As most places in Canada the province of Alberta, is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, thriving economy, and abundant job opportunities. And here’s come a highlight: Alberta has on average 312 sunny days and up to 18 hours of daylight in the summer. So, pack your sunscreen and let’s dive in the costs to live in this vibrant province.
💰How expensive is it to live in Alberta, Canada?
The cost of living in Alberta varies depending on factors like location and personal preferences. According to recent data shared by the Government of Alberta, the province promises to be one the most affordable in Canada.
Key considerations include when relocating to Alberta, CA:
- Exchange Rate: Understand the strength of your home currency relative to the Canadian dollar.
- City and Region: Understand the costs differ between cities, with major ones being more expensive.
- Food prices: Understand the cost depends on location but mainly your lifestyle.
- Transportation: Understand costs for public transit (gasoline and car ownership vary).
- Taxes: Understand Canada’s progressive tax system (higher earners pay more).
- Education: Understand public schools are free, but private and higher education can be costly.
The currency
Given that you have a job in Canada that pays you in Canadian dollars, you’ll soon accumulate a significant amount of CAD in your bank account. However, as a newcomer to Canada, it’s crucial to grasp the significance and purchasing power of this currency.
The list below shows the approximate value of Canadian dollars at the time of writing (October, 5, 2023), compared to a few major currencies:
- $1000 USD = CAD 1355
- £1000 GBP = CAD 1670
- €1000 EUR = CAD 1427
- A$1000 AUD = CAD 872
Region & Other costs
Some of the most affordable places to live in Alberta include Medicine Hat, Edmonton, Lethbridge, Lloydminster, Red Deer, Cold Lake, Grande Prairie, Camrose, High River, Fort McMurray, and Wetaskiwin. That being said, below, we’ve compiled information about the cost of renting a place and other expenses beyond rent for one person. We’ll start with Calgary, the most expensive one, to provide you with a basis for comparison.
| City & <distance from Toronto, CA> | How big is the city? | 1 bed condo/monthly rate | 2 bed condo/monthly rate | Other costs for 1 person (besides rent) |
| Calgary | 1.640 million | $1,900 | $2,500 | $661 |
| Okotoks <45.8 km> | 31,959 | $1,750 | N/A | $661 |
| Airdrie <36.7 km> | 80,649 | $1,600 | $1,900 | $661 |
| Medicine Hat <293.7 km> | 80,000 | $1,100 | $1,300 | $661 |
| Edmonton <299.9 km> | 1.550 million | $1,100 | $1,500 | $661 |
| Lethbridge <293 km> | 106,000 | $1,000 | $1,400 | $661 |
| Lloydminster <545 km> | 15,256 | $900,00 | $1,300 | $661 |
| Red Deer <149.9 km> | 105,883 | $970 | $1,300 | $661 |
| Cold Lake <599 km> | 16,686 | N/A | $1,600 | $661 |
| Grande Prairie <715 km> | 67,669 | $900 | N/A | $661 |
| Camrose <287 km> | 19,847 | N/A | $1,200 | $661 |
| High River <68 km> | 14,556 | N/A | $1,200 | $661 |
| Fort McMurray <740 km> | 117,065 | $1,200 | $1,500 | $661 |
| Wetaskiwin <247.7 km> | 12,317 | $1,000 | $1,200 | $661 |
⚠️ Affordability can vary depending on housing costs, job opportunities, and personal circumstances. It’s important to conduct your own research and consider your needs and preferences when choosing a place to live in Alberta.
** Other costs such as grocery, electricity, internet.
Consider adding tenant insurance cost on top of your rent:
In Alberta, tenant insurance for a one-bedroom apartment typically ranges from CAD 150 to CAD 300. These costs can vary based on factors such as coverage, location, and the age of the building.
Choosing Where to Live in Alberta
Cost of living is important when considering your favourite location to live in Alberta, but several other factors need to be considered to ensure it meets your needs and preferences. This is about your priorities, and your lifestyle. Also, as a newcomer you will probably enjoy being close to communities that offer support and diverse, inclusive activities.
Consider your access to parks, recreational facilities, restaurants, shopping centers, and entertainment options in general.
