Calgary vs Toronto Cost of Living (2026)
Toronto is about 47% more expensive than Calgary, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $2,600 a month in Toronto vs $1,700 in Calgary.
The Verdict
Calgary / month
$2,782
Toronto / month
$3,796
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 Toronto
$146,855
Take-home $102,540 · $8,545/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Toronto you'd need $46,855 more a year (+47%).
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
Toronto
$2,600
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Calgary
$420
Toronto
$450
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Calgary
$112
Toronto
$156
Utilities
Electricity, Heat, Water
Calgary
$200
Toronto
$180
Dining Out
Est. Monthly Spend
Calgary
$300
Toronto
$350
Gym Membership
Monthly Fee
Calgary
$50
Toronto
$60
Which City Should You Choose?
Calgary, AB: Alberta's energy-sector hub — no provincial sales tax, moderate rent, and a young, mobile population.
Toronto, ON: Canada's largest city and financial hub — the deepest job market, but also the highest cost of living.
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 Toronto more expensive than Calgary?
Yes. Toronto costs about 47% more than Calgary for a single person, based on 2026 rent, groceries and transit. A 1-bedroom rents for about $2,600 a month in Toronto vs $1,700 in Calgary.
Is it cheaper to live in Calgary or Toronto?
Calgary is roughly 47% cheaper overall once you weigh rent, groceries and transit, based on 2026 estimates.
How much more rent will I pay in Calgary vs Toronto?
A typical 1-bedroom city-centre rental runs $1,700/month in Calgary versus $2,600/month in Toronto.
What salary do I need in Toronto to match my Calgary lifestyle?
A $100,000 salary in Calgary is roughly equivalent to $146,855 in Toronto once you adjust for the local cost of living.
Is Toronto a good place to move to from Calgary?
Canada's largest city and financial hub — the deepest job market, but also the highest cost of living. Compare the category breakdown above against your own budget before deciding.
Plan your move
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