Cost of Living · Updated October 25, 2026 · 14 min read
Cost of Living in Edmonton (2026): Rent, Groceries, Utilities and More
Edmonton has the lowest rent of the nine Canadian cities we track and the lowest gas price, which leaves a single renter about $1,895 a month after the modelled budget on Numbeo's average net salary, the most of any city. The catch is utilities, the highest in the country at $323 a month.
A single renter needs about $2,960 a month before income tax, 16% less than Toronto and 5% less than Calgary. This guide prices every part of life in Edmonton in October 2026, from groceries and gas to hotels and movie tickets, and sets each next to Calgary, Toronto, Vancouver and Halifax.
Edmonton cost of living at a glance
How the other places compare with Edmonton, overall
Calgary
- Costs
- 2% higher
- Pay
- 5% lower
Toronto
- Costs
- 23% higher
- Pay
- 2% higher
Vancouver
- Costs
- 31% higher
- Pay
- 2% higher
Halifax
- Costs
- 15% higher
- Pay
- 16% lower
Average gap from Edmonton 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 | Edmonton | Calgary | Toronto | Vancouver | Halifax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly budget (renter, before income tax) | |||||
| Single renter | $2,960 | $3,105 5% higher than Edmonton | $3,538 20% higher than Edmonton | $3,754 27% higher than Edmonton | $3,381 14% higher than Edmonton |
| Couple | $3,935 | $4,114 5% higher than Edmonton | $4,535 15% higher than Edmonton | $4,752 21% higher than Edmonton | $4,349 11% higher than Edmonton |
| Family of four (no childcare or car) | $4,687 | $5,031 7% higher than Edmonton | $5,512 18% higher than Edmonton | $6,040 29% higher than Edmonton | $5,334 14% higher than Edmonton |
| Housing | |||||
| 1 bedroom, city centre | $1,539 | $1,736 13% higher than Edmonton | $2,265 47% higher than Edmonton | $2,507 63% higher than Edmonton | $2,060 34% higher than Edmonton |
| 1 bedroom, outside centre | $1,285 | $1,438 12% higher than Edmonton | $2,029 58% higher than Edmonton | $2,154 68% higher than Edmonton | $1,785 39% higher than Edmonton |
| 3 bedroom, outside centre | $2,018 | $2,340 16% higher than Edmonton | $3,015 49% higher than Edmonton | $3,506 74% higher than Edmonton | $2,755 37% higher than Edmonton |
| Typical home price | $593,000 | $569,200 4% lower than Edmonton | $940,800 59% higher than Edmonton | $1,099,100 85% higher than Edmonton | $557,300 6% lower than Edmonton |
| Apartment price per sq ft, centre | $295 | $475 61% higher than Edmonton | $998 238% higher than Edmonton | $1,099 272% higher than Edmonton | $478 62% higher than Edmonton |
| Property tax rate | 1.04% | 0.63% 39% lower than Edmonton | 0.77% 26% lower than Edmonton | 0.31% 70% lower than Edmonton | 1.18% 13% higher than Edmonton |
| Food and drink | |||||
| Groceries, one adult (full cart) | $429 | $471 10% higher than Edmonton | $420 2% lower than Edmonton | $489 14% higher than Edmonton | $476 11% higher than Edmonton |
| Inexpensive restaurant meal | $28.00 | $25.00 11% lower than Edmonton | $25.00 11% lower than Edmonton | $25.00 11% lower than Edmonton | $25.00 11% lower than Edmonton |
| Dinner for two, mid-range | $108 | $99 8% lower than Edmonton | $110 2% higher than Edmonton | $100 7% lower than Edmonton | $103 5% lower than Edmonton |
| Pint of draught beer | $8.12 | $7.00 14% lower than Edmonton | $9.00 11% higher than Edmonton | $8.00 1% lower than Edmonton | $8.00 1% lower than Edmonton |
| Cappuccino | $5.51 | $5.30 4% lower than Edmonton | $5.70 3% higher than Edmonton | $5.60 2% higher than Edmonton | $6.14 11% higher than Edmonton |
| Transportation | |||||
| Monthly transit pass | $102 | $126 24% higher than Edmonton | $156 53% higher than Edmonton | $117 15% higher than Edmonton | $90 12% lower than Edmonton |
| Gasoline per litre | $1.61 | $1.69 5% higher than Edmonton | $1.76 9% higher than Edmonton | $2.00 24% higher than Edmonton | $1.85 15% higher than Edmonton |
| Car insurance, per year (midpoint of range) | $1,700 | $1,700 | $2,175 28% higher than Edmonton | $2,000 18% higher than Edmonton | $1,400 18% lower than Edmonton |
| Bills | |||||
| Utilities (915 sq ft) | $323 | $231 28% lower than Edmonton | $172 47% lower than Edmonton | $116 64% lower than Edmonton | $203 37% lower than Edmonton |
