Edmonton, Canada
Alberta's capital with the most affordable housing of any major Canadian city, a massive river valley park system, and no provincial sales tax.
Overview
Edmonton is a city in Alberta with a population of 1,010,899. Alberta’s capital with the most affordable housing of any major Canadian city, a massive river valley park system, and no provincial sales tax. Housing costs are close to the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 4a growing zone supports Cold — cool-season crops, hardy perennials.
Last updated: September 12, 2026
Below Average vs Canada Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Edmonton vs Canada Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 10.0%
- Sales Tax: 5.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: C$72,000
- Unemployment: 6.3%
- Population: 1,010,899
Climate
- Sunny Days: 234/year
- Summer High: 76°F
- Winter Low: 3°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 4a
Housing
- Median Home: C$410,000
- 1BR Rent: C$1300/mo
Cost of Living
Edmonton's cost of living index is 97.4 (Canada average = 100).
| Category | Edmonton | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 97.4 | 100 | -2.6% |
| Housing | 96.8 | 100 | -3.2% |
Data source: Statistics Canada, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | C$410,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | C$1300/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | C$1,625/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | C$273 |
Data source: Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Edmonton:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | C$165 | |
| Heating & Cooling | C$84 | 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$404 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: Statistics Canada, Canada Energy Regulator, CRTC
Remote Work Score
Edmonton scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Edmonton has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 23°F | 3°F | 2.5" |
| April | 61°F | 18°F | 2.8" |
| July | 76°F | 51°F | 1.5" |
| October | 56°F | 21°F | 2.2" |
Cold — cool-season crops, hardy perennials
Natural Hazards
Edmonton faces the following natural hazards:
Severe winter storms.
Active seismic zone with significant earthquake risk.
Rockies and coastal mountains with frequent avalanches.
Tornado risk.
Wildfire risk.
Pacific coast with tsunami risk.
River and coastal flooding.
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 6.3%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Edmonton 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
Demographics
The population of Edmonton is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
Data source: Statistics Canada Census 2021 (2021)
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 Edmonton, Canada?
The cost of living index in Edmonton is 97.4, which is Lower the Canada national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Edmonton?
The median home price in Edmonton is C$410,000. The housing index is 96.8.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Edmonton is approximately C$1300/mo.
Does Edmonton, AB have income tax?
Edmonton is in AB, which has an income tax rate of 10%.
What is the climate like in Edmonton?
Edmonton enjoys approximately 234 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 76°F, while winter lows can drop to around 3°F.
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: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.