Canada

Cost of Living in Calgary

Monthly expenses, rent & budget analysis — Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates

COL+Rent: 47.7Rent: 33.6Groceries: 62.9Restaurant: 57.8

Monthly Budget Estimates

Minimal

$1,717/mo

Outside-center room, basic groceries, public transit

Typical

$2,335/mo

City-center 1BR, regular groceries & dining out

Comfortable

$2,913/mo

Premium apartment, frequent dining, entertainment

Monthly Costs Breakdown

CategoryCost (USD)
Rent (1BR City Center)$1,481
Rent (1BR Outside Center)$1,178
Groceries (monthly)$353
Restaurant Meal$19
Transit Pass (monthly)$79
Utilities (monthly)$137

Source: Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026

Can You Afford Calgary?

Compare Calgary with other cities at specific budget levels:

vs Toronto · $1,000/movs Toronto · $1,500/movs Toronto · $2,000/movs Vancouver · $1,000/movs Vancouver · $1,500/movs Vancouver · $2,000/movs Montreal · $1,000/movs Montreal · $1,500/movs Montreal · $2,000/mo

Other Cities in Canada

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to live in Calgary?
A minimal monthly budget in Calgary is approximately $1,717, a typical budget is $2,335, and a comfortable lifestyle costs around $2,913 per month.
How much is rent in Calgary?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Calgary city center costs approximately $1,481/month. Outside the center, expect around $1,178/month.
Is Calgary expensive compared to New York?
Calgary's COL+Rent Index is 47.7 compared to New York's 100, meaning Calgary is about 52% cheaper than NYC overall.
What is the average grocery cost in Calgary?
Monthly groceries in Calgary cost approximately $353. The city's Groceries Index is 62.9 (NYC = 100).