| Mobile plan | $62 | $54 12% lower than Edmonton | $46 25% lower than Edmonton | $52 15% lower than Edmonton | $60 2% lower than Edmonton |
| Home internet | $77 | $72 6% lower than Edmonton | $68 11% lower than Edmonton | $74 4% lower than Edmonton | $95 24% higher than Edmonton |
| Fun and travel | |||||
| Movie ticket | $17.62 | $20.00 14% higher than Edmonton | $18.00 2% higher than Edmonton | $17.50 1% lower than Edmonton | $16.00 9% lower than Edmonton |
| Gym membership | $61 | $70 16% higher than Edmonton | $52 15% lower than Edmonton | $56 8% lower than Edmonton | $53 14% lower than Edmonton |
| Night out for two | $159 | $153 4% lower than Edmonton | $164 3% higher than Edmonton | $151 5% lower than Edmonton | $151 6% lower than Edmonton |
| Hotel average daily rate | $153 | $188 23% higher than Edmonton | $261 70% higher than Edmonton | $284 86% higher than Edmonton | $279 82% higher than Edmonton |
| Family | |||||
| Regulated childcare, per child per day | $15.03 | $15.03 | $22.00 46% higher than Edmonton | $40.00 166% higher than Edmonton | $30.00 100% higher than Edmonton |
| Private preschool, per month | $896 | $779 13% lower than Edmonton | $1,051 17% higher than Edmonton | $1,500 67% higher than Edmonton | $1,344 50% higher than Edmonton |
| Pay and tax | |||||
| Average yearly earnings | $71,296 | $71,296 | $71,173 | $70,115 2% lower than Edmonton | $62,963 12% lower than Edmonton |
| Net salary per month (Numbeo) | $4,855 | $4,372 10% lower than Edmonton | $5,022 3% higher than Edmonton | $5,132 6% higher than Edmonton | $3,900 20% lower than Edmonton |
| Minimum wage per hour | $15.00 | $15.00 | $17.95 20% higher than Edmonton | $18.25 22% higher than Edmonton | $17.00 13% higher than Edmonton |
| Tax and payroll on $100,000 | $27,117 | $27,117 | $27,291 1% higher than Edmonton | $26,065 4% lower than Edmonton | $32,830 21% higher than Edmonton |
| Sales tax | 5% GST (no provincial sales tax) | 5% GST (no provincial sales tax) | 13% HST | 5% GST + 7% PST | 14% HST |
| Salary needed (single person) | |||||
| To break even, outside the centre | $44,000 | $46,000 5% higher than Edmonton | $54,000 23% higher than Edmonton | $56,000 27% higher than Edmonton | $55,000 25% higher than Edmonton |
| To live comfortably in the centre | $58,000 | $61,000 5% higher than Edmonton | $71,000 22% higher than Edmonton | $75,000 29% higher than Edmonton | $73,000 26% higher than Edmonton |
Percentages show the gap from Edmonton: 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 Edmonton, 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 | $3,105 | $1,736 | $220 | $4,372 | $1,267 |
| Hamilton | $3,023 | $1,778 | $189 | $4,274 | $1,251 |
| Edmonton (this guide) | $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 Edmonton?
A single renter needs about $2,960 a month in Edmonton before income tax, a couple about $3,935, and a family of four about $4,687. For a single renter that is 5% less than Calgary ($3,105). That is eighth 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.
Edmonton's rent advantage is large: a one bedroom in the city centre is $1,539, $726 below Toronto and $968 below Vancouver. The family budget ($4,687) is the lowest of the five places shown, led by a three bedroom outside the centre at $2,018.
Common monthly expenses in Edmonton
A single renter in Edmonton spends about $3,163 a month on the essentials, a couple about $4,300, and a family of four with one child in childcare about $5,581. Rent is 49% of the single budget, groceries 14%, and transport 3%.
| Monthly expense | Single | Couple | Family of four |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | $1,539 | $1,539 | $2,018 |
| Utilities, phone, internet | $462 | $523 | $604 |
| Groceries | $429 | $773 | $1,159 |
| Transit | $102 | $204 | $204 |
| Eating and drinking out | $314 | $668 | $439 |
| Gym and movies | $114 | $228 | $263 |
| Clothing and shoes | $43 | $85 | $128 |
| Dental, vision, prescriptions | $60 | $120 | $180 |
| Household, subscriptions, personal care | $100 | $160 | $260 |
| Childcare | — | — | $326 |
| Total per month | $3,163 | $4,300 | $5,581 |
| Salary needed to break even | $48,000 | $61,000 | $83,000 |
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 Vancouver.
