How Much Does It Cost To Live In Calgary in 2022?

Calgary is the largest city in Alberta and the financial capital of Western Canada. Aerospace, manufacturing, tourism, energy, financial services, logistics, health and wellness, and technology are among the city's many industries.

The city boasts the most affordable property market in North America and the lowest cost of living among Canadian cities. It is located in Alberta, with no sales tax and only a 5% GST, which makes life even more affordable.

Calgary's cost of living index is 73.95, which is lower than most Canadian cities. We'll look at various factors to determine where Calgary stands among the most affordable cities in Canada.

Cost Of Food And Utilities

While food prices appear to be rising everywhere, an average Calgary household spends at least $168 per week on groceries. Food and utility costs vary depending on the number of family members, their ages, and their health status; therefore, they may fluctuate for various families.

Even in the height of winter, you can expect to pay between $250 to 350 for heating and electricity for a three- or four-bedroom house. The exact size of the house should cost you between $70 and $110 for waste collection, sewage, and water.

The monthly internet cost should be in the range of $50 to $70. A monthly fee of $100 is expected for unlimited data, text, and talk.

Transport Costs

The C-Train is Calgary's quickest and most convenient public transportation. It is a two-line overground railway system. The railway station is where passengers can purchase their tickets.

A monthly pass costs $103 and includes access to the city's bustling network if you are a regular traveller. Individual tickets, which cost roughly $3.30 and are valid for 90 minutes, are also available.

Calgary has 155 bus routes that serve the entire city. The cost of a single ticket is $3.30. You can obtain minute-by-minute updates on bus and train schedules by downloading the Transit app

Getting an uber is an excellent alternative if the place you need to go is not served by the train or the bus. Uber charges $2.30 for an initial fare, $0.90 per kilometer, and $0.17 per minute. You may also use the uber price estimate to determine how much an Uber ride will cost before you request one.

You have the option of renting a car to move about. The cheapest automobile rental rate in Calgary is C$35 per day.

Housing Costs

Housing in Calgary is slightly more expensive than in most Canadian cities; however, it is still less expensive than in Vancouver and Toronto. A studio apartment in Calgary can set you back between $750 and $1000.

Because most rental houses are not furnished, you will be required to pay a whole month's deposit and provide your furnishings.

Expect higher home prices if you live in Calgary's famous Northwest and Southwest neighbourhoods. A three-bedroom rental apartment in the city costs between $1,200 and $1,800 per month.

If you plan to stay in Calgary for a long time, buying a house would be a better option. You can expect the typical house price to range from $420,000 to $470,000.

For a renter, the average monthly cost of home insurance is $25. The typical monthly home insurance cost if you own a home is between $75 and $83.

Fitness And Personal Care

Apply for the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) as soon as you arrive in Calgary. If you need to see a doctor, the health plan covers a wide range of medical services, saving you money.

You will not be responsible for any AHCIP premiums or payments. There is no need for a private insurance policy because the healthcare plan covers many services, including home care. However, if you do not qualify for the AHCIP, you should consider purchasing private health insurance.

In Calgary, costs for sports and recreational activities can be pretty modest. An adult's one-time admittance fee to a publicly operated fitness center, including swimming, will cost between $6 and $8.

When you want to participate in a broader choice of sports, you can join the Calgary Sport and Social Club (CSSC). The season price should be between $100 and $ 120.

Entertainment

With so many bars and restaurants to choose from, you can have a decent meal in a mid-range restaurant for $28. A local beer should cost $7, a movie ticket should cost $15, and a cocktail in a bar should cost $14. For all of that, plus two beers, a night out should cost you around $71.

National parks, restaurants, parks, the Zoo, and other places of entertainment abound in Calgary. Some places will charge a price, while others will be completely free.

Childcare And Education

When comparing Canadian cities, child care costs come in Calgary come in third, with Toronto first and Vancouver second. Expect to pay roughly $1,100 per month on average for childcare. Calgary's childcare costs appear to be increasing at a rate of 1% per year.

A live-in nanny in Calgary might cost you anything from $14 to $20 per hour. For a child aged 19 months to 6 years old, child care at the YMCA Calgary can cost you $549 per month.

Education in Calgary's public schools is free and begins at five. Calgary's public school system is divided into elementary, junior high, and senior high. Your child can then enroll in a university, college, or vocational training institution or enter the workforce.

If you want your child to attend a private school, you'll have to pay anywhere from CAD 3000 to CAD 20,000 per year.

Conclusion

Calgary is an affordable city to live in, not to mention the fact that it is home to a diverse range of industries, providing you with numerous job opportunities. If you stick to a budget, you'll find that Calgary is one of the cities in Canada where you can live comfortably.

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