Calgary vs London Cost of Living (2026)
London is about 2% more expensive than Calgary, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $1,750 a month in London vs $1,700 in Calgary.
The Verdict
Calgary / month
$2,782
London / month
$2,732
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 London
$101,863
Take-home $75,483 · $6,290/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in London you'd need $1,863 more a year (+2%).
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
London
$1,750
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Calgary
$420
London
$410
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Calgary
$112
London
$95
Utilities
Electricity, Heat, Water
Calgary
$200
London
$165
Dining Out
Est. Monthly Spend
Calgary
$300
London
$270
Gym Membership
Monthly Fee
Calgary
$50
London
$42
Which City Should You Choose?
Calgary, AB: Alberta's energy-sector hub — no provincial sales tax, moderate rent, and a young, mobile population.
London, ON: A mid-sized Southwestern Ontario city anchored by Western University, with lower rent than the GTA.
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 London more expensive than Calgary?
Yes. London costs about 2% more than Calgary for a single person, based on 2026 rent, groceries and transit. A 1-bedroom rents for about $1,750 a month in London vs $1,700 in Calgary.
Is it cheaper to live in Calgary or London?
Calgary is roughly 2% cheaper overall once you weigh rent, groceries and transit, based on 2026 estimates.
How much more rent will I pay in Calgary vs London?
A typical 1-bedroom city-centre rental runs $1,700/month in Calgary versus $1,750/month in London.
What salary do I need in London to match my Calgary lifestyle?
A $100,000 salary in Calgary is roughly equivalent to $101,863 in London once you adjust for the local cost of living.
Is London a good place to move to from Calgary?
A mid-sized Southwestern Ontario city anchored by Western University, with lower rent than the GTA. Compare the category breakdown above against your own budget before deciding.
Plan your move
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