Edmonton for example (300 km from Calgary), is a big urban centre with almost 1M people. The largest northernmost metropolis, and the capital of Alberta, Canada. People who live in Edmonton enjoy 18 hours of sunlight and you can find more about community and services, here.
Exploring the demographics is also a way to find your fave location, especially if you have kids. Think about personal values, personal choices and what’s important to you, such as urban or rural living, community size, and cultural amenities.
Okotoks, located approximately 45 kilometers south of Calgary, Alberta, is a charming town known for its small-town vibe and unique character. With a population of around 32,000 people, it offers a different lifestyle compared to the hustle and bustle of larger cities like Calgary.
Taxes
Here are the approximate tax rates for Federal and Alberta rates.
Plese, use a tax calculator for more details.
- Federal Income Tax rates range from 15% to 33% on various income levels.
| Federal tax bracket | Federal tax rates |
| $50,197 or less | 15.00% |
| $50,198 to $100,392 | 20.50% |
| $100,393 to $155,625 | 26.00% |
| $155,626 to $221,708 | 29.00% |
| more than $221,708 | 33.00% |
- Provincial Income Tax rates range from 10% to 15% on various income levels.
| Alberta tax bracket | Alberta tax rates |
| $131,220 or less | 10.00% |
| $131,221 to $157,464 | 12.00% |
| $157,465 to $209,952 | 13.00% |
| $209,953 to $314,928 | 14.00% |
| more than $314,928 | 15.00% |
- Federal & Provincial Taxes considering annual salaries of CAD 60k, CAD 70k, CAD 80k, CAD 90k:
| Annual Gross Income | Federal Tax |
Provincial Tax | CPP/EI Premiums | Estimated Net Salary |
| CAD 60,000 | CAD 6,538 | CAD 3,602 | CAD 4,169 | CAD 45,692 |
| CAD 70,000 | CAD 8,543 | CAD 4,573 | CAD 4,453 | CAD 52,431 |
| CAD 80,000 | CAD 10,593 | CAD 5,573 | CAD 4,453 | CAD 59,381 |
| CAD 90,000 | CAD 12,643 | CAD 4,453 | CAD 4,453 | CAD 66,331 |
- Alberta is the only province in Canada without a provincial sales tax. Goods and services are charged only the federal 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST).
Education
Daycare and Early Childhood Education: In Alberta, early childhood education typically begins with daycare or preschool programs for young children. The cost of daycare can vary significantly depending on the type of facility, location, and the age of the child. Subsidies are available for low-income families to help with childcare costs.
- Licensed Daycare Centers: Licensed daycare centers can vary in cost. On average, you might expect to pay anywhere from $900 to $1,200 per month per child. However, these costs can be higher in larger cities like Calgary and Edmonton.
- Licensed Family Day Homes: These are smaller, home-based childcare providers. Costs can be similar to daycare centers, ranging from $900 to $1,200 per month.
- Out-of-School Care: If your child is school-aged and you require care before or after school, the cost can range from $400 to $800 per month.
- Preschool Programs: Costs for preschool programs can vary widely, but they are often less expensive than full daycare. You might pay anywhere from $100 to $400 per month.
Subsidies: The government of Alberta offers childcare subsidies to eligible families. The amount of the subsidy depends on your income, the number of children in care, and the type of childcare.
Elementary and Secondary Education: Alberta follows a publicly funded education system from kindergarten to grade 12. Students attend public, Catholic, or private schools. Public and Catholic schools receive government funding, while private schools require tuition fees.
Post-Secondary Education:
- Colleges and Technical Institutes: Alberta has several colleges and technical institutes that offer diploma and certificate programs. Tuition costs can vary widely depending on the institution and program. Financial aid and scholarships may be available.
- Universities: Alberta is home to several universities, including the University of Alberta, the University of Calgary, and others. Tuition fees for universities depend on the specific program, the level of study, and whether you are an Alberta resident or an out-of-province or international student. Tuition fees for international students are typically higher than those for Canadian residents or permanent residents.
For the most current and accurate information on education costs in Alberta, we recommend visiting the official websites of Alberta Education, specific schools and universities, and consulting with financial aid offices for the most recent tuition and fee schedules. Education costs may also vary based on individual circumstances, such as residency status and financial need.
