Cost of Living · Updated October 25, 2026 · 14 min read
Cost of Living in Calgary (2026): Rent, Groceries, Utilities and More
Calgary is one of Canada's cheaper big cities: a single renter needs about $3,105 a month before income tax, 12% less than Toronto and 17% less than Vancouver. It is not cheap everywhere, though, since groceries, movies and gyms cost more than in Toronto.
Calgary's advantage is housing, no provincial sales tax, and a leaner tax bill, not the shelf price of everything. This guide prices every part of life in Calgary in October 2026, from groceries and gas to hotels and movie tickets, and sets each next to Edmonton, Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal.
Calgary cost of living at a glance
How the other places compare with Calgary, overall
Edmonton
- Costs
- About the same
- Pay
- 6% higher
Toronto
- Costs
- 17% higher
- Pay
- 7% higher
Vancouver
- Costs
- 24% higher
- Pay
- 8% higher
Montreal
- Costs
- 4% lower
- Pay
- 6% lower
Average gap from Calgary across 27 price lines (rent, food, transport, bills, fun, childcare and tax), each counted equally, so it shows direction, not your own bill. Pay is the average of average earnings and net salary. Red means higher and green means lower for costs; for pay the colours are flipped, because earning more is the good outcome.
| Summary | Calgary | Edmonton | Toronto | Vancouver | Montreal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly budget (renter, before income tax) | |||||
| Single renter | $3,105 | $2,960 5% lower than Calgary | $3,538 14% higher than Calgary | $3,754 21% higher than Calgary | $2,926 6% lower than Calgary |
| Couple | $4,114 | $3,935 4% lower than Calgary | $4,535 10% higher than Calgary | $4,752 16% higher than Calgary | $3,860 6% lower than Calgary |
| Family of four (no childcare or car) | $5,031 | $4,687 7% lower than Calgary | $5,512 10% higher than Calgary | $6,040 20% higher than Calgary | $4,608 8% lower than Calgary |
| Housing | |||||
| 1 bedroom, city centre | $1,736 | $1,539 11% lower than Calgary | $2,265 30% higher than Calgary | $2,507 44% higher than Calgary | $1,775 2% higher than Calgary |
| 1 bedroom, outside centre | $1,438 | $1,285 11% lower than Calgary | $2,029 41% higher than Calgary | $2,154 50% higher than Calgary | $1,375 4% lower than Calgary |
| 3 bedroom, outside centre | $2,340 | $2,018 14% lower than Calgary | $3,015 29% higher than Calgary | $3,506 50% higher than Calgary | $2,303 2% lower than Calgary |
| Typical home price | $569,200 | $593,000 4% higher than Calgary | $940,800 65% higher than Calgary | $1,099,100 93% higher than Calgary | $649,000 14% higher than Calgary |
| Apartment price per sq ft, centre | $475 | $295 38% lower than Calgary | $998 110% higher than Calgary | $1,099 131% higher than Calgary | $658 39% higher than Calgary |
| Property tax rate | 0.63% | 1.04% 65% higher than Calgary | 0.77% 22% higher than Calgary | 0.31% 51% lower than Calgary | 0.76% 21% higher than Calgary |
| Food and drink | |||||
| Groceries, one adult (full cart) | $471 | $429 9% lower than Calgary | $420 11% lower than Calgary | $489 4% higher than Calgary | $428 9% lower than Calgary |
| Inexpensive restaurant meal | $25.00 | $28.00 12% higher than Calgary | $25.00 | $25.00 | $26.50 6% higher than Calgary |
| Dinner for two, mid-range | $99 | $108 9% higher than Calgary | $110 11% higher than Calgary | $100 1% higher than Calgary | $102 3% higher than Calgary |
| Pint of draught beer | $7.00 | $8.12 16% higher than Calgary | $9.00 29% higher than Calgary | $8.00 14% higher than Calgary | $9.00 29% higher than Calgary |
| Cappuccino | $5.30 | $5.51 4% higher than Calgary | $5.70 8% higher than Calgary | $5.60 6% higher than Calgary | $5.45 3% higher than Calgary |
| Transportation | |||||
| Monthly transit pass | $126 | $102 19% lower than Calgary | $156 24% higher than Calgary | $117 7% lower than Calgary | $110 13% lower than Calgary |
| Gasoline per litre | $1.69 | $1.61 5% lower than Calgary | $1.76 4% higher than Calgary | $2.00 18% higher than Calgary | $1.89 12% higher than Calgary |
| Car insurance, per year (midpoint of range) | $1,700 | $1,700 | $2,175 28% higher than Calgary | $2,000 18% higher than Calgary | $850 50% lower than Calgary |
| Bills | |||||
| Utilities (915 sq ft) | $231 | $323 40% higher than Calgary | $172 26% lower than Calgary | $116 50% lower than Calgary | $110 52% lower than Calgary |
| Mobile plan | $54 | $62 13% higher than Calgary | $46 15% lower than Calgary | $52 4% lower than Calgary | $49 10% lower than Calgary |
| Home internet | $72 | $77 6% higher than Calgary | $68 5% lower than Calgary | $74 2% higher than Calgary | $60 16% lower than Calgary |
| Fun and travel | |||||