Rent in Edmonton
A one bedroom in the city centre averages $1,539 a month in Edmonton, 11% less than Calgary ($1,736). Outside the centre it drops to $1,285, and a three bedroom outside the centre is $2,018. That is the cheapest of the nine Canadian cities we track for city-centre rent.
| Monthly rent | Edmonton | Calgary | Toronto | Vancouver | Halifax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom, city centre | $1,539 | $1,736 13% higher than Edmonton | $2,265 47% higher than Edmonton | $2,507 63% higher than Edmonton | $2,060 34% higher than Edmonton |
| 1 bedroom, outside centre | $1,285 | $1,438 12% higher than Edmonton | $2,029 58% higher than Edmonton | $2,154 68% higher than Edmonton | $1,785 39% higher than Edmonton |
| 3 bedroom, city centre | $2,441 | $2,710 11% higher than Edmonton | $3,842 57% higher than Edmonton | $4,442 82% higher than Edmonton | $3,486 43% higher than Edmonton |
| 3 bedroom, outside centre | $2,018 | $2,340 16% higher than Edmonton | $3,015 49% higher than Edmonton | $3,506 74% higher than Edmonton | $2,755 37% higher than Edmonton |
| Average asking rent, 1 bed (market data) | $1,320 | $1,580 20% higher than Edmonton | $2,400 82% higher than Edmonton | $2,600 97% higher than Edmonton | $1,550 17% higher than Edmonton |
| Average asking rent, 2 bed (market data) | $1,600 | $1,900 19% higher than Edmonton | $2,700 69% higher than Edmonton | $3,150 97% higher than Edmonton | $1,826 14% higher than Edmonton |
Percentages show the gap from Edmonton: 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.
Edmonton's average one bedroom is $1,539 in the city centre and $1,285 outside it in the Numbeo sample, and this site's average asking rent data is $1,320 for a one bedroom and $1,600 for a two. A single person needs about $62,000 a year before tax to keep a city-centre one bedroom at 30% of gross pay.
Alberta has no rent control, so increases on a new lease are unrestricted.
See also: rent in Calgary.
Buying a home in Edmonton
The typical Edmonton home is about $593,000 (average detached price, REALTORS Association of Edmonton, June 2026). Apartments sell for about $295 a square foot in the centre of Edmonton, 38% less than Calgary ($475).
| Buying | Edmonton | Calgary | Toronto | Vancouver | Halifax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical home price | $593,000 | $569,200 4% lower than Edmonton | $940,800 59% higher than Edmonton | $1,099,100 85% higher than Edmonton | $557,300 6% lower than Edmonton |
| Detached | $593,000 | $743,900 25% higher than Edmonton | $1,360,000 129% higher than Edmonton | $1,990,000 236% higher than Edmonton | $610,000 3% higher than Edmonton |
| Condo apartment | $219,000 | $299,000 37% higher than Edmonton | $631,000 188% higher than Edmonton | $771,000 252% higher than Edmonton | $420,000 92% higher than Edmonton |
| Price per sq ft, apartment in centre | $295 | $475 61% higher than Edmonton | $998 238% higher than Edmonton | $1,099 272% higher than Edmonton | $478 62% higher than Edmonton |
| Price per sq ft, apartment outside centre | $252 | $419 66% higher than Edmonton | $882 249% higher than Edmonton | $853 238% higher than Edmonton | $386 53% higher than Edmonton |
| Property tax rate | 1.04% | 0.63% 39% lower than Edmonton | 0.77% 26% lower than Edmonton | 0.31% 70% lower than Edmonton | 1.18% 13% higher than Edmonton |
| Annual tax on a typical home | $6,167 | $3,586 42% lower than Edmonton | $7,244 17% higher than Edmonton | $3,407 45% lower than Edmonton | $6,576 7% higher than Edmonton |
Percentages show the gap from Edmonton: 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 REALTORS Association of Edmonton reported a June 2026 detached average of about $593,000 and an apartment condo average of about $219,000, with price per square foot at $295 in the centre, the lowest we track. Property tax is about 1.04% of value and Alberta has no land transfer tax.
See our best neighbourhoods in Edmonton for area-by-area prices.
