Date: 12 July 2025
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Population:
City: ~1.4 million
Metro: ~1.6 million
Nestled between the Canadian Rockies and the prairies, Calgary blends rugged nature with modern convenience. Known for its oil-driven economy, clean streets, and sunny skies, the city offers an active outdoor lifestyle and a high standard of living.
For many, life in Calgary is about balance between work and nature, innovation and tradition. Whether you're skiing in Banff or enjoying craft coffee in the Beltline, Calgary has something for every pace.
Type | Monthly Rent (CAD) | EUR | USD |
|---|---|---|---|
1-bed, City Centre | 1,580 | ~1,065 | ~1,150 |
1-bed, Outside Centre | 1,250 | ~840 | ~910 |
3-bed, City Centre | 2,850 | ~1,920 | ~2,070 |
3-bed, Outside Centre | 2,200 | ~1,480 | ~1,600 |
Price per m² (Centre) | 4,400 | ~2,950 | ~3,200 |
Price per m² (Outside) | 3,200 | ~2,150 | ~2,300 |
Calgary's housing remains affordable compared to Vancouver or Toronto, especially in newer suburban developments like Mahogany or Evanston.
Item | Price (CAD) | EUR | USD |
|---|---|---|---|
Big Mac Menu | 13.50 | ~9.10 | ~9.80 |
Monthly Utilities (85m²) | 215 | ~145 | ~155 |
Internet (100 Mbps) | 85 | ~57 | ~61 |
Public Transport (monthly) | 115 | ~78 | ~83 |
Taxi (5km ride) | 18 | ~12 | ~13 |
Gasoline (per litre) | 1.63 | ~1.10 | ~1.20 |
Milk (1L) | 2.50 | ~1.70 | ~1.80 |
Bread (500g) | 3.00 | ~2.00 | ~2.20 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range) | 90 | ~61 | ~65 |
Groceries are reasonably priced, although eating out has become more expensive in recent years due to inflation and wage growth.
Activity | Price (CAD) | EUR | USD |
|---|---|---|---|
Cinema ticket | 18 | ~12.20 | ~13.00 |
Museum ticket | 15 | ~10.20 | ~11.00 |
Gym monthly | 70 | ~48 | ~51 |
Yoga class | 25 | ~17 | ~18 |
Kayak rental (1hr) | 30 | ~20 | ~22 |
Calgary hosts year-round events from the world-famous Stampede to emerging art fairs and indie film screenings.
Unemployment rate (2025): ~5.5%
Key industries: Energy (oil & gas), clean tech, logistics, finance, healthcare, film production
Average working hours: 37–40 hours/week
Work culture: Professional, balanced, increasingly remote-friendly
Calgary is diversifying beyond its oil heritage, with tech and innovation hubs emerging rapidly in the downtown core and East Village.
Healthcare: Public healthcare is free with an Alberta Health Card. Private health insurance (for dental, physio, vision) starts around CAD 80/month.
Education: Public schools are free; private tuition ranges from CAD 12,000–25,000/year. International schools like Calgary French & International School are available.
Category | Single (CAD) | Family of 4 (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
Housing | 1,250–1,850 | 2,200–2,850 |
Groceries | 400 | 1,200 |
Transport | 115 | 250 |
Utilities & Internet | 300 | 400 |
Leisure | 200 | 400 |
Total Est. | ~2,300–2,900 | ~4,500–5,800 |
(EUR and USD equivalent: ~1,550–1,950 / 3,000–3,900 EUR and ~1,670–2,100 / 3,200–4,150 USD) |
Neighbourhoods like Bridgeland and Kensington offer trendy cafés and walkability, while Seton and Auburn Bay cater more to families with new schools and playgrounds. Canadians are known for being polite and respectful, and Calgary has a particularly welcoming attitude toward newcomers.
Winter: -5°C to -20°C, dry, with Chinook winds offering sudden warmth
Summer: 15°C to 28°C, dry and sunny
Sunlight:
Summer: 5:20 AM – 10:00 PM
Winter: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Calgary is Canada’s sunniest major city with over 330 sunny days per year.
Environmental Index (2025): 71/100
Climate Readiness: High
Calgary has robust flood mitigation plans, clean water access, and a transition strategy from oil to renewables.
Public transport and green building regulations are expanding.
Calgary offers a compelling mix of natural beauty, economic opportunity, and affordability. Whether you're relocating for work, study, or lifestyle, it's a city that balances open skies with open opportunities.
Compare Calgary to other cities on BestCityIndex
Moving to Calgary in 2025?! Everything You Must Know BEFORE Deciding.
TOP 21 Things To Do In Calgary 🇨🇦 Travel Guide
Where to Eat in Calgary: 10 Restaurants For International Cuisine
Author
Sammy Salmela is a contributor to BestCityIndex with expertise in urban development and global city trends.
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