| Movie ticket | $20.00 | $17.62 12% lower than Calgary | $18.00 10% lower than Calgary | $17.50 13% lower than Calgary | $16.00 20% lower than Calgary |
| Gym membership | $70 | $61 13% lower than Calgary | $52 27% lower than Calgary | $56 21% lower than Calgary | $43 39% lower than Calgary |
| Night out for two | $153 | $159 4% higher than Calgary | $164 7% higher than Calgary | $151 1% lower than Calgary | $152 1% lower than Calgary |
| Hotel average daily rate | $188 | $153 18% lower than Calgary | $261 39% higher than Calgary | $284 51% higher than Calgary | $234 25% higher than Calgary |
| Family | |||||
| Regulated childcare, per child per day | $15.03 | $15.03 | $22.00 46% higher than Calgary | $40.00 166% higher than Calgary | $9.65 36% lower than Calgary |
| Private preschool, per month | $779 | $896 15% higher than Calgary | $1,051 35% higher than Calgary | $1,500 93% higher than Calgary | $723 7% lower than Calgary |
| Pay and tax | |||||
| Average yearly earnings | $71,296 | $71,296 | $71,173 | $70,115 2% lower than Calgary | $66,747 6% lower than Calgary |
| Net salary per month (Numbeo) | $4,372 | $4,855 11% higher than Calgary | $5,022 15% higher than Calgary | $5,132 17% higher than Calgary | $4,159 5% lower than Calgary |
| Minimum wage per hour | $15.00 | $15.00 | $17.95 20% higher than Calgary | $18.25 22% higher than Calgary | $16.60 11% higher than Calgary |
| Tax and payroll on $100,000 | $27,117 | $27,117 | $27,291 1% higher than Calgary | $26,065 4% lower than Calgary | $31,993 18% higher than Calgary |
| Sales tax | 5% GST (no provincial sales tax) | 5% GST (no provincial sales tax) | 13% HST | 5% GST + 7% PST | 5% GST + 9.975% QST |
| Salary needed (single person) | |||||
| To break even, outside the centre | $46,000 | $44,000 4% lower than Calgary | $54,000 17% higher than Calgary | $56,000 22% higher than Calgary | $43,000 7% lower than Calgary |
| To live comfortably in the centre | $61,000 | $58,000 5% lower than Calgary | $71,000 16% higher than Calgary | $75,000 23% higher than Calgary | $61,000 |
Percentages show the gap from Calgary: red is higher, green is lower (flipped for pay lines).
Numbeo, 24-25 October 2026 (CAD). Budgets are modelled from those prices (see the monthly budget section), exclude income tax, and are for renters. Net salary is Numbeo’s reported average after tax, a sample average and not Statistics Canada data. Average earnings are Statistics Canada (March 2026), tax uses 2026 brackets, and salary needed comes from the model in the salary sections below. A dash means no comparable figure is published for that place. The ▲ and ▼ percentages show how much higher or lower each place is than Calgary, the first column; for pay rows higher is better, for costs lower is better.
Ranking: nine Canadian cities, most to least expensive
| City | Single renter | 1 bed, centre | Groceries (staples) | Net salary | Left after budget |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vancouver | $3,754 | $2,507 | $228 | $5,132 | $1,378 |
| Toronto | $3,538 | $2,265 | $196 | $5,022 | $1,484 |
| Victoria | $3,465 | $2,179 | $231 | $4,525 | $1,060 |
| Halifax | $3,381 | $2,060 | $222 | $3,900 | $519 |
| Ottawa | $3,379 | $2,047 | $214 | $5,163 | $1,784 |
| Calgary (this guide) | $3,105 | $1,736 | $220 | $4,372 | $1,267 |
| Hamilton | $3,023 | $1,778 | $189 | $4,274 | $1,251 |
| Edmonton | $2,960 | $1,539 | $201 | $4,855 | $1,895 |
| Montreal | $2,926 | $1,775 | $200 | $4,159 | $1,233 |
“Left after budget” is Numbeo’s average monthly net salary minus the modelled single-renter budget. It is a rough gauge of breathing room, not a savings rate, because averages hide who actually earns what.
What does a month cost in Calgary?
A single renter needs about $3,105 a month in Calgary before income tax, a couple about $4,114, and a family of four about $5,031. For a single renter that is 5% more than Edmonton ($2,960). That is sixth most expensive of nine Canadian cities for a single renter's monthly costs.
- Rent
- Groceries
- Utilities, phone, internet
- Transit
- Eating and drinking out
- Gym and movies
Built from Numbeo’s October 2026 prices. Excludes income tax, childcare, car costs, clothing, and travel. Hover or tap a bar for the line-by-line split.
- Single renter: 1 bedroom in the city centre, one transit pass, eating out about once a week plus coffees.
- Couple: 1 bedroom in the city centre, two transit passes, a few nights out a month.
- Family of four: 3 bedroom outside the centre, two adult passes, 2.7 adults' worth of groceries, no childcare or car.
Calgary's rent is the story: a one bedroom in the city centre is $1,736, $529 below Toronto. Utilities at $231 a month push the other way.