See also: home prices in Toronto.
Groceries in Edmonton
A month of staples for one adult costs about $201 in Edmonton, 9% less than Calgary ($220). Scaled to a real shopping cart that is nearer $429 a month for one adult. That is sixth most expensive of nine Canadian cities for groceries.
| Item | Edmonton | Calgary | Toronto | Vancouver | Halifax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milk (1 L) | $2.33 | $2.88 24% higher than Edmonton | $3.50 50% higher than Edmonton | $3.12 34% higher than Edmonton | $3.29 41% higher than Edmonton |
| White bread (1 lb loaf) | $2.76 | $3.49 26% higher than Edmonton | $3.50 27% higher than Edmonton | $3.32 20% higher than Edmonton | $3.47 26% higher than Edmonton |
| White rice (1 lb) | $1.91 | $3.55 86% higher than Edmonton | $1.41 26% lower than Edmonton | $2.90 52% higher than Edmonton | $2.53 32% higher than Edmonton |
| Eggs (dozen) | $4.95 | $5.27 6% higher than Edmonton | $5.01 1% higher than Edmonton | $5.82 18% higher than Edmonton | $5.38 9% higher than Edmonton |
| Cheese (1 lb) | $6.97 | $7.29 5% higher than Edmonton | $5.98 14% lower than Edmonton | $7.69 10% higher than Edmonton | $5.76 17% lower than Edmonton |
| Chicken fillets (1 lb) | $7.26 | $7.29 | $7.31 1% higher than Edmonton | $8.46 17% higher than Edmonton | $8.23 13% higher than Edmonton |
| Beef (1 lb) | $11.99 | $11.77 2% lower than Edmonton | $9.34 22% lower than Edmonton | $12.82 7% higher than Edmonton | $9.41 22% lower than Edmonton |
| Apples (1 lb) | $2.70 | $3.04 13% higher than Edmonton | $2.35 13% lower than Edmonton | $2.58 4% lower than Edmonton | $3.32 23% higher than Edmonton |
| Bananas (1 lb) | $0.88 | $0.91 3% higher than Edmonton | $0.76 14% lower than Edmonton | $0.88 | $1.16 32% higher than Edmonton |
| Oranges (1 lb) | $2.76 | $2.70 2% lower than Edmonton | $2.25 18% lower than Edmonton | $2.49 10% lower than Edmonton | $2.76 |
| Tomatoes (1 lb) | $2.56 | $2.50 2% lower than Edmonton | $2.67 4% higher than Edmonton | $2.55 | $3.22 26% higher than Edmonton |
| Potatoes (1 lb) | $1.39 | $1.75 26% higher than Edmonton | $1.19 14% lower than Edmonton | $1.73 24% higher than Edmonton | $1.74 25% higher than Edmonton |
| Onions (1 lb) | $1.16 | $1.73 49% higher than Edmonton | $1.05 9% lower than Edmonton | $1.84 59% higher than Edmonton | $1.91 65% higher than Edmonton |
| Lettuce (head) | $3.40 | $3.65 7% higher than Edmonton | $3.18 6% lower than Edmonton | $3.61 6% higher than Edmonton | $3.75 10% higher than Edmonton |
| Staples basket, one adult a month | $201 | $220 10% higher than Edmonton | $196 2% lower than Edmonton | $228 14% higher than Edmonton | $222 11% higher than Edmonton |
| Typical full grocery bill, one adult (basket x 2.14) | $429 | $471 10% higher than Edmonton | $420 2% lower than Edmonton | $489 14% higher than Edmonton | $476 11% higher than Edmonton |
| Mid-range bottle of wine | $16.00 | $22.00 38% higher than Edmonton | $20.00 25% higher than Edmonton | $20.00 25% higher than Edmonton | $24.00 50% higher than Edmonton |
| Domestic beer, store bought 16.9 oz | $4.96 | $3.42 31% lower than Edmonton | $3.09 38% lower than Edmonton | $3.71 25% lower than Edmonton | $6.58 33% higher than Edmonton |
Percentages show the gap from Edmonton: 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.
Edmonton's staples basket is $201, 9% less than Calgary's, with the cheapest milk of the nine cities ($2.33 a litre) and some of the cheapest bread. Beef at $11.99 a pound is the one big-ticket item above the national average.
See also: grocery prices in Vancouver.
