Calgary vs Graz
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Graz is ~17% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Calgary
Canada
COL+Rent
47.7
Rent Index
33.6
Groceries
62.9
Restaurant
57.8
Graz
Austria
COL+Rent
39.4
Rent Index
18.1
Groceries
61.7
Restaurant
58
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Calgary | Graz | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,481 | $821 | +$660 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,178 | $630 | +$548 |
| Groceries | $353 | $370 | $17 |
| Restaurant Meal | $19 | $15 | +$4 |
| Transit Pass | $79 | $47 | +$32 |
| Utilities | $137 | $170 | $33 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Calgary | Graz |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,717/mo | $1,166/mo |
| Typical | $2,335/mo | $1,633/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,913/mo | $2,055/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Calgary | ≈ in Graz | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,239/mo | -$261 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,652/mo | -$348 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,478/mo | -$522 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Calgary vs Graz for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Graz is approximately 17% more affordable than Calgary when combining rent and daily living costs. Calgary's COL+Rent Index of 47.7 vs Graz's 39.4 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a relatively small gap, meaning the decision between these cities often comes down to lifestyle preferences rather than pure cost.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Calgary costs $1,481/month versus $821/month in Graz — giving Graz a $660/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $7,920 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Calgary ($353/mo) vs Graz ($370/mo) reflect Graz's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $19 vs $15 show Calgary is the better value for dining out. For digital nomads and remote workers who eat out frequently, this difference compounds quickly.
Bottom line: If you earn in a strong currency (USD, EUR, GBP) and work remotely, Graz offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $1,633 buys a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings. Use the purchasing power table above to see exactly how far your specific budget stretches in each city.