Calgary vs Victoria Cost of Living (2026)
Victoria is about 26% more expensive than Calgary, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $2,200 a month in Victoria vs $1,700 in Calgary.
The Verdict
Calgary / month
$2,782
Victoria / month
$3,275
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 Victoria
$125,701
Take-home $92,585 · $7,715/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Victoria you'd need $25,701 more a year (+26%).
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
Victoria
$2,200
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Calgary
$420
Victoria
$450
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Calgary
$112
Victoria
$100
Utilities
Electricity, Heat, Water
Calgary
$200
Victoria
$130
Dining Out
Est. Monthly Spend
Calgary
$300
Victoria
$340
Gym Membership
Monthly Fee
Calgary
$50
Victoria
$55
Which City Should You Choose?
Calgary, AB: Alberta's energy-sector hub — no provincial sales tax, moderate rent, and a young, mobile population.
Victoria, BC: BC's capital on Vancouver Island — mild winters, and rent nearly as high as Vancouver's.
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 Victoria more expensive than Calgary?
Yes. Victoria costs about 26% more than Calgary for a single person, based on 2026 rent, groceries and transit. A 1-bedroom rents for about $2,200 a month in Victoria vs $1,700 in Calgary.
Is it cheaper to live in Calgary or Victoria?
Calgary is roughly 26% cheaper overall once you weigh rent, groceries and transit, based on 2026 estimates.
How much more rent will I pay in Calgary vs Victoria?
A typical 1-bedroom city-centre rental runs $1,700/month in Calgary versus $2,200/month in Victoria.
What salary do I need in Victoria to match my Calgary lifestyle?
A $100,000 salary in Calgary is roughly equivalent to $125,701 in Victoria once you adjust for the local cost of living.
Is Victoria a good place to move to from Calgary?
BC's capital on Vancouver Island — mild winters, and rent nearly as high as Vancouver's. Compare the category breakdown above against your own budget before deciding.
Plan your move
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