Transportation in Edmonton
A monthly transit pass is $102 in Edmonton and gasoline is $1.61 a litre. Calgary is $126 for a pass and $1.69 a litre.
| Getting around | Edmonton | Calgary | Toronto | Vancouver | Halifax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single transit fare | $3.75 | $4.00 7% higher than Edmonton | $3.35 11% lower than Edmonton | $3.50 7% lower than Edmonton | $3.00 20% lower than Edmonton |
| Monthly pass | $102.00 | $126.00 24% higher than Edmonton | $156.00 53% higher than Edmonton | $117.20 15% higher than Edmonton | $90.00 12% lower than Edmonton |
| Taxi start | $4.10 | $4.50 10% higher than Edmonton | $4.25 4% higher than Edmonton | $3.80 7% lower than Edmonton | $4.70 15% higher than Edmonton |
| Taxi per mile | $3.11 | $3.09 1% lower than Edmonton | $2.82 9% lower than Edmonton | $3.67 18% higher than Edmonton | $2.82 9% lower than Edmonton |
| Gasoline per litre | $1.61 | $1.69 5% higher than Edmonton | $1.76 9% higher than Edmonton | $2.00 24% higher than Edmonton | $1.85 15% higher than Edmonton |
| New VW Golf or similar | $38,840 | $39,580 2% higher than Edmonton | $37,000 5% lower than Edmonton | $39,000 | $39,580 2% higher than Edmonton |
| New Toyota Corolla or similar | $28,955 | $29,685 3% higher than Edmonton | $30,251 4% higher than Edmonton | $30,009 4% higher than Edmonton | $31,014 7% higher than Edmonton |
| Driving 1,000 km a month: fuel plus insurance | $287 | $294 2% higher than Edmonton | $339 18% higher than Edmonton | $347 21% higher than Edmonton | $284 1% lower than Edmonton |
| 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 Edmonton | $1,800 to $2,200 18% higher than Edmonton | $1,000 to $1,800 18% lower than Edmonton |
Percentages show the gap from Edmonton: 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.
Edmonton Transit's monthly pass is $102 and gasoline is $1.61 a litre, the cheapest in the country. Most residents drive: winter means plug-in block heaters and winter tyres, and Alberta insurance rose sharply in 2026. The Valley Line LRT has served Mill Woods since 2023 and the west extension is due in 2028.
See also: transportation costs in Halifax.
Restaurants, coffee and drinks in Edmonton
An inexpensive restaurant meal is $28.00 and a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant is $108 in Edmonton, against $25.00 and $99 in Calgary. A pint is $8.12 and a cappuccino $5.51.
| Eating and drinking out | Edmonton | Calgary | Toronto | Vancouver | Halifax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inexpensive restaurant meal | $28.00 | $25.00 11% lower than Edmonton | $25.00 11% lower than Edmonton | $25.00 11% lower than Edmonton | $25.00 11% lower than Edmonton |
| Mid-range dinner for two, three courses | $108.00 | $99.01 8% lower than Edmonton | $110.00 2% higher than Edmonton | $100.00 7% lower than Edmonton | $102.50 5% lower than Edmonton |
| Fast-food combo | $14.00 | $15.00 7% higher than Edmonton | $15.00 7% higher than Edmonton | $15.00 7% higher than Edmonton | $15.00 7% higher than Edmonton |
| Pint of domestic draught | $8.12 | $7.00 14% lower than Edmonton | $9.00 11% higher than Edmonton | $8.00 1% lower than Edmonton | $8.00 1% lower than Edmonton |
| Imported beer, 12 oz | $9.00 | $8.00 11% lower than Edmonton | $10.00 11% higher than Edmonton | $9.00 | $9.00 |
| Cappuccino | $5.51 | $5.30 4% lower than Edmonton | $5.70 3% higher than Edmonton | $5.60 2% higher than Edmonton | $6.14 11% higher than Edmonton |
| Soft drink, 12 oz | $3.25 | $2.78 14% lower than Edmonton | $2.94 10% lower than Edmonton | $2.97 9% lower than Edmonton | $3.26 |
Percentages show the gap from Edmonton: 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 $108 and an inexpensive meal $28.00, the highest meal price of the nine cities in this sample. A pint is $8.12. With no PST, only 5% GST is added.
See also: restaurant prices in Alberta.
