Cost of Living in Calgary in 2025 | Housing, Food, Transit & More

Calgary in 2025 is a city of contrast and opportunity—affordable compared to Canada’s largest metros, yet evolving under inflation, housing demand, and public infrastructure investments. Here’s what individuals and families entering Calgary can realistically expect in terms of expenses, lifestyle, and future outlook.

1. Snapshot: Monthly Budgets at a Glance

Household Type - Estimated Monthly Cost (incl. rent)

Single person - CA $3,000–4,000

Two adults, no children - CA $5,000–6,000

Family of four - CA $6,000–7,000

• Single: Comfortable living at CA $3–4 K/month after tax.(Wise Move, Spergel)

• Family of four: Estimated CA $70–80 K/year or ~CA $6–6.5 K/month.(Spergel, Expatistan, cost of living comparisons)

2. Housing: Rent vs Ownership

2.1 Rental Market

• One-bedroom apartments rent for CA $1,500–1,600/month; in the downtown core closer to CA $2,000.(ABES College)

• Two- or three-bedroom units typically cost CA $2,500–3,000 in desirable areas.(ABES College)

• Justin Havre group estimates one-bed units average CA $1,716, two-bed downtown CA $2,505 or CA $2,086 outside downtown.(justinhavre.com)

2.2 Homeownership

• Alberta‑wide average home price in January 2025: CA $503,078.

• Detached homes: ~CA $594K; apartments: ~CA $283K.(newhomesalberta.ca)

• Calgary-specific: markets trending in mid‑$600K range, with some rising heat.(ABES College, justinhavre.com)

• Mortgage payments remain generally lower than Toronto/Vancouver, with average Calgary monthly mortgage around CA $3,610 vs CA $4,405 in other major cities.(minto.com)

3. Utilities, Insurance & Internet

• Utilities (heat, water, electricity) plus internet for a single household ~CA $150–250/month.(Wise Move)

• Water alone: ~CA $50–75/month.(Wise Move)

• Insurance (tenant or home): variable—range CA $50–150/month depending on coverage.

4. Groceries and Food

• Grocery costs for a single person in Alberta ~CA $350/month.(justinhavre.com)

• Numbeo estimates non‑rent monthly costs ~CA $1,580 for one person excluding rent.(Numbeo)

• Family of four likely spends CA $900–1,200/month on household groceries.

5. Transportation

5.1 Public Transit

• Single adult fare: CA $3.70; adult monthly pass: CA $115.(Wikipedia)

• Youth: CA $2.50 per ride; monthly youth pass: CA $82.(Wikipedia)

• Low‑income sliding-scale passes as low as CA $5.60/month.

5.2 Driving & Fuel

• Alberta’s gas is typically among the cheaper provinces—although carbon pricing was removed by April 1, 2025.(Wikipedia)

• Insurance costs average CA $150–200/month, depending on vehicle, coverage, and driver profile.

6. Healthcare & Education

• Healthcare: Publicly funded; additional costs for dental, vision, prescriptions may require private plans or out-of-pocket.

• Education (K–12): Public schooling is free; private school fees vary—but generally competitive.

• Post-secondary: University of Calgary, SAIT, Mount Royal offer U‑Pass programs integrated in tuition (~CA $160/year) for students.(Wikipedia)

7. Taxes & Policy Considerations

7.1 Income & Provincial Tax

• Alberta combines flat provincial tax (10‑15%) plus federal income tax; no provincial sales tax—making take‑home materially stronger.

7.2 Carbon Pricing

• The federal consumer carbon tax was set to 0% effective April 1, 2025, easing household energy costs.(Wikipedia)

8. Inflationary Trends & Economic Outlook

• Calgary inflation reviews (City data) show rising costs in shelter, food, transportation in mid‑2025.(calgary.ca)

• Consumer prices rose in first half of 2025, although carbon tax removal may offset some household cost pressure.