Common monthly expenses in Calgary
A single renter in Calgary spends about $3,312 a month on the essentials, a couple about $4,488, and a family of four with one child in childcare about $5,938. Rent is 52% of the single budget, groceries 14%, and transport 4%.
| Monthly expense | Single | Couple | Family of four |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | $1,736 | $1,736 | $2,340 |
| Utilities, phone, internet | $358 | $412 | $470 |
| Groceries | $471 | $847 | $1,271 |
| Transit | $126 | $252 | $252 |
| Eating and drinking out | $284 | $606 | $397 |
| Gym and movies | $130 | $261 | $301 |
| Clothing and shoes | $47 | $94 | $141 |
| Dental, vision, prescriptions | $60 | $120 | $180 |
| Household, subscriptions, personal care | $100 | $160 | $260 |
| Childcare | — | — | $326 |
| Total per month | $3,312 | $4,488 | $5,938 |
| Salary needed to break even | $51,000 | $65,000 | $89,000 |
Single and couple: one-bedroom in the city centre, transit passes. Family: three-bedroom outside the centre, one child in regulated childcare at about $15.03 a day, transit passes. Rent, groceries, utilities, transit, dining and leisure come from Numbeo’s October 2026 prices. Clothing (two pairs of jeans, two dresses or tops, running shoes and business shoes a year per adult), health costs ($60 an adult a month for dental, vision and prescriptions), and household items ($100 to $260) are our assumptions. “Salary needed to break even” is the gross pay whose after-tax income equals the total, with nothing saved.
See also: monthly expenses in Montreal.
Rent in Calgary
A one bedroom in the city centre averages $1,736 a month in Calgary, 13% more than Edmonton ($1,539). Outside the centre it drops to $1,438, and a three bedroom outside the centre is $2,340. That is eighth most expensive of nine Canadian cities for city-centre rent.
| Monthly rent | Calgary | Edmonton | Toronto | Vancouver | Montreal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom, city centre | $1,736 | $1,539 11% lower than Calgary | $2,265 30% higher than Calgary | $2,507 44% higher than Calgary | $1,775 2% higher than Calgary |
| 1 bedroom, outside centre | $1,438 | $1,285 11% lower than Calgary | $2,029 41% higher than Calgary | $2,154 50% higher than Calgary | $1,375 4% lower than Calgary |
| 3 bedroom, city centre | $2,710 | $2,441 10% lower than Calgary | $3,842 42% higher than Calgary | $4,442 64% higher than Calgary | $3,054 13% higher than Calgary |
| 3 bedroom, outside centre | $2,340 | $2,018 14% lower than Calgary | $3,015 29% higher than Calgary | $3,506 50% higher than Calgary | $2,303 2% lower than Calgary |
| Average asking rent, 1 bed (market data) | $1,580 | $1,320 16% lower than Calgary | $2,400 52% higher than Calgary | $2,600 65% higher than Calgary | $1,600 1% higher than Calgary |
| Average asking rent, 2 bed (market data) | $1,900 | $1,600 16% lower than Calgary | $2,700 42% higher than Calgary | $3,150 66% higher than Calgary | $2,050 8% higher than Calgary |
Percentages show the gap from Calgary: red is higher, green is lower (flipped for pay lines).
City-centre and outside-centre rents are Numbeo samples. The “market data” rows are average asking rents from this site’s city comparison data (Rentals.ca and CMHC-based). Asking rents run higher than what sitting tenants pay.
A city-centre one bedroom averages $1,736 in the Numbeo sample and $1,580 in this site's average asking rent data, which is $820 below Toronto. Outside the centre it is $1,438.
Alberta has no rent control, so landlords can raise rent by any amount on a new lease or after proper notice. A single person needs about $69,000 a year before tax to keep a city-centre one bedroom at 30% of gross pay.
See also: rent in Edmonton.
Buying a home in Calgary
The typical Calgary home is about $569,200 (benchmark, CREB, July 2026). Apartments sell for about $475 a square foot in the centre of Calgary, 61% more than Edmonton ($295).
| Buying | Calgary | Edmonton | Toronto | Vancouver | Montreal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical home price | $569,200 | $593,000 4% higher than Calgary | $940,800 65% higher than Calgary | $1,099,100 93% higher than Calgary | $649,000 14% higher than Calgary |
| Detached | $743,900 | $593,000 20% lower than Calgary | $1,360,000 83% higher than Calgary | $1,990,000 168% higher than Calgary | $649,000 13% lower than Calgary |
| Condo apartment | $299,000 | $219,000 27% lower than Calgary | $631,000 111% higher than Calgary | $771,000 158% higher than Calgary | $435,000 45% higher than Calgary |
| Price per sq ft, apartment in centre | $475 | $295 38% lower than Calgary | $998 110% higher than Calgary | $1,099 131% higher than Calgary | $658 39% higher than Calgary |
| Price per sq ft, apartment outside centre | $419 | $252 40% lower than Calgary | $882 110% higher than Calgary | $853 104% higher than Calgary | $493 18% higher than Calgary |
| Property tax rate | 0.63% | 1.04% 65% higher than Calgary | 0.77% 22% higher than Calgary | 0.31% 51% lower than Calgary | 0.76% 21% higher than Calgary |
| Annual tax on a typical home | $3,586 | $6,167 72% higher than Calgary | $7,244 102% higher than Calgary | $3,407 5% lower than Calgary | $4,932 38% higher than Calgary |
Percentages show the gap from Calgary: red is higher, green is lower (flipped for pay lines).
Home prices are MLS board figures, each on the basis shown in our city comparison tool (benchmark, median or average, so compare within a row with care). Price per square foot is Numbeo’s apartment figure.
The City of Calgary benchmark is $569,200 (CREB, July 2026) and the condo benchmark $299,000. Property tax is 0.63%, and Alberta charges no land transfer tax, only small land titles fees.
See our first time home buyer guide for Calgary, the Calgary vs Toronto comparison, and the best neighbourhoods in Calgary for detail.
See also: home prices in Toronto.
