Calgary vs Edmonton Cost of Living (2026)
Calgary is about 26% more expensive than Edmonton, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $1,700 a month in Calgary vs $1,300 in Edmonton.
The Verdict
Calgary / month
$2,782
Edmonton / month
$2,335
Rent, groceries, transit, utilities, dining and gym for one person.
Salary match: what you'd need to earn
Salary in Calgary
$100,000
Take-home $74,459 · $6,205/mo
Needed in Edmonton
$79,127
Take-home $60,115 · $5,010/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Edmonton you'd need $20,873 less a year (−21%).
Take-home is after 2026 federal and provincial income tax, CPP/QPP and EI for an employee. Cost of living weighs rent, groceries and transit.
Expense Breakdown
Average Rent
1-Bed City Center
Calgary
$1,700
Edmonton
$1,300
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Calgary
$420
Edmonton
$400
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Calgary
$112
Edmonton
$100
Utilities
Electricity, Heat, Water
Calgary
$200
Edmonton
$210
Dining Out
Est. Monthly Spend
Calgary
$300
Edmonton
$280
Gym Membership
Monthly Fee
Calgary
$50
Edmonton
$45
Which City Should You Choose?
Calgary, AB: Alberta's energy-sector hub — no provincial sales tax, moderate rent, and a young, mobile population.
Edmonton, AB: Alberta's capital — generally more affordable than Calgary, with a strong public sector and university presence.
Estimates are based on 2026 average listings and public cost-of-living indices for a single-person household; actual costs vary by neighbourhood and lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Calgary more expensive than Edmonton?
Yes. Calgary costs about 26% more than Edmonton for a single person, based on 2026 rent, groceries and transit. A 1-bedroom rents for about $1,700 a month in Calgary vs $1,300 in Edmonton.
Is it cheaper to live in Calgary or Edmonton?
Edmonton is roughly 21% cheaper overall once you weigh rent, groceries and transit, based on 2026 estimates.
How much more rent will I pay in Calgary vs Edmonton?
A typical 1-bedroom city-centre rental runs $1,700/month in Calgary versus $1,300/month in Edmonton.
What salary do I need in Edmonton to match my Calgary lifestyle?
A $100,000 salary in Calgary is roughly equivalent to $79,127 in Edmonton once you adjust for the local cost of living.
Is Edmonton a good place to move to from Calgary?
Alberta's capital — generally more affordable than Calgary, with a strong public sector and university presence. Compare the category breakdown above against your own budget before deciding.
Plan your move
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