Utilities, phone and internet in Edmonton
Electricity, heat and water for a 915 sq ft apartment, a mobile plan and home internet come to $462 a month in Edmonton, 29% more than Calgary ($358). That is the most expensive of the nine Canadian cities we track for monthly bills.
| Monthly bills | Edmonton | Calgary | Toronto | Vancouver | Halifax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity, heat, water, garbage (915 sq ft) | $323.41 | $231.39 28% lower than Edmonton | $171.96 47% lower than Edmonton | $116.32 64% lower than Edmonton | $202.88 37% lower than Edmonton |
| Mobile plan, 10GB or more | $61.65 | $54.42 12% lower than Edmonton | $46.20 25% lower than Edmonton | $52.26 15% lower than Edmonton | $60.14 2% lower than Edmonton |
| Home internet, 60 Mbps or more | $76.57 | $72.09 6% lower than Edmonton | $68.31 11% lower than Edmonton | $73.59 4% lower than Edmonton | $95.03 24% higher than Edmonton |
| Total | $461.63 | $357.90 22% lower than Edmonton | $286.47 38% lower than Edmonton | $242.17 48% lower than Edmonton | $358.05 22% lower than Edmonton |
Percentages show the gap from Edmonton: red is higher, green is lower (flipped for pay lines).
Utilities cost $323 a month in the sample, the highest of the nine cities and nearly triple Montreal's $110. Alberta's deregulated power and gas markets and long cold winters drive it. A fixed-rate retailer contract can steady bills.
See also: utility bills in Ontario.
Hotels and travel in Edmonton
Edmonton is the cheapest hotel market among the big five: Avison Young put the 2025 average daily rate at $153, and the market's 2025 occupancy of 59.8% was the lowest of the group, which keeps rates down.
| Hotels | Edmonton | Calgary | Toronto | Vancouver | Halifax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average daily rate, latest published | $153 | $188 23% higher than Edmonton | $261 70% higher than Edmonton | $284 86% higher than Edmonton | $279 82% higher than Edmonton |
| Two-night weekend stay | $306 | $375 23% higher than Edmonton | $522 70% higher than Edmonton | $568 86% higher than Edmonton | $558 82% higher than Edmonton |
| 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) | 2026 CoStar outlook estimate (no published 2025 actual) |
Percentages show the gap from Edmonton: 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.
Festival weeks, especially the Fringe in August, and Oilers playoff runs raise rates. Jasper is about four hours west.
See also: hotel rates in Nova Scotia.
Movies, entertainment and things to do in Edmonton
A new-release movie ticket is $17.62 in Edmonton, a gym membership $61 a month, and a night out for two (dinner, two movies, two pints) about $159, compared with $153 in Calgary.
| Leisure and shopping | Edmonton | Calgary | Toronto | Vancouver | Halifax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cinema ticket, new release | $17.62 | $20.00 14% higher than Edmonton | $18.00 2% higher than Edmonton | $17.50 1% lower than Edmonton | $16.00 9% lower than Edmonton |
| Monthly gym membership | $60.92 | $70.42 16% higher than Edmonton | $51.59 15% lower than Edmonton | $55.93 8% lower than Edmonton | $52.50 14% lower than Edmonton |
| Tennis court, 1 hour on a weekend | $25.48 | $25.88 2% higher than Edmonton | $33.20 30% higher than Edmonton | $17.59 31% lower than Edmonton | $25.62 1% higher than Edmonton |
| Night out: dinner for two, two movie tickets, two pints | $159 | $153 4% lower than Edmonton | $164 3% higher than Edmonton | $151 5% lower than Edmonton | $151 6% lower than Edmonton |
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or similar) | $61.90 | $82.13 33% higher than Edmonton | $74.21 20% higher than Edmonton | $81.66 32% higher than Edmonton | $84.70 37% higher than Edmonton |
| Summer dress, chain store | $65.38 | $56.38 14% lower than Edmonton | $56.33 14% lower than Edmonton | $46.87 28% lower than Edmonton | $46.73 29% lower than Edmonton |
| Nike running shoes | $121.17 | $129.41 7% higher than Edmonton | $139.86 15% higher than Edmonton | $134.00 11% higher than Edmonton | $141.25 17% higher than Edmonton |
| Men's leather business shoes | $136.29 | $157.08 15% higher than Edmonton | $174.28 28% higher than Edmonton | $134.65 1% lower than Edmonton | $161.54 19% higher than Edmonton |
Percentages show the gap from Edmonton: 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 Edmonton
- The North Saskatchewan River Valley, Canada's largest stretch of urban parkland, has more than 150 km of trails and is free.
- West Edmonton Mall's Galaxyland amusement park and World Waterpark.
- Edmonton International Fringe Festival in August, one of the largest in North America, and the Folk Music Festival.
- Oilers at Rogers Place, Elks and FC Edmonton.
- Royal Alberta Museum, Art Gallery of Alberta and Muttart Conservatory.
- Fort Edmonton Park and Elk Island National Park.
