 per year.
Day Care – The cost per day varies based on factors such as the child’s age, the type of care facility, and services provided. Here are some average prices.
- Infants (up to 18 months) – $1200
- Toddlers (19-35 months) – $1100
- Preschoolers (3-5 years) – $1000
GROCERY AND FOOD COSTS IN CALGARY
Groceries make up a big part of the monthly budget in Calgary, and prices can vary depending on whether you shop at discount stores, major chains, or specialty markets. Below are some average costs for everyday items to help you get a sense of what you’ll spend at the checkout.
- 4L jug of milk – $5.50
- Eggs – $4-8
- Bread – $4
- Cheese – $5-10 for most packages and over $10 for some specialty options.
- Butter – $6-10
- Yoghurt – $5-7
- 4L jug of water – $2.50
- Cereal – $6-8 for a family size box.
- Flour – $6-8
- Pasta – $3
- Rice – $5-15
- Chicken – Depending on the size but most packages are between $7-15
- Beef – About $10/pound
- Pork – Most packs around $5-10
- Sausages – $6-7
- Bacon – $4-8
- Apples – $2/pound
- Bananas – $1.2/pound
- Tomatoes – $2-4/pound
- Potatoes – $2-3/pound
- Onions – $2-3/pound
- Peppers – $4-5/pound
- 2L Coke – $3.50
- Box of cookies – $3-5
- Frozen Pizza – $5-10
Watch the Full Calgary Cost of Living Breakdown on Video
FAQ’s
- Is Calgary more affordable than Vancouver and Toronto – Calgary is significantly more affordable than both Vancouver and Toronto. Calgary offers lower home prices, rent, no provincial sales tax, as well as higher incomes making it a great option for those looking for city life and affordability.
- What is the average monthly cost of living for a single person in Calgary? – Rent $1200-1500 and the cost of living would push that to $2000.
- What are the average monthly grocery costs in Calgary? – For a single person around $500/month.
- Are there any additional taxes in Calgary? – Alberta has a 5% Goods and Services(GST) tax and does not impose a provincial tax making it more affordable compared to most provinces.
- What is the average salary needed to live comfortably in Calgary? A single person would need $3000-4000 per month after taxes to cover all expenses, including housing, food, transportation, and entertainment.
Living in Calgary: Is It Worth the Cost?
Calgary continues to stand out as one of the most affordable major cities in Canada, offering a high quality of life with manageable costs compared to places like Vancouver or Toronto. With no provincial sales tax, a strong economy, and diverse housing options, it’s a city where families and individuals can thrive. If you’re considering a move or want to understand Calgary’s market better, be sure to check my latest [market updates] for the most current insights.
Next Steps for Exploring Calgary
If you’re ready to explore Calgary further or want personalized insights into the real estate market, here are some helpful next steps.
If you’d like to break these costs down for your own budget, grab my free Calgary Cost of Living Budget Template. It’s a simple one page tool where you can adjust the numbers to match your lifestyle and get a clearer picture of what living in Calgary will really cost you.
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