Cost of Living in Calgary

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The average cost of living in Calgary, which is placed 1896th out of 9294 on our worldwide list, 23rd out of 153 in Canada, and 2nd out of 10 in Alberta, is $1928, placing it in the top 20% of the most expensive cities in the world. With a median after-tax income of $3636, one can live comfortably for 1.9 months. the 10th greatest city to live in Canada, the first most liveable city in Alberta, and ranked 67th (TOP 0.7%) on the list of the best places to live in the world. Calgary, which has a population of 1.31 million, is Canada’s third-largest city. Read on to find out the cost of living in Calgary.

Cost of Living  Per person 
Total with rent  $1928
Rent and Utilities  $1089
Food  $543
Transportation  $171
Monthly salary after tax  $3636
Quality of life  92 
Population  9.131M

Why Study in Calgary?

There are many advantages to studying in Calgary, including a good standard of living, a robust economy, and a friendly and diverse community. Here is information regarding the advantages of studying in Calgary for Indian students thinking about studying abroad in Canada. 

  • Calgary is renowned for having a good standard of living.
  • In terms of post-secondary qualifications, such as university degrees, apprenticeships, diplomas, and certificates, Calgary ranks second highest.
  • According to the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index 2022, Calgary is the third most livable city in the world and one of the top choices for international students wishing to study and immigrate to Canada.

Must Read: Universities in Canada: List of Top Colleges & Universities

Overview of Cost of Living in Calgary 

The Cost of Living in Calgary depends on the location and the way of living, it also differs on personal preference. Here is the overview of the Cost of Living in Calgary 

  • Housing: One of the major expenses in Calgary is the price of housing. Around $1,300 is the typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre. 
  • Utilities: Calgary’s utility costs are not too high. Around C$281 per month is spent on electricity, water and gas.
  • Transportation: Calgary’s transportation costs are also fairly reasonable. Around $100 per month is spent on public transport on average. Owning a car, however, can result in greater petrol and insurance costs.
  • Food: Food prices in Calgary are comparable to those in other significant Canadian cities. For a single person, the typical monthly grocery budget is roughly C$250.
  • Entertainment: Entertainment is dependent on the person to person also Calgary has an affordable entertainment scene. Around $200 each month is spent on dining out, watching films and other entertainment.

Cost of Food

Items  Average Cost 
Combo meal in fast food restaurant  C$12
Basic lunchtime menu  C$22
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken C$7
Water (0.33-litre bottle) 2.26 C$
1 litre (1 qt.) of whole-fat milk C$2.28
12 eggs C$4.63
Bread for 2 people for 1 day C$2.99

Cost of Housing and Utilities 

Items  Average Cost 
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) C$2,744
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft)  C$2,111
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas)  C$281
Internet 8 Mbps (1 month) C$84
Microwave 800/900 watt C$327
40” flat screen tv C$493

Cost of Clothing 

Items  Average Cost 
1 pair of jeans  C$76
1 summer dress in a high street store C$68
1 pair of sport shoes C$110
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes C$140

Cost of Transportation 

Items  Average Cost 
Monthly ticket public transport C$110
Taxi trip on a business day,
basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles)
C$23
1 litre (1/4 gallon) of gas C$1.54

Cost of Personal Care

Items  Average Cost 
Cold medicine for 6 days C$12
1 box of antibiotics C$20
Short visit to a private doctor C$79
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml)  C$6
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 C$8

Must Read:  Management Courses in Canada 

Cost of Entertainment

Items  Average Cost 
Basic dinner out for two in a neighbourhood pub C$61
2 tickets to the movies C$32
1 cocktail drink in the downtown club C$13
1 package of Marlboro cigarettes C$17
1 month of gym membership in the business district C$78
1 cocktail drink in the downtown club C$13

Cost of Tuition Fee In Calgary 

The cost of the tuition fee in Calgary is depend upon the course type also fee structure varies from university to university here is the average fee for a graduate and post-graduate program 

Course Level  Postgraduate Program 
Application fee  $250
Graduate  Program  C$ 15,000 Per Year 
Post graduate Program  C$ 13,972 per Year 
Application fee  $250

Calgary’s Pros and Cons for Residents

Pros

  • Inexpensive cost of living
  • Reduced tax rates
  • A city that allows dogs
  • Activities and entertainment outside

Cons

  • Vehicular congestion
  • Crowding of people in public spaces
  • ‘Not-so-great’ transit method
  • Extended winters

Things to Consider When Moving to Calgary 

There are a lot of things to consider when you are doing to move in Calgary, here are some of the following that you should consider while travelling in Calgary 

  • Friendly Environment: According to a Big 7 Travel online study, Calgary, also known as “Cowtown,” is the sixth most hospitable city in Canada. Many of the respondents to the online survey say they adore the sense of community in the city.
  • Climate: You should get ready for the winters here if you’re from a more southern region of Canada. In the dead of winter, the temperature in the city frequently drops to 30 below, and it is quite possible that it will go even lower. One of the best purchases you can make is in winter clothing.
  • Transport Facility: Additionally, Calgary Transit has a bus network with routes that cover the whole city. It has received numerous honours for both its effectiveness and environmental stewardship. 
  • Pay Scale: More than just competitive pay is provided by the City of Calgary. Full benefit plans, pension plans, flexible work schedules, and challenging work are all available to city employees.

Must Read: Canadian Universities for MS 

FAQs

Q1. Is living in Calgary, Canada, expensive?

Ans. Four Canadian cities—Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver—are included in Mercer’s 2023 Cost of Living Index, Calgary has the lowest cost of living.

Q2. In Calgary, how much money do I need to make?

Ans. For a single renter, the average monthly cost of living in Calgary is $3,405 per month. The price of housing, transportation, groceries, and entertainment are just a few of the many variables that go into calculating this average.

Q3. What is a respectable wage in Calgary?

Ans. The average wage in Calgary is $64,600, which is 18.6% more than the $54,450 national average. A worker in Calgary earning $130,000 a year will earn $92,847, or 101.2% more than the city’s typical wage earner.

This was all about the cost of living in Calgary, if you are also looking to study in Calgary and want to admit in your dream course from your dream university, reach out to Leverage edu our experts will help and guide you with smooth process 

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