Calgary, Canada
Canada's energy capital with the highest household incomes, abundant sunshine, and easy access to the Rocky Mountains.
Above Average vs Canada Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Calgary vs Canada Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 10.0%
- Sales Tax: 5.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: C$78,000
- Unemployment: 6.1%
- Population: 1,306,784
Climate
- Sunny Days: 239/year
- Summer High: 75°F
- Winter Low: 5°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 4b
Housing
- Median Home: C$540,000
- 1BR Rent: C$1550/mo
Cost of Living
Calgary's cost of living index is 105.7 (Canada average = 100).
| Category | Calgary | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 105.7 | 100 | +5.7% |
| Housing | 108.2 | 100 | +8.2% |
Data source: Statistics Canada, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | C$540,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | C$1550/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | C$1,938/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | C$360 |
Data source: Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Calgary:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | C$165 | |
| Heating & Cooling | C$82 | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | C$55 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | C$65 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | C$35 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | C$402 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: Statistics Canada, Canada Energy Regulator, CRTC
Remote Work Score
Calgary scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Calgary has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 25°F | 5°F | 2.5" |
| April | 60°F | 20°F | 2.8" |
| July | 75°F | 50°F | 1.5" |
| October | 55°F | 23°F | 2.2" |
Cold — cool-season crops, hardy perennials
Natural Hazards
Calgary faces the following natural hazards:
Severe winter storms.
River flooding from mountain runoff.
Active seismic zone with significant earthquake risk.
Rockies and coastal mountains with frequent avalanches.
Wildfire risk in surrounding forests.
Southern Alberta tornado risk.
Frequent severe hailstorms.
Pacific coast with tsunami risk.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 10%
- Sales Tax: 5%
- Property Tax: ~1% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 6.1%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Calgary per 100,000 residents:
Data is the Crime Severity Index (CSI) for the Census Metropolitan Area (CMA). CSI is indexed to 100 (Canada = 100 in 2006). Higher values indicate more severe crime. This is not a direct crime rate per 100,000.
Data source: Statistics Canada
Schools & Education
Data source: Fraser Institute — School Performance Rankings
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Calgary, Canada?
The cost of living index in Calgary is 105.7, which is Higher the Canada national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Calgary?
The median home price in Calgary is C$540,000. The housing index is 108.2.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Calgary is approximately C$1550/mo.
Does Calgary, AB have income tax?
Calgary is in AB, which has an income tax rate of 10%.
What is the climate like in Calgary?
Calgary enjoys approximately 239 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 75°F, while winter lows can drop to around 5°F.
Relocation Guides
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Statistics Canada, 2026
- Housing Data: Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), 2026
- Income & Employment: Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey, 2024
- Utilities Statistics Canada, Canada Energy Regulator, CRTC
Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.