Nestled on the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and Bow River, Calgary is known for its picturesque views, family-friendliness and beautiful nature.
One of the most significant pros of moving to Calgary is the lap of luxury you step into, as this “Cowtown” proudly stands as the most livable city in North America.
Offering the highest quality of life, a sound education, and a healthcare system, it is becoming the most sought-after place for many home hunters.
But before you pack your bags, consider that the city has a few drawbacks, too. The harsh winters, congested roads, and jam-packed schools are some cons to remember before making Calgary your new home.
If you are planning a move soon, this article is the perfect guide to help you compare the pros and cons of moving to Calgary.
It also includes a list of fun and exciting things to explore when you finally move to Cowtown.
What Is Calgary Known For?
It is known for being the most livable and welcoming city in Canada. Calgary, popularly known as “Cowtown,” is the largest city in Alberta and the fifth largest in Canada.
With a population of nearly 1.5 million in 2023, Calgary’s population has surged by 13.4% in the last five years.
7 Things to Do in and Around Calgary, AB
What do you see when you come to Calgary? A laid-back lifestyle with year-round outdoor activities, a diverse and dynamic culture, proximity to the Rockies and the excitement around the NHL Calgary Flame Games.
Nature and scenic beauty are plentiful in Calgary, but there’s so much more waiting for you!
1. Bow River
The Bow River originated in the Canadian Rockies and has headwaters at Bow Lake in Banff National Park, one of the most picturesque sights near Calgary.
It flows 587 km south through Banff and east through Canmore and Meadow to join the Oldman River.
The Bow River Pathway offers astonishing views of the city’s skyline and is a signature outdoor spot for cyclists, runners and joggers. The river is also famous for trout fishing.
2. Calgary Tower
The Calgary Tower, originally called the Husky Tower, is an iconic 626-foot landmark in Calgary’s downtown core.
It is a must-visit for newcomers to the town who want a 360-degree view of Calgary, the majestic Rocky Mountains, and the surrounding prairies.
3. Calgary Stampede
The Calgary Stampede is an annual 10-day rodeo, exhibition, and festival held every July in Calgary.
Many visitors attend one of the world’s largest rodeos, along with parades and stage shows, all celebrating cowboy themes and attire.
4. WinSport Canada Olympic Park
As one of the primary locations of the 1988 Winter Olympic Games, this historic site is a great place to learn about the athletes’ rich history, take pictures, and view the iconic ski jump tower.
Popular summer activities include mountain biking and golf lessons, while in winter, families can enjoy the thrill of snow tubing at WinSport Canada Olympic Park.
5. Calgary’s NHL Flames Games
Ice hockey lovers get excited about Calgary’s NHL Flames every year from October to April.
Hockey games take place in the famous Scotiabank Saddledome, where the spectators are energetic throughout the game.
Whether you’re a die-hard hockey fan or simply a newbie seeking sports entertainment, Flames Game is your place to be.
6. Peace Bridge
The Peace Bridge in Calgary is a renowned masterpiece of harmony and peace.
This iconic structure accommodates pedestrians and cyclists crossing the Bow River in downtown Calgary.
It is also accessible from nearby parks like Prince’s Island Park and the Bow River Pathway.
Calgarians often visit the bridge at sunset to enjoy the breathtaking view of Calgary’s skyline.
7. Banff National Park
Banff is Canada’s first national park and one of the most visited, loved, and talked about worldwide.
It is an amalgamation of Rocky Mountain peaks, turquoise blue lakes, and surreal views of mountain towns, villages, and wildlife. The drive to the national park is heavenly.
Over 4 million people worldwide visit Banff annually for hiking, biking, skiing and camping, making it the most loved destination for nature lovers.
Not to forget that Banff National Park also made it to the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site, gaining a remarkable achievement.
If you plan to move to Calgary soon, you can experience Canada’s most incredible lakes in Banff:
Moraine Lake
Moraine Lake is a turquoise gem that will soothe your eyes and soul. Open from June to October, it requires a shuttle to access and is a perfect spot for seasoned hikers to pave their view into the scenic mountains.
Lake Louise
Another breathtaking turquoise gem, Lake Louise, is a signature spot for adventure seekers.
From the shore, visitors take in the beauty of scenic mountains on bright red canoes gliding across the glacial waters.
In the colder months, Lake Louise transforms into a magical winter wonderland.