Groceries in Calgary
A month of staples for one adult costs about $220 in Calgary, 10% more than Edmonton ($201). Scaled to a real shopping cart that is nearer $471 a month for one adult. That is fourth most expensive of nine Canadian cities for groceries.
| Item | Calgary | Edmonton | Toronto | Vancouver | Montreal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milk (1 L) | $2.88 | $2.33 19% lower than Calgary | $3.50 22% higher than Calgary | $3.12 8% higher than Calgary | $3.20 11% higher than Calgary |
| White bread (1 lb loaf) | $3.49 | $2.76 21% lower than Calgary | $3.50 | $3.32 5% lower than Calgary | $3.99 14% higher than Calgary |
| White rice (1 lb) | $3.55 | $1.91 46% lower than Calgary | $1.41 60% lower than Calgary | $2.90 18% lower than Calgary | $2.05 42% lower than Calgary |
| Eggs (dozen) | $5.27 | $4.95 6% lower than Calgary | $5.01 5% lower than Calgary | $5.82 10% higher than Calgary | $5.12 3% lower than Calgary |
| Cheese (1 lb) | $7.29 | $6.97 4% lower than Calgary | $5.98 18% lower than Calgary | $7.69 5% higher than Calgary | $8.40 15% higher than Calgary |
| Chicken fillets (1 lb) | $7.29 | $7.26 | $7.31 | $8.46 16% higher than Calgary | $7.41 2% higher than Calgary |
| Beef (1 lb) | $11.77 | $11.99 2% higher than Calgary | $9.34 21% lower than Calgary | $12.82 9% higher than Calgary | $8.84 25% lower than Calgary |
| Apples (1 lb) | $3.04 | $2.70 11% lower than Calgary | $2.35 23% lower than Calgary | $2.58 15% lower than Calgary | $2.05 33% lower than Calgary |
| Bananas (1 lb) | $0.91 | $0.88 3% lower than Calgary | $0.76 16% lower than Calgary | $0.88 3% lower than Calgary | $0.95 4% higher than Calgary |
| Oranges (1 lb) | $2.70 | $2.76 2% higher than Calgary | $2.25 17% lower than Calgary | $2.49 8% lower than Calgary | $2.19 19% lower than Calgary |
| Tomatoes (1 lb) | $2.50 | $2.56 2% higher than Calgary | $2.67 7% higher than Calgary | $2.55 2% higher than Calgary | $1.98 21% lower than Calgary |
| Potatoes (1 lb) | $1.75 | $1.39 21% lower than Calgary | $1.19 32% lower than Calgary | $1.73 1% lower than Calgary | $1.22 30% lower than Calgary |
| Onions (1 lb) | $1.73 | $1.16 33% lower than Calgary | $1.05 39% lower than Calgary | $1.84 6% higher than Calgary | $1.16 33% lower than Calgary |
| Lettuce (head) | $3.65 | $3.40 7% lower than Calgary | $3.18 13% lower than Calgary | $3.61 1% lower than Calgary | $3.44 6% lower than Calgary |
| Staples basket, one adult a month | $220 | $201 9% lower than Calgary | $196 11% lower than Calgary | $228 4% higher than Calgary | $200 9% lower than Calgary |
| Typical full grocery bill, one adult (basket x 2.14) | $471 | $429 9% lower than Calgary | $420 11% lower than Calgary | $489 4% higher than Calgary | $428 9% lower than Calgary |
| Mid-range bottle of wine | $22.00 | $16.00 27% lower than Calgary | $20.00 9% lower than Calgary | $20.00 9% lower than Calgary | $15.00 32% lower than Calgary |
| Domestic beer, store bought 16.9 oz | $3.42 | $4.96 45% higher than Calgary | $3.09 10% lower than Calgary | $3.71 8% higher than Calgary | $3.21 6% lower than Calgary |
Percentages show the gap from Calgary: red is higher, green is lower (flipped for pay lines).
Numbeo supermarket prices, October 2026. The staples basket is the quantity of each item above a single adult eats in a month. Staples are about half of a real cart, so the full grocery bill scales the basket by 2.14, calibrated to the $420 Toronto single-adult figure used on our city comparison guides.
Calgary groceries surprise people: the staples basket is $220, 12% more than Toronto's, led by apples, rice, cheese and beef.
See also: grocery prices in Vancouver.
Transportation in Calgary
A monthly transit pass is $126 in Calgary and gasoline is $1.69 a litre. Edmonton is $102 for a pass and $1.61 a litre.
| Getting around | Calgary | Edmonton | Toronto | Vancouver | Montreal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single transit fare | $4.00 | $3.75 6% lower than Calgary | $3.35 16% lower than Calgary | $3.50 13% lower than Calgary | $3.75 6% lower than Calgary |
| Monthly pass | $126.00 | $102.00 19% lower than Calgary | $156.00 24% higher than Calgary | $117.20 7% lower than Calgary | $110.00 13% lower than Calgary |
| Taxi start | $4.50 | $4.10 9% lower than Calgary | $4.25 6% lower than Calgary | $3.80 16% lower than Calgary | $4.50 |
| Taxi per mile | $3.09 | $3.11 1% higher than Calgary | $2.82 9% lower than Calgary | $3.67 19% higher than Calgary | $3.30 7% higher than Calgary |
| Gasoline per litre | $1.69 | $1.61 5% lower than Calgary | $1.76 4% higher than Calgary | $2.00 18% higher than Calgary | $1.89 12% higher than Calgary |
| New VW Golf or similar | $39,580 | $38,840 2% lower than Calgary | $37,000 7% lower than Calgary | $39,000 1% lower than Calgary | $39,370 1% lower than Calgary |
| New Toyota Corolla or similar | $29,685 | $28,955 2% lower than Calgary | $30,251 2% higher than Calgary | $30,009 1% higher than Calgary | $29,935 1% higher than Calgary |
| Driving 1,000 km a month: fuel plus insurance | $294 | $287 2% lower than Calgary | $339 15% higher than Calgary | $347 18% higher than Calgary | $241 18% lower than Calgary |
| Typical annual car insurance (published range; % uses the midpoint) | $1,500 to $1,900 | $1,500 to $1,900 | $1,700 to $2,650 28% higher than Calgary | $1,800 to $2,200 18% higher than Calgary | $700 to $1,000 50% lower than Calgary |
Percentages show the gap from Calgary: red is higher, green is lower (flipped for pay lines).
