Cost of Living in Calgary

Canada is known for being one of the coldest countries, with temperatures below -40oC in some territories. Getting sunlight throughout the year in such a country could be no less than a boon! Well, the Calgarians are lucky on this front. They enjoy sunshine more than most countrymen– with precisely 333 days of sunlight per year!! 

Read the complete article to learn more about the city and get a  detailed understanding of the cost of living in Calgary.

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Calgary: The City

Location-

Calgary is among the largest cities in the western Canadian province of Alberta. It lies in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, surrounded by several uplands and valleys. It is the place where the Elbow and Bow rivers merge.

Climate-

Calgary is among a few Canadian cities where you can experience all four seasons. The city is characterized by comfortable summer months. In winter, the average daily high is generally around -1.4 degrees celsius. Another distinctive feature of Calgary winters is the Chinook winds- the hot and dry winds that blow around the rocky mountains. 

Major Attractions-

Calgary has no dearth of attractions for residents and visitors alike:

• The Calgary Stampede is one of its biggest annual festivals, internationally recognized for celebrating the spirit of the western culture and heritage. It is a 10-day event with concerts, races, rodeo events, and more. 
• The Calgary Olympic Park was the site of the Winter Games in 1988 and has become a key athletic and sporting hub today. 
• The Nose Hill Park offers stunning views and some much-needed relaxation, while the Dinosaur Provincial Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Prince’s Island Park is another landmark worth visiting in the area. 
• There are also several ballet and operas in the city, along with many theaters and symphony orchestras. 

Key Highlights/ Rankings-

• The Economist Intelligence Unit has ranked Calgary as the third most livable city in the world for 2022. 
• Calgary is one of the youngest Canadian cities, with a median age of just 37.2 years.
• Calgary covers 848 square kilometers and accommodates approximately 1.4 million individuals.
• There are 120+ languages spoken in the city.

Average Cost of Living in Calgary:

The cost of living in Calgary, Canada, is reasonable compared to other global study and work destinations. Here is a guide to the average cost of living in Calgary (per month), divided into different sub-heads/ categories:

Food- 

• Milk (1 liter)- CAD 2.31
• Rice (1 kg)- CAD 3.46
• Bread (500g)- CAD 2.95
• Eggs (12)- CAD 4.18
• Chicken Filets (1 kg)- CAD 14.28
• Tomatoes (1 kg)- CAD 5.03
• Apples (1 kg)- CAD 5.08

Transportation- 

• One-Way Ticket- CAD 3.60
• Monthly Transportation Pass- CAD 112

Utilities- 

• Electricity, Cooling, Heating, Garbage, Water- CAD 280
• 1 minute of mobile tariff- CAD 0.41
• Internet plan (50 Mbps + 1 month unlimited) – CAD 62.2

Entertainment & Recreation-

• Fitness Club- CAD 79.80
• Tennis Court Rental- CAD 2.93 per hour
• Movie Ticket- CAD 16

Housing-

• One-bedroom apartment- CAD 1,545 in the city center and CAD 1,293 outside the city center. 
• Three-bedroom apartment- CAD 2,749 in the city center and CAD 2,099 outside the city center.

Top Universities in Calgary, Canada:

The living expenses in Calgary for students also include tuition costs, health insurance, books and supplies, and accommodation. These are listed below for leading universities in the area. 

University Name	Tuition Fees*	Accommodation*	Health Insurance*	Books & Supplies*
University of Calgary	CAD 16,932 – CAD 26,849.00 per two terms	CAD 4,032 per term for a double room and upwards	CAD 626 per year	CAD 600 per two terms
Mount Royal University	CAD 23,810 – 25,698 per year	CAD 6,232 – 8,830 per year	N/A	CAD 1,500 per year

*as mentioned on the official university websites.

Disclaimer:  All fees and costs mentioned are indicative and subject to change at any time.

Conclusion

Calgary is one of Canada’s most welcoming and livable cities for students and professionals. If you plan to study or move to Canada, you can explore options in this vibrant city.

Also Check: Cost of Living Information Across Countries & Cities
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