Cost of living in Edmonton remains lower than Calgary

We all know that Alberta is one of, if not, the most affordable provinces to live in Canada. But within the province, two major cities are being compared, which one is more affordable? It’s the battle of Alberta between Edmonton and Calgary. 

Whether you cheer for the Oilers or the Flames, there’s something to love in both cities. But what about the cost?

According to an aggregated data website, Numbeo. A family of four in Edmonton has an estimated $5,200 in expenses per month, which is $390 less than Calgary.

• Cost of living – family of four
  • $5,237 / month  – Edmonton
  • $5,627 / month  – Calgary

Compare that with a single person, the difference is $100 a month, which excludes rent.

• Cost of living – single person
  • $1,478 / month – Edmonton
  • $1,583 / month – Calgary 

Which is why Mara decided to stay in Edmonton after moving from Calgary in 2018.

“I was thinking about moving back to Calgary for a little bit because that’s where my parents are, but when I looked at the rent prices there for what I wanted compared to here, sometimes it was like double my rent now, so that was a huge thing for me,” Mara explained.

According to Damian Collins, a professor at the University of Alberta, there are multiple factors as to why Edmonton is more affordable, but housing is the most important. The city has been at the forefront in housing starts and open housing policies, contributing to the rental supply.

“By contrast, Calgary, for a really long time, tried to fight against basement suites and only more recently has changed its policies and regulations,” said Collins.

But Collins believes the slight cost increase in Calgary has a reason.

“Sometimes in life, you get what you paid for, like in Vancouver, you get access to the coastal mountains, to the beaches, and in Calgary, you get access to the Rockies and all of the amenities that come with that. I think that is priced into the higher values that we see in Calgary,” Collins explained.