Numbeo transport prices. Driving cost assumes 1,000 km a month at 9 L/100 km plus the midpoint of the typical annual insurance range, which is published as a range because sources disagree (WealthNorth, Rates.ca and others, 2025-2026) and depends on driver, vehicle and postal code. Excludes the car payment, parking and maintenance.
A Calgary Transit pass is $126, $30 below Toronto. Most Calgarians drive: gas is $1.69 a litre, Alberta's insurance range is roughly $1,500 to $1,900 a year, and premiums rose about 22.6% year over year in Q2 2026 (Applied Systems), the sharpest of the provinces in that survey.
See also: transportation costs in Montreal.
Restaurants, coffee and drinks in Calgary
An inexpensive restaurant meal is $25.00 and a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant is $99 in Calgary, against $28.00 and $108 in Edmonton. A pint is $7.00 and a cappuccino $5.30.
| Eating and drinking out | Calgary | Edmonton | Toronto | Vancouver | Montreal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inexpensive restaurant meal | $25.00 | $28.00 12% higher than Calgary | $25.00 | $25.00 | $26.50 6% higher than Calgary |
| Mid-range dinner for two, three courses | $99.01 | $108.00 9% higher than Calgary | $110.00 11% higher than Calgary | $100.00 1% higher than Calgary | $102.00 3% higher than Calgary |
| Fast-food combo | $15.00 | $14.00 7% lower than Calgary | $15.00 | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| Pint of domestic draught | $7.00 | $8.12 16% higher than Calgary | $9.00 29% higher than Calgary | $8.00 14% higher than Calgary | $9.00 29% higher than Calgary |
| Imported beer, 12 oz | $8.00 | $9.00 13% higher than Calgary | $10.00 25% higher than Calgary | $9.00 13% higher than Calgary | $10.00 25% higher than Calgary |
| Cappuccino | $5.30 | $5.51 4% higher than Calgary | $5.70 8% higher than Calgary | $5.60 6% higher than Calgary | $5.45 3% higher than Calgary |
| Soft drink, 12 oz | $2.78 | $3.25 17% higher than Calgary | $2.94 6% higher than Calgary | $2.97 7% higher than Calgary | $2.80 1% higher than Calgary |
Percentages show the gap from Calgary: red is higher, green is lower (flipped for pay lines).
Numbeo restaurant prices before tax and tip. Add provincial sales tax (5% to 15%) and a 15% to 20% tip on a sit-down meal.
A mid-range dinner for two is $99, about $11 below Toronto, and a pint at $7.00 is the cheapest of the nine cities. With no PST, only 5% GST is added to the bill.
See also: restaurant prices in Alberta.
Utilities, phone and internet in Calgary
Electricity, heat and water for a 915 sq ft apartment, a mobile plan and home internet come to $358 a month in Calgary, 22% less than Edmonton ($462). That is third most expensive of nine Canadian cities for monthly bills.
| Monthly bills | Calgary | Edmonton | Toronto | Vancouver | Montreal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity, heat, water, garbage (915 sq ft) | $231.39 | $323.41 40% higher than Calgary | $171.96 26% lower than Calgary | $116.32 50% lower than Calgary | $110.17 52% lower than Calgary |
| Mobile plan, 10GB or more | $54.42 | $61.65 13% higher than Calgary | $46.20 15% lower than Calgary | $52.26 4% lower than Calgary | $48.75 10% lower than Calgary |
| Home internet, 60 Mbps or more | $72.09 | $76.57 6% higher than Calgary | $68.31 5% lower than Calgary | $73.59 2% higher than Calgary | $60.45 16% lower than Calgary |
| Total | $357.90 | $461.63 29% higher than Calgary | $286.47 20% lower than Calgary | $242.17 32% lower than Calgary | $219.37 39% lower than Calgary |
Percentages show the gap from Calgary: red is higher, green is lower (flipped for pay lines).
Calgary's utilities are $231 a month, 35% more than Toronto. Alberta's deregulated electricity and natural gas markets mean bills swing with the market and with long, cold winters. Compare retailers and consider a fixed-rate contract.
See also: utility bills in Ontario.
Hotels and travel in Calgary
Calgary's hotels are cheaper than Toronto's or Vancouver's: Avison Young's 2025 average daily rate was about $188. Rates jump during the Stampede in July and in peak Banff season.
| Hotels | Calgary | Edmonton | Toronto | Vancouver | Montreal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average daily rate, latest published | $188 | $153 18% lower than Calgary | $261 39% higher than Calgary | $284 51% higher than Calgary | $234 25% higher than Calgary |
| Two-night weekend stay | $375 | $306 18% lower than Calgary | $522 39% higher than Calgary | $568 51% higher than Calgary | $468 25% higher than Calgary |
| Basis | 2025 full year, Avison Young | 2025 full year, Avison Young | 2025 full year, Avison Young (August 2026 monthly: $308, CoStar) | 2025 full year, Avison Young (September 2026 monthly: $373, CoStar) | 2025 full year, Avison Young (August 2026 monthly: $273, CoStar) |
Percentages show the gap from Calgary: red is higher, green is lower (flipped for pay lines).