- Whyte Avenue and the 124 Street area for restaurants and nightlife.
A movie ticket is $17.62, a gym $61 a month, and a night out for two about $159. Festivals and river-valley recreation are the best cheap entertainment.
See also: movie and entertainment prices in Canada.
Childcare, schools and raising a family in Edmonton
Alberta regulated fees average about $15 a day. Private full-day preschool averages $896 a month in Edmonton in Numbeo's sample, versus $779 in Calgary; most families pay far less through regulated childcare.
| Family costs | Edmonton | Calgary | Toronto | Vancouver | Halifax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private full-day preschool, monthly | $896 | $779 13% lower than Edmonton | $1,051 17% higher than Edmonton | $1,500 67% higher than Edmonton | $1,344 50% higher than Edmonton |
| International primary school, yearly | $13,536 | $22,451 66% higher than Edmonton | $33,506 148% higher than Edmonton | $28,653 112% higher than Edmonton | $21,508 59% higher than Edmonton |
| 3 bedroom outside the centre, monthly | $2,018 | $2,340 16% higher than Edmonton | $3,015 49% higher than Edmonton | $3,506 74% higher than Edmonton | $2,755 37% higher than Edmonton |
| Family of four, monthly budget (no childcare or car) | $4,687 | $5,031 7% higher than Edmonton | $5,512 18% higher than Edmonton | $6,040 29% higher than Edmonton | $5,334 14% higher than Edmonton |
Percentages show the gap from Edmonton: 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. Private preschool is $896 a month in the Numbeo sample. International school tuition ($13,536 a year) is the cheapest of the nine cities.
See also: childcare costs in Calgary.
Income tax, sales tax and take-home pay in Edmonton
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 | Nova Scotia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income tax on $60,000 | $9,171 (15.3%) | $9,417 (15.7%) | $9,015 (15.0%) | $12,205 (20.3%) |
| Income tax on $100,000 | $21,347 (21.3%) | $21,521 (21.5%) | $20,295 (20.3%) | $27,060 (27.1%) |
| Income tax on $150,000 | $38,410 (25.6%) | $41,626 (27.8%) | $38,433 (25.6%) | $47,872 (31.9%) |
| Take-home on $100,000 after income tax, CPP and EI | $72,883 | $72,709 | $73,935 | $67,170 |
| Sales tax | 5% GST only | 13% HST | 5% GST + 7% PST | 14% HST |
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. Income tax at $100,000 is $21,347, $174 less than Ontario.
See also: income tax in Toronto.
Average salary and minimum wage in Edmonton
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 $2,909 for a modelled single budget even outside the centre, a shortfall of $717.
| Earnings | Edmonton | Calgary | Toronto | Vancouver | Halifax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly earnings (province, March 2026) | $1,371.07 | $1,371.07 | $1,368.71 | $1,348.36 2% lower than Edmonton | $1,210.83 12% lower than Edmonton |
| Average yearly earnings (weekly x 52) | $71,296 | $71,296 | $71,173 | $70,115 2% lower than Edmonton | $62,963 12% lower than Edmonton |
| Average monthly net pay reported by Numbeo | $4,855 | $4,372 10% lower than Edmonton | $5,022 3% higher than Edmonton | $5,132 6% higher than Edmonton | $3,900 20% lower than Edmonton |
| Minimum wage per hour | $15.00 | $15.00 | $17.95 20% higher than Edmonton | $18.25 22% higher than Edmonton | $17.00 13% higher than Edmonton |
| Full-time minimum wage, gross a year (2,080 hours) | $31,200 | $31,200 | $37,336 20% higher than Edmonton | $37,960 22% higher than Edmonton | $35,360 13% higher than Edmonton |
| Hours of minimum-wage work to pay a city-centre 1 bedroom | 103 hours | 116 hours 13% higher than Edmonton | 126 hours 23% higher than Edmonton | 137 hours 34% higher than Edmonton | 121 hours 18% higher than Edmonton |
| Full-time minimum wage, take-home a month | $2,192 | $2,192 | $2,515 15% higher than Edmonton | $2,575 17% higher than Edmonton | $2,326 6% higher than Edmonton |
Percentages show the gap from Edmonton: 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 Halifax.
Can you live in Edmonton on your salary?
On $60,000 a year a single person in Edmonton takes home about $3,874 a month. A city-centre one bedroom puts the modelled budget at $3,163, which leaves $711 (comfortable). Moving outside the centre leaves $965 (comfortable). Adjust the calculator below to your own income, household and choices.