9. Quality of Life and Intangibles

• Calgary remains sunnier, less humid, and more spacious than BC/Ontario metros—over 332 days of sunshine annually.(Wikipedia)

• Average happiness score: 67.4 (behind Mississauga, Montreal, Hamilton), with affordability contributing to well‑being challenges.(LiveWire Calgary)

• Stampede week (July 4–13, 2025) brings vibrant energy—1.47M attendees, city-wide community spirit, and tourism appeal.(Wikipedia)

10. What to Expect Regionally vs Nationally

• Calgary is ~3.75% more expensive than the national average, mostly because rural areas are cheaper. Among major Canadian metros, it remains affordable.(minto.com)

• Compared to Toronto or Vancouver, living costs here are about 8‑9% lower, especially in housing and daily expenses.(minto.com, Wise Move)

11. Strategy Tips: How to Thrive Financially

1. Choose location carefully: Rentals outside central core save CA $300–500/month.

2. Lease or buy smart: With rising inventory and steady prices, consider entry-level properties (~CA $600K) vs long-term rent.

3. Capitalize on transit phase‑in: The Green Line LRT starts with SE-Phase ground-breaking June 26, 2025. Phase 1 will reduce commute times and inspire value growth in transit-oriented neighbourhoods.(Wikipedia, Wikipedia)

4. Prepare for inflation: Budget for rising food and energy costs—rebates and low-income credits may help.

5. Engage in Stampede-driven networking: Attend community breakfasts and events for both social and professional connections if relocating in July.

12. Lifestyle Highlights

• Outdoor recreation: Rocky Mountains, Banff, Lake Louise within easy driving distance.

• City culture: Galleries, university campuses, professional sports (Stamps, Flames), dynamic food scene.

• Weather dynamics: Summer highs frequently exceed 30 °C for a few weeks; chillier winter nights—but lower humidity gives milder feel.(nypost.com)

13. Example Monthly Budget Scenarios

Scenario A: Young professional (single)

• Rent (1-bed outside core): CA $1,600

• Groceries + food out: CA $400

• Utilities & internet: CA $200

• Transit pass: CA $115

• Insurance/mobile/incidentals: CA $200

Total: ~CA $2,515/month

Scenario B: Family of four (two adults + two kids)

• Rent (3-bed): CA $2,800

• Groceries: CA $1,000

• Utilities / Internet: CA $300

• Car + insurance + fuel: CA $600

• Extra services (childcare, activities): CA $800

Total: ~CA $5,500/month

14. Why You Might Be Surprised

• Carbon tax repeal provides real‑time relief in 2025, unlike other provinces.

• Housing remains accessible, especially when comparing to Vancouver/Toronto home‑price inflation.

• Transit expansion (Green Line) is a city‑changing catalyst, triggering pockets of growth in southeast and north-central sectors.

15. Final Thoughts — Your Key Takeaways

• Calgary in 2025 is affordable relative to major Canadian cities, with housing and rent as core advantages.

• Monthly living costs scale from CA $3,000 (single) to CA $6–7 K (family), supported by Alberta’s high median income (≈ CA $88,500/year).(lifeincalgary.ca, Wikipedia, Reddit)

• Strategic choices (location, housing type, transit access) can optimize living cost and quality.

• Watch for infrastructure developments (Green Line LRT) that may influence neighbourhood value.

16. Bonus: Planning Your Move

• Timing: Calgary Stampede in early July brings high visibility and rental demand—plan before or after if seeking deals.

• Early Access: Residents who lock in leases before Green Line segments open will benefit from stabilized rents and future capital appreciation.

• Rebates & programs: Investigate low‑income or student transit pass discounts; federal carbon rebates have dissipated after April 2025.

Conclusion

Calgary in 2025 offers a unique combination of affordability, optimism, and flourish. Whether you're moving as a solo professional, young couple, or growing family, the city provides a foundation: moderate cost-of-living, strong incomes, transit expansion, and a livable climate with mountain access.

By spending wisely—considering rent vs. buy, locating strategically around emerging transit, and planning around seasonal impacts like Stampede—you can capture both value and vibrancy in Calgary.