💰Cost of Living in Alberta
Everybody has a different standard when it comes to being financially comfortable. It also depends on where you live in Alberta, CA.
To help you understand the cost of living, we’ve put together the cost for a single person living in Alberta, considering average prices. Please note that this is a rough estimate, as individual circumstances and deductions can affect the final net salary amount:
💁One single person | 1 bed = CAD 25,112
Rent: CAD 1,100 x 12 = CAD 13,200
Tenant Insurance: CAD ~120
Grocery/Utilities: CAD 661 x 12 = CAD 7,932
Transportation: CAD 105 x 12 = CAD 1,260
Entertainment (dining out/shopping/others): CAD 300 x 12 = CAD 3,600
Gas: N/A
Medical Services in AB: N/A
Other health/insurance costs may be under your employment agreement.
Please, add other costs as needed.
Total Cost of Living = CAD 25,112
💁💁One couple (2 adults) | 1 bed = CAD 34,932
Rent: CAD ~1,100 x 12 = CAD ~13,200
Tenant Insurance: CAD 120
Grocery/Utilities: CAD 991 x 12 = CAD 11,892
Transportation: CAD 210 x 12 = CAD 2,520
Entertainment (dining out/shopping/others): CAD 600 x 12 = CAD 7,200
Gas: N/A
Medical Services in AB: N/A
Other health/insurance costs may be under your employment agreement.
Please, add other costs as needed.
Total Cost of Living = CAD 34,932
⚠️Factoring in both federal and provincial taxes, take a look at the estimated net salary:
| Annual Gross Income (CAD) | Estimated Net Salary |
| CAD 60,000 | CAD 45,692 |
| CAD 70,000 | CAD 52,431 |
| CAD 80,000 | CAD 59,381 |
| CAD 90,000 | CAD 66,331 |
💁💁🍼One couple (2 adults + One kid under 5 years old) = CAD 65,520
Rent: CAD 1,500 x 12 = CAD 18,000
Grocery/Utilities: CAD 1,650 x 12 = CAD 19,800
Transportation: CAD 210 x 12 = CAD 2,520
Entertainment (dining out/shopping/others): CAD 900 x 12 = CAD 10,800
Daycare: CAD 1,200 x 12 = CAD 14,400
Gas: N/A
Medical Services in AB: N/A
Other health/insurance costs may be under your employment agreement.
Please, add other costs as needed.
Total Cost of Living = CAD 65,520
⚠️Each month, eligible families with children under the age of 18 receive the benefit payment as a combined payment with the child benefit. Eligibility depends on family income.
⚠️Medical Services: Accompanying spouses and children of eligible work and study permits may be deemed eligible for AHCIP under the Medical and Health Care Services Regulation if they hold a valid visitor permit.
The information provided in this blog regarding the cost of living in Alberta is intended for general reference purposes only. It is essential to note that the cost of living can vary significantly based on individual circumstances, economic factors, and changing market conditions. The figures and data presented here are subject to change, and they may not reflect the most current or accurate information at the time of your reading.
For the most current and accurate information on costs in Alberta, we recommend visiting the official websites of relevant government agencies, local municipalities, and reputable sources that specialize in cost-of-living data. Additionally, conducting your own research and considering your unique personal circumstances, such as family size, lifestyle choices, and location within Alberta, is crucial when assessing your specific cost of living.
This blog is intended to serve as a starting point for individuals considering a move to Alberta or seeking a general overview of living expenses in the region. However, it should not be relied upon as the sole source of information for financial planning or decision-making. We encourage readers to use this information as part of a more comprehensive analysis and planning process when considering changes in their living situation, especially when moving between countries or regions.
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Other Sources/Resources:
- VanHack Canadian Engineer Office
- Benefits With Canadian Engineer Office
- Eligibility to Employment Insurance
- Visa Types & Process: Understanding ‘Closed Work Permits’ and What Happens When Terminating a Contract with Your Canadian Employer
- Canada Health Care System
- Cost of Living in Canada
- Cost of Living in British Columbia
- Cost of Living in Ontario
- More about Cost of Living in Alberta
- Alberta is Calling
- Explore Edmonton