The City of Calgary, the 4th largest city in Canada and home to many jobs is often a top destination for new residents. However, one question remains – how expensive will it be to live there? What does life cost in this once-booming Canadian gem? In order to help answer that exact question, we break down all aspects of living costs from housing prices (rents) to groceries or gas bills so you can see what an average month might look like.
Wages in Calgary
The average salary in Calgary is C$66,000 per year, while the median salary is C$102,570 per year. The median salary means that 50% of the population earns this amount or less. This means that there are plenty of well-paying jobs for you to find in Calgary.
Housing Prices
- The average cost of rent for a studio is C$1,000.
- One-bedroom apartment averages out at about C$1,145 per month.
- A two-bedroom apartment will cost you close to C$1,500 a month.
This means that making rent will not be difficult when you consider the average salary. The average cost of buying a house is between C$450,000 and C$500,000. This makes housing very affordable, and a good opportunity to get your foot on the property ladder. There is also a good investment opportunity. The cost of a house in Calgary has increased by well over 10% in the last year. This means that investing in property in Calgary could prove highly profitable.
Car Expenses
Driving is an essential part of life. The only issue is that driving can be expensive. This is why it is important to see the costs of driving in a place before moving or visiting. The average cost of renting a car in Calgary is $38 per day for a standard vehicle and they rise to $55 per day for a minivan. For longer-term rentals, the costs can be lower as many companies are offering long-term rental deals. Gas prices are about $1.40 for a litre. While insurance costs average at $118 per month. This makes driving affordable and a viable solution to your transport needs in Calgary.
Public Transport
In Calgary, there are many choices for public transport.
- Calgary is equipped with a light rail system called the C-train.
- There are also 169 bus routes and community shuttle busses. This makes getting around Calgary an easy task even if you don’t drive.
- Calgary even offers a door-to-door transport service for residents with disabilities. This service is called Access Calgary.
Groceries Cost
Groceries are a guaranteed cost wherever you go. This is why it is important to know what to expect when it comes to paying. The average household pays $170 per week on groceries. This cost will depend on what you buy, but your cost of living will be relatively low when compared to the average salary.
Childcare Cost
Child care is a major expense for working parents. In Calgary, you can expect to pay between $1100 and $1400 per month. The price will vary depending on the daycare center, whether your child is a toddler or infant and the hours that you need the child minded for. While this can seem like a big expense, it is still affordable when compared to other major cities.
Education cost
Canada offers free education to all citizens and long-term residents under the age of 20. This means that your children can get a great free education at a public school. There are also a variety of religious schools and private schools available for your children’s education. Calgary also has a prestigious University called the University of Calgary. Here you can receive a world-class education in a variety of fields that will broaden your mind and make your future brighter.
What are the Restaurants Like?
When a city has great food, it makes life there so much more enjoyable. In Calgary you will find cuisines from all over the world, whether you love sushi or pasta, there is something for you. The costs of eating out in Calgary vary depending on the restaurant but you can expect roughly C$12-15 per meal at a restaurant. There are gourmet options for food that will price considerably higher but on average eating in Calgary is affordable and full of variety.
What to Do in Calgary?
There are many great attractions and entertainment options in Calgary. There is something to do here for everyone. There is a popular attractions like Calgary Zoo and there are even multiple murder mystery experiences. There are also cinemas and even an archery center. Calgary is home to the Calgary Flames NHL team, so if you’re a fan you could catch a game at Scotiabank Saddledome.
What Free Activities are in Calgary?
If you are looking for cheap days out with your family or for a way to have a good time without spending a fortune, Calgary could be an ideal location for you. You can visit scenic areas such as Prince’s Island Park or the Bow River without having to pay for entry. You can also view cultural art pieces like Wonderland Sculpture free of charge. There are many other parts and nature trails that you can visit without having to pay.
How to Live Cheap in Calgary
If you are looking to move to Calgary on a budget, keep reading for a few tips to help you save money.
- Firstly you should choose trusted movers in Calgary like Simply the Best Movers. This will protect you against overpaying for subpar service.
- Another way to save money in Calgary is to rent a home in the suburbs. This will reduce your rental costs.
- Save money by making use of Calgary’s comprehensive public transport system.
- Another fantastic way to reduce your expenses is to live close to work. This will save you money on gas if you drive and you will save on public transport expenses.