Average daily rate (ADR) is what hotels actually collect per occupied room across the whole market, not the cheapest listing, and the periods differ by city because published data does. Sources: Avison Young 2025 market review, CoStar (formerly STR) monthly releases, Destination Greater Victoria. Do not compare a 2025 average with a 2026 peak month.
Banff, Canmore and Lake Louise sit 90 minutes to two hours west, and rates there are well above Calgary's. Many visitors stay in Calgary and day-trip.
See also: hotel rates in Canada.
Movies, entertainment and things to do in Calgary
A new-release movie ticket is $20.00 in Calgary, a gym membership $70 a month, and a night out for two (dinner, two movies, two pints) about $153, compared with $159 in Edmonton.
| Leisure and shopping | Calgary | Edmonton | Toronto | Vancouver | Montreal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cinema ticket, new release | $20.00 | $17.62 12% lower than Calgary | $18.00 10% lower than Calgary | $17.50 13% lower than Calgary | $16.00 20% lower than Calgary |
| Monthly gym membership | $70.42 | $60.92 13% lower than Calgary | $51.59 27% lower than Calgary | $55.93 21% lower than Calgary | $42.89 39% lower than Calgary |
| Tennis court, 1 hour on a weekend | $25.88 | $25.48 2% lower than Calgary | $33.20 28% higher than Calgary | $17.59 32% lower than Calgary | $27.44 6% higher than Calgary |
| Night out: dinner for two, two movie tickets, two pints | $153 | $159 4% higher than Calgary | $164 7% higher than Calgary | $151 1% lower than Calgary | $152 1% lower than Calgary |
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or similar) | $82.13 | $61.90 25% lower than Calgary | $74.21 10% lower than Calgary | $81.66 1% lower than Calgary | $82.00 |
| Summer dress, chain store | $56.38 | $65.38 16% higher than Calgary | $56.33 | $46.87 17% lower than Calgary | $54.37 4% lower than Calgary |
| Nike running shoes | $129.41 | $121.17 6% lower than Calgary | $139.86 8% higher than Calgary | $134.00 4% higher than Calgary | $131.94 2% higher than Calgary |
| Men's leather business shoes | $157.08 | $136.29 13% lower than Calgary | $174.28 11% higher than Calgary | $134.65 14% lower than Calgary | $153.85 2% lower than Calgary |
Percentages show the gap from Calgary: red is higher, green is lower (flipped for pay lines).
Numbeo prices. Cinema is a standard adult seat for an international release; premium and online booking fees are extra. Prices for museums, parks, festivals and sport vary by season and event, so check the venue before you budget a day out.
Things to do in Calgary
- Calgary Stampede in July, the biggest event of the year.
- Calgary Zoo, Heritage Park Historical Village, and Telus Spark science centre.
- Bow River pathways, Prince's Island Park, and the Peace Bridge, all free.
- Flames at the Scotiabank Saddledome, Stampeders and Cavalry FC.
- Banff, Lake Louise and Kananaskis for hiking, skiing and lakes.
- Studio Bell and the Glenbow collection for music and art.
- Inglewood, Kensington and 17th Avenue for food and nightlife.
Calgary has the most expensive movie ticket of the nine cities at $20.00 and the priciest gym at $70 a month in the Numbeo sample, so a night out for two comes to $153. The mountains are the offset: day trips and skiing are the best value in the city.
See also: movie and entertainment prices in Edmonton.
Childcare, schools and raising a family in Calgary
Alberta regulated fees average about $15 a day. Private full-day preschool averages $779 a month in Calgary in Numbeo's sample, versus $896 in Edmonton; most families pay far less through regulated childcare.
| Family costs | Calgary | Edmonton | Toronto | Vancouver | Montreal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private full-day preschool, monthly | $779 | $896 15% higher than Calgary | $1,051 35% higher than Calgary | $1,500 93% higher than Calgary | $723 7% lower than Calgary |
| International primary school, yearly | $22,451 | $13,536 40% lower than Calgary | $33,506 49% higher than Calgary | $28,653 28% higher than Calgary | $22,899 2% higher than Calgary |
| 3 bedroom outside the centre, monthly | $2,340 | $2,018 14% lower than Calgary | $3,015 29% higher than Calgary | $3,506 50% higher than Calgary | $2,303 2% lower than Calgary |
| Family of four, monthly budget (no childcare or car) | $5,031 | $4,687 7% lower than Calgary | $5,512 10% higher than Calgary | $6,040 20% higher than Calgary | $4,608 8% lower than Calgary |
Percentages show the gap from Calgary: red is higher, green is lower (flipped for pay lines).
Private preschool and school fees are Numbeo samples. Most Canadian families use regulated childcare, whose fees are set by the province and are far lower than private preschool. Regulated fees: CCPA, The $10-a-day divide: child care fees in Canada in 2026.
Alberta's regulated childcare fees average about $15 a day under the federal program, so a full-time spot costs roughly $330 a month. Private preschool is $779 a month in the Numbeo sample.
See also: childcare costs in Toronto.
