If you’re planning a move to Calgary, you might be worried about finding a good job that will provide for your family and help you pay Calgary rent. Rightfully so, the cost of living can have a tremendous impact on your lifestyle. Luckily, Calgary is one of the most affordable cities in Canada with a high quality of life and some of the best job opportunities. Here, we discuss the current cost of living factors and what you need to make to live comfortably in Calgary.
Cost of Living in Calgary (2025)
Housing
Calgary’s housing costs are lower than those in Toronto or Vancouver, but they have still risen in recent years. Renting a one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,500–$1,600 per month and up to ~$2,000 in the city center. A couple or family might rent a two- or three-bedroom home for roughly $2,500–$3,000. Homeownership carries an average price of $580,000, according to movingwaldo.com, leading to mortgage payments comparable to high rent.
Transportation
A monthly public transit pass is about $115. Gasoline runs roughly $1.60/L at high points, and car insurance is around $100–$200 per month. A single person using transit or one car will spend less than a family with two vehicles, but overall, transportation costs in Calgary are moderate.
Food & Groceries
Food expenses are manageable: a single person spends roughly $300–$400 per month on groceries, while a family of four may spend about $800–$1,000per month. Dining out is extra; for example, a mid-range restaurant dinner for two costs around $80. Calgary’s grocery prices are lower than in larger cities like Toronto or Vancouver.
Utilities
Basic utilities (electricity, heating, water) average about $300 monthly for an apartment, with higher usage in winter. Internet service adds roughly $70–$100 per month. In total, typical utility bills range from $300–$400 per month for most Calgary households.
Comparison to Other Cities
Toronto and Vancouver have much higher costs of living (especially housing) than Calgary. Edmonton, in contrast, is slightly cheaper – a Calgary family’s monthly expenses run about $400 more than an equivalent family in Edmonton. Cheaper still include Regina and Winnepeg but there are far fewer job prospects in these cities.
Minimum Wage vs Living Wage
Unfortunately, the minimum wage in Alberta is still only $15 an hour. In order to rent a one-bedroom apartment in Calgary, you’ll need to earn around $20.98 an hour, or $26.97 to rent a two-bedroom.
Don’t lose hope. ABES College can help you find a job that will allow you to secure a better quality of life for your family while advancing your career and paying your bills. We have over a 90% employment rate in the healthcare field within only three months of graduation.
Entry-Level Healthcare Wages
For example, Health Care Aides make an average of $20 an hour, Community Support Workers make $21.50 an hour, and Unit Clerks make $25 an hour, all of which will allow you to afford to rent a Calgary apartment.
Talk to Our Admissions Team Today
Getting started with ABES is easy. Just meet with an Admissions Advisor to determine the best program and career path for you, then apply for funding. 95% of our students receive full funding, including a cost of living allowance.
We know how hard it can be to support your family, especially in a new country. We want to help you find meaningful, stable work in a rewarding field so you can thrive here in Calgary. We can’t wait to meet you and help you get started on your journey.