The outdoor skating rink invites skaters to breathe the crisp mountain air with a stunning backdrop of Victoria Glacier.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Moving to Calgary in 2024
| Advantages of Moving to Calgary | Disadvantages of Moving to Calgary |
|---|---|
| Strong Job Market | Harsh Winters |
| Affordable Housing | Traffic Congestion |
| Low Sales Tax | Overcrowded Schools |
| High Quality of Life | Urban Sprawl |
| Excellent Healthcare | Reliance on Energy |
5 Advantages of Moving to Calgary
Whether you are already living in Canada or are new to Calgary, here are five benefits to consider as you plan your move.
1. Strong Job Market
Innovation, technology, and digital transformation are the key game-changers in the Calgary job market.
Industries like oil and gas, film, and technology are thriving the most, creating several pathways for job seekers.
Additionally, employment opportunities in health care and social assistance are rapidly growing by 2.6%. Alberta’s Dedicated Health Care Pathway successfully nominated 258 international workers in the first six months of 2024.
If you seek a favourable economy with competitive salaries, good work-life balance, and long-term stability, consider these in-demand jobs before starting your career journey in Calgary.
Top 8 High-Demand Jobs in Calgary For the Remainder of 2024
| Job Roles | Industry | Number of Jobs Available | Salary Range [CAD] |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | Healthcare | 1500 | $76,000- $110,000 |
| Software Developers | Technology | 1200 | $65,000-$110,000 |
| Data Analysts | Technology | 900 | $55,000-$100,000 |
| Petroleum Engineers | Energy | 600 | $80,000-$150,000 |
| Human Resource Managers | Professional services | 500 | $80,000-$120,000 |
| Project Managers | Technology | 900 | $80,000-$130,000 |
| Marketing Managers | Business Management | 600 | $70,000-$110,000 |
| Electricians | Trade | 700 | $50,000-$90,000 |
Source – immigrationnewscanada.ca
2. Affordable Housing
One of Calgary’s most significant advantages is its low cost of living, which is 13% lower than Toronto’s and 16% lower than Vancouver’s.
Whether you’re looking to buy or rent an apartment in Calgary, you need to assess the moving costs in Calgary before planning a move. The city offers affordable options compared to other metropolis cities. According to Numbeo, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1800 in Calgary compared to $2,300 in Toronto and $2,800 in Vancouver.
3. No Provincial Sales Tax (PST)
Moving to Calgary is highly beneficial as you don’t pay hefty taxes. Since Alberta does not have a provincial sales tax, it remains one of Canada’s lowest-taxed provinces.
That said, residents and businesses pay only the federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 5%, without any additional provincial tax.
4. High Quality of Life
Calgary offers more than just the 9-to-5 grind. This city is a breath of fresh air for enthusiasts seeking outdoor recreation.
From skiing and biking at the Olympic Park to exploring the city’s greenery around trails and parks, the city is full of sunshine, fresh air, and scenic views.
Interesting facts about Quality of Life in Calgary
- Alberta is the sunniest city in Canada, receiving 2405 hours and 333 days of sunshine in a year. Living there is truly like a ray of sunshine.
- Calgary consistently ranks as one of the cleanest cities in the world.
- It has a stellar reputation due to its minimal air pollution, clean sewage system and safe drinking water. Calgary’s constant efforts to promote greener lifestyles and sustainability are the main reasons behind this.
- Calgary Transit provides affordable and accessible transportation within the city. It includes a light rail system (C-train) and multiple bus routes. The monthly pass costs $115.00 and is valid for one calendar month. A one-way ticket for an adult is around $3.70 and is valid for 90 minutes.
- The Plus 15 Skyway is a convenient pedestrian skywalk system. It spans 16 kilometres (10 miles) and includes 86 bridges connecting about 130 buildings. This unique and well-structured walkway in Calgary is accessible for all ages and abilities.
5. Excellent Healthcare
Alberta offers the most superior healthcare services. The Alberta Health Card is a government-funded service allowing free medical access.
All you need to know about The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)
AHCIP provides free medical services to residents in Alberta that generally cover the following:
- Visits to your family doctor or a psychiatrist.
- Partial coverage for hospital visits and stays.
- Surgical services, such as Bariatric surgery and Oral surgery.
- Blood tests
Medical claims that are partially covered by your Alberta Health Card:
- Annual eye check-ups for anyone aged below 19 or over 65.
- Specific dental/oral surgeries.
- Podiatry (foot care) services.
5 Disadvantages of Moving to Calgary
Like any city, Calgary has its drawbacks. There are a few disadvantages to consider before relocating to Calgary –
1. Harsh Winters
Calgary’s winters are known for cold temperatures and heavy snowfall.