Household
Where you live
Getting around
Enter income as
Comfortable in Edmonton
You can cover the budget and still put aside 15% or more of take-home pay. After tax you keep about $3,874 a month against a modelled budget of $3,163, which leaves $711.
Take-home pay
$3,874/mo
$9,171 income tax and $4,340 payroll deductions a year
Monthly budget
$3,163/mo
Rent, bills, food, transport, fun, family
Left over
$711/mo
Before saving, debt payments and travel
Where the money goes
- Rent$1,539
- Utilities, phone, internet$462
- Groceries$429
- Transit$102
- Eating and drinking out$314
- Gym and movies$114
- Clothing and shoes$43
- Dental, vision, prescriptions$60
- Household, subscriptions, personal care$100
Rent is 31% of gross income here, above the 30% guideline lenders and landlords use. To keep 15% of take-home after this budget in Edmonton you would need roughly $58,000 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 Edmonton
| Gross income | Take-home (single, monthly) | Single left over | Couple left over | Family left over |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 a year | $2,708 | -$455 (Not enough) | -$1,267 (Not enough) | -$2,548 (Not enough) |
| $50,000 a year | $3,295 | $132 (Very tight) | -$644 (Not enough) | -$1,925 (Not enough) |
| $60,000 a year | $3,874 | $711 (Comfortable) | -$57 (Not enough) | -$1,338 (Not enough) |
| $75,000 a year | $4,659 | $1,496 (Comfortable) | $824 (Comfortable) | -$457 (Not enough) |
| $100,000 a year | $6,074 | $2,911 (Comfortable) | $2,291 (Comfortable) | $1,010 (Comfortable) |
| $150,000 a year | $8,818 | $5,655 (Comfortable) | $5,018 (Comfortable) | $3,737 (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 Edmonton?
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 Edmonton, 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 | -$409 (Not enough) | -$663 (Not enough) |
| $3,000 a month | $44,968 | $91 (Very tight) | -$163 (Not enough) |
| $3,500 a month | $53,489 | $591 (Comfortable) | $337 (Manageable) |
| $4,000 a month | $62,401 | $1,091 (Comfortable) | $837 (Comfortable) |
| $5,000 a month | $81,246 | $2,091 (Comfortable) | $1,837 (Comfortable) |
See also: what a salary buys in Alberta.
What salary do you need to live in Edmonton?
A single person in Edmonton needs about $44,000 a year to break even outside the centre and about $58,000 to rent in the city centre and still keep 15% of take-home. A couple needs $74,000 in household income and a family of four $100,000.
| Gross salary needed | Edmonton |
|---|---|
| Single, bare minimum (outside the centre, transit, break even) | $44,000 |
| Single, comfortable (city centre, transit, 15% left) | $58,000 |
| Single with a car (outside the centre, 15% left) | $70,000 |
| Couple, comfortable (household income, centre, transit, 15% left) | $74,000 |
| Family of four, comfortable (household income, outside the centre, one child in childcare, 15% left) | $100,000 |
| Rent at 30% of gross pay (single, centre one-bedroom) | $62,000 |
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 Ontario.
Is $100,000 a good salary in Edmonton?
$100,000 is about 140% of the alberta average of $71,296, which makes it above average in Edmonton. A single person renting in the city centre on $100,000 keeps about $6,074 a month after tax and has $2,911 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 | -$455 (Not enough) |
| $60,000 a year | 84% of average | Around average | $711 (Comfortable) |
| $75,000 a year | 105% of average | Around average | $1,496 (Comfortable) |
| $100,000 a year | 140% of average | Above average | $2,911 (Comfortable) |
| $150,000 a year | 210% of average | High | $5,655 (Comfortable) |
| $200,000 a year | 281% of average | Very high | $8,168 (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 Nova Scotia.
Why Edmonton costs what it does
- Plentiful land and a government and energy economy keep housing cheap.
- Alberta has no PST and low income tax.
- The coldest winters of the big cities raise heating and car costs.
- Deregulated utilities swing with energy markets.
- Pay is strong relative to rent, which is why the savings cushion is so wide.
Is Edmonton right for your budget?
It suits you if
- You want to own a detached house on a middle income.
- You can handle long, cold winters.
- You work in government, health, education, energy or trades.
Think twice if
- You want a mild climate or ocean access.
- You rely on car-free living outside the central LRT corridor.
- You are sensitive to utility bills.
The bottom line
Edmonton is Canada's best-value big city for housing and the easiest place in this series to save money, if you accept the winters.
Budget carefully for utilities and car insurance, and Edmonton's low rent and gas do the rest.