Income tax, sales tax and take-home pay in Calgary
On a $100,000 salary a Alberta resident pays about $21,347 in federal and provincial income tax (21.3%), plus roughly $5,770 in CPP and EI, for take-home near $72,883.
| Salary | Alberta | Ontario | British Columbia | Quebec |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income tax on $60,000 | $9,171 (15.3%) | $9,417 (15.7%) | $9,015 (15.0%) | $11,200 (18.7%) |
| Income tax on $100,000 | $21,347 (21.3%) | $21,521 (21.5%) | $20,295 (20.3%) | $25,647 (25.6%) |
| Income tax on $150,000 | $38,410 (25.6%) | $41,626 (27.8%) | $38,433 (25.6%) | $47,596 (31.7%) |
| Take-home on $100,000 after income tax, CPP and EI | $72,883 | $72,709 | $73,935 | QPP and QPIP differ |
| Sales tax | 5% GST only | 13% HST | 5% GST + 7% PST | 5% GST + 9.975% QST |
2026 federal and provincial brackets, basic personal amount only, single filer on employment income. Ontario includes the surtax and Ontario Health Premium; Quebec includes the 16.5% federal abatement. CPP and EI are approximated at 2026 rates ($5,770 at $100,000) and are not deducted from the percentages. Quebec uses QPP and QPIP instead, so its take-home is not shown. Sources: CRA, KPMG, TaxTips.ca.
Alberta has no provincial sales tax and no health premium, and a low 8% bottom rate that applies to the first $61,200. Income tax at $100,000 is $21,347, about $174 less than Ontario.
Alberta's minimum wage is $15.00, the lowest in Canada, so check pay as well as price when comparing job offers.
See also: income tax in Vancouver.
Average salary and minimum wage in Calgary
The average Alberta employee earned about $71,296 a year ($1,371.07 a week) in March 2026, and the minimum wage is $15.00 an hour (the lowest in Canada), or $31,200 a year full-time. After tax that minimum-wage worker keeps about $2,192 a month, against $3,014 for a modelled single budget even outside the centre, a shortfall of $822.
| Earnings | Calgary | Edmonton | Toronto | Vancouver | Montreal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly earnings (province, March 2026) | $1,371.07 | $1,371.07 | $1,368.71 | $1,348.36 2% lower than Calgary | $1,283.60 6% lower than Calgary |
| Average yearly earnings (weekly x 52) | $71,296 | $71,296 | $71,173 | $70,115 2% lower than Calgary | $66,747 6% lower than Calgary |
| Average monthly net pay reported by Numbeo | $4,372 | $4,855 11% higher than Calgary | $5,022 15% higher than Calgary | $5,132 17% higher than Calgary | $4,159 5% lower than Calgary |
| Minimum wage per hour | $15.00 | $15.00 | $17.95 20% higher than Calgary | $18.25 22% higher than Calgary | $16.60 11% higher than Calgary |
| Full-time minimum wage, gross a year (2,080 hours) | $31,200 | $31,200 | $37,336 20% higher than Calgary | $37,960 22% higher than Calgary | $34,528 11% higher than Calgary |
| Hours of minimum-wage work to pay a city-centre 1 bedroom | 116 hours | 103 hours 11% lower than Calgary | 126 hours 9% higher than Calgary | 137 hours 19% higher than Calgary | 107 hours 8% lower than Calgary |
| Full-time minimum wage, take-home a month | $2,192 | $2,192 | $2,515 15% higher than Calgary | $2,575 17% higher than Calgary | $2,302 5% higher than Calgary |
Percentages show the gap from Calgary: red is higher, green is lower (flipped for pay lines).
Average weekly earnings: Statistics Canada, Survey of Employment, Payroll and Hours, March 2026 (all employees, including overtime, seasonally adjusted). These are means, so they run above what a typical worker earns; Statistics Canada’s city-level median is lower than the provincial mean. Minimum wages are the general adult rates in force on October 25, 2026 (Ontario $17.95 from October 1; verify before payroll decisions). The US and Australian minimums are converted at C$1 = US$0.702 and A$1.011; US states and some cities set higher rates. “Numbeo net pay” is a crowd-sourced sample.
See also: wages and minimum wage in Alberta.
Can you live in Calgary on your salary?
On $60,000 a year a single person in Calgary takes home about $3,874 a month. A city-centre one bedroom puts the modelled budget at $3,312, which leaves $562 (manageable). Moving outside the centre leaves $860 (comfortable). Adjust the calculator below to your own income, household and choices.
Household
Where you live
Getting around
Enter income as
Manageable in Calgary
You cover the budget and keep a small cushion, but a surprise bill would hurt. After tax you keep about $3,874 a month against a modelled budget of $3,312, which leaves $562.
Take-home pay
$3,874/mo
$9,171 income tax and $4,340 payroll deductions a year
Monthly budget
$3,312/mo
Rent, bills, food, transport, fun, family
Left over
$562/mo
Before saving, debt payments and travel
Where the money goes
- Rent$1,736
- Utilities, phone, internet$358
- Groceries$471
- Transit$126
- Eating and drinking out$284
- Gym and movies$130
- Clothing and shoes$47
- Dental, vision, prescriptions$60
- Household, subscriptions, personal care$100
Rent is 35% of gross income here, above the 30% guideline lenders and landlords use. To keep 15% of take-home after this budget in Calgary you would need roughly $61,000 a year.
How this works: take-home uses 2026 federal and provincial income tax plus CPP and EI (Quebec uses QPP and QPIP; the US figure adds Social Security, Medicare and a 4% state tax; Australia adds the Medicare levy). Couples and families are two equal earners. Expenses use October 2026 Numbeo prices with our assumptions for clothing, health costs ($60 an adult), household items, and a car financed over five years at 6%. It ignores the Canada Child Benefit, GST credit, RRSP deductions and employer benefits, so real take-home may be higher.
