location_city AB vs location_city ON

Calgary vs Waterloo Cost of Living (2026)

Waterloo is about 10% more expensive than Calgary, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $1,900 a month in Waterloo vs $1,700 in Calgary.

The Verdict

Living in Waterloo is 10% more expensive than living in Calgary overall.

Calgary / month

$2,232

Waterloo / month

$2,430

Rent, groceries and transit for one person.

Your salary in Calgary $

Salary in Calgary

$100,000

Take-home $74,459 · $6,205/mo

Needed in Waterloo

$110,076

Take-home $81,082 · $6,757/mo

To keep the same lifestyle in Waterloo you'd need $10,076 more a year (+10%).

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.

real_estate_agent

1-Bed City Center

Calgary

$1,700

12% more expensive

Waterloo

$1,900

shopping_cart

Monthly Basket (1 Person)

Calgary

$420

2% more expensive

Waterloo

$430

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Monthly Transit Pass

Calgary

$112

11% cheaper

Waterloo

$100

Keep going