As mentioned above, the Plus 15 Skywalk network is a blessing for pedestrians who must commute within the city center without worrying about the biting cold.
Calgary is also famous for chinook winds, which bring warmth from the mountains and give Calgarians a break from frigid temperatures.
Calgary’s weather remains unpredictable and may affect people’s health because:
- There are rapid and substantial changes in temperature due to Chinook winds.
- Rapid decreases in air humidity levels lead to increased fire hazards.
- Fluctuations in temperatures, the snow and ice may melt quickly.
- Strong and warm wind gusts exceeding 120 km/h.
2. Traffic Congestion
Headlines like “Calgary water main break: Emergency chief warns of traffic congestion due to repairs” are just a few examples of the daily incidents in Calgary.
Reports show that the average travel time for 10 km is about 18 minutes.
While this is not the worst compared to traffic conditions in other major cities, delays and traffic jams can still make commuting challenging for locals, especially during weekdays and rush hours.
3. Overcrowding in Schools
With the exponential population growth, many families struggle to enroll their children in schools.
Existing schools are finding it challenging to keep pace with the rising number of enrollments and to develop new facilities due to a shortage of funds.
However, a recent update reveals that Alberta’s schools are expected to accommodate many more students this fall, thanks to new funding from the provincial government.
The provincial government aims to secure $215 million to address this gap, improve learning resources, and hire additional teachers to ensure quality education in Alberta.
4. Urban Sprawl
Calgarians like their space, which results in overcrowding in suburban communities. This leads to longer commutes and an increased car-dependent culture.
Urban sprawl emerged as a significant issue when many moved to Calgary to escape high rents in cities like Toronto and Vancouver.
This has created tension between residents’ needs and the town’s infrastructure capabilities.
5. Reliance on Energy
Calgary’s economy is highly dependent on the energy industry, such as oil and gas, which results in a volatile economy.
When oil prices spike, Calgary experiences positive economic growth, which improves the job market and government funding.
Conversely, when the oil prices decrease, the job market plummets, significantly impacting Alberta’s economy.
Therefore, Calgary needs a diversified economy, meaning growth in other sectors such as agriculture, food, tourism, etc. This avoids uncontrollable downturns and offers a stable economy.
Conclusion
Calgary offers both advantages and challenges. The city boasts numerous benefits, including a strong job market, affordable rentals, a sound healthcare system, and a high quality of life.
However, frigid temperatures, constant traffic delays, and overcrowded schools are important factors to consider before moving.
These pros and cons can help you evaluate whether Calgary meets your and your family’s needs.
Ultimately, moving to this city with its vibrant culture and natural allure may be appealing, but it depends on individual preferences and requirements.
FAQs
What is the cost of moving to Calgary?
Generally, local Calgary movers will cost between $139-$150 per hour for two movers and one truck.
The average cost of a local move within the city ranges from $550 to $1,595, depending on the unit size. In addition, you might spend extra on packing materials, storage boxes, specialty moving, etc.
Is living in Calgary worth it?
Calgary is consistently ranked as the most livable city in North America.
The most significant upsides of moving to Calgary are its affordable rentals, low sales tax, and excellent healthcare system.
However, it also has a few downsides, such as harsh winters, road congestion, and overcrowded schools.
The proximity to nature’s allure and scenic mountain views attract many to Calgary, which overweighs all the disadvantages, but living there is ultimately an individual’s choice and preference.
Is Calgary colder than Toronto?
Calgary does get more snow than Toronto, but the climate in Calgary varies because of Chinook winds.
Calgary’s proximity to the Rocky Mountains results in heavy snowfall and frigid temperatures.
The coldest month in Calgary is February, and temperatures are going as low as -27°C compared to Toronto, which is -20 °C.
Is a $60,000-$70,000 good salary range in Calgary, Alberta?
The salary you need to live a comfortable life in Calgary is around $4,000-$6,000 per month.
This means an annual salary between $60,000-$70,000 is considered as good enough to manage your living expenses.
However, comfort and luxury are subjective concepts that depend on your lifestyle and other miscellaneous costs.
Where is it cheaper to live, Calgary or Toronto?
Calgary is relatively cheaper. The cost of living in Calgary is 13% lower than in Toronto.
In terms of housing, living in Toronto is expensive, as, on average, you pay close to $2,300 rent monthly for one-bedroom apartment, whereas you spend $1,800 in Calgary.