What each salary leaves you in Calgary
| Gross income | Take-home (single, monthly) | Single left over | Couple left over | Family left over |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 a year | $2,708 | -$604 (Not enough) | -$1,455 (Not enough) | -$2,905 (Not enough) |
| $50,000 a year | $3,295 | -$17 (Not enough) | -$832 (Not enough) | -$2,282 (Not enough) |
| $60,000 a year | $3,874 | $562 (Manageable) | -$245 (Not enough) | -$1,695 (Not enough) |
| $75,000 a year | $4,659 | $1,347 (Comfortable) | $636 (Manageable) | -$814 (Not enough) |
| $100,000 a year | $6,074 | $2,762 (Comfortable) | $2,103 (Comfortable) | $653 (Manageable) |
| $150,000 a year | $8,818 | $5,506 (Comfortable) | $4,830 (Comfortable) | $3,380 (Comfortable) |
Left over is monthly take-home minus the modelled budget, before saving, debt payments and travel. Single: one-bedroom in the city centre. Couple: the figure is household income from two equal earners, one-bedroom in the centre. Family: household income from two earners, three-bedroom outside the centre, one child in regulated childcare. Everyone uses transit.
Can you live on $3,000 a month in Calgary?
Most searches for a monthly figure mean pay after tax. The table converts each monthly take-home into the gross salary that produces it in Calgary, then shows what a single person has left after rent in the centre or outside it.
| Monthly take-home | Gross salary needed | Left over, outside centre | Left over, city centre |
|---|---|---|---|
| $2,500 a month | $36,447 | -$514 (Not enough) | -$812 (Not enough) |
| $3,000 a month | $44,968 | -$14 (Not enough) | -$312 (Not enough) |
| $3,500 a month | $53,489 | $486 (Manageable) | $188 (Manageable) |
| $4,000 a month | $62,401 | $986 (Comfortable) | $688 (Comfortable) |
| $5,000 a month | $81,246 | $1,986 (Comfortable) | $1,688 (Comfortable) |
See also: what a salary buys in Ontario.
What salary do you need to live in Calgary?
A single person in Calgary needs about $46,000 a year to break even outside the centre and about $61,000 to rent in the city centre and still keep 15% of take-home. A couple needs $78,000 in household income and a family of four $107,000.
| Gross salary needed | Calgary |
|---|---|
| Single, bare minimum (outside the centre, transit, break even) | $46,000 |
| Single, comfortable (city centre, transit, 15% left) | $61,000 |
| Single with a car (outside the centre, 15% left) | $72,000 |
| Couple, comfortable (household income, centre, transit, 15% left) | $78,000 |
| Family of four, comfortable (household income, outside the centre, one child in childcare, 15% left) | $107,000 |
| Rent at 30% of gross pay (single, centre one-bedroom) | $70,000 |
Gross pay before tax, rounded up to the nearest $1,000, from the same model as the calculator. “Comfortable” means 15% of after-tax income remains after the budget for saving, debt and travel. Couples and families assume two equal earners. A car adds a loan on a new compact (10% down, 6%, five years), fuel for 1,000 km a month, insurance and upkeep.
See also: salary needed in Canada.
Is $100,000 a good salary in Calgary?
$100,000 is about 140% of the alberta average of $71,296, which makes it above average in Calgary. A single person renting in the city centre on $100,000 keeps about $6,074 a month after tax and has $2,762 left over after the modelled budget (comfortable).
| Salary | Versus the alberta average | How it ranks | Single left over (centre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 a year | 56% of average | Below average | -$604 (Not enough) |
| $60,000 a year | 84% of average | Around average | $562 (Manageable) |
| $75,000 a year | 105% of average | Around average | $1,347 (Comfortable) |
| $100,000 a year | 140% of average | Above average | $2,762 (Comfortable) |
| $150,000 a year | 210% of average | High | $5,506 (Comfortable) |
| $200,000 a year | 281% of average | Very high | $8,019 (Comfortable) |
The average is a mean from Statistics Canada (provinces) or implied by Numbeo’s net pay (countries), so a typical worker earns less than it. A salary that is “good” against the average can still be tight for one person who rents downtown or for a family on a single income; use the calculator above for your own situation.
See also: salary benchmarks in Edmonton.
Why Calgary costs what it does
- Lower housing demand per capita than Toronto or Vancouver keeps rents and prices down.
- No PST, no land transfer tax and lower income tax lower the cost of living on paper.
- Distance: food is trucked in and Alberta groceries cost more than Ontario's competitive market.
- Deregulated utilities swing with energy markets and winters.
- Pay: Calgary salaries are among the highest outside Toronto and Vancouver, and energy and finance jobs lift the average.
Is Calgary right for your budget?
It suits you if
- You want to buy a home without a Toronto or Vancouver price.
- You are comfortable driving and want the Rockies close by.
- You work in energy, engineering, finance or tech.
Think twice if
- You are budget-sensitive on utilities and car insurance, both rising.
- You want a rent-controlled home or a car-free city.
- You dislike long, dry winters.
The bottom line
Calgary is the cost of living sweet spot for people who want a big city, a house and the mountains without a Toronto or Vancouver price tag.
Your savings come from housing and taxes. Watch utilities, car insurance and groceries, where Calgary is not the bargain you might expect.
Edmonton is cheaper again if you do not need to live near Banff.