City Comparison
Calgary vs Toronto
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Calgary is ~21% 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
Toronto
Canada
COL+Rent
60.6
Rent Index
49.3
Groceries
73.2
Restaurant
72.3
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Calgary | Toronto | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,481 | $2,174 | $693 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,178 | $1,728 | $550 |
| Groceries | $353 | $410 | $57 |
| Restaurant Meal | $19 | $22 | $3 |
| Transit Pass | $79 | $92 | $13 |
| Utilities | $137 | $160 | $23 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Calgary | Toronto |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,717/mo | $2,355/mo |
| Typical | $2,335/mo | $3,166/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,913/mo | $3,904/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Calgary | ≈ in Toronto | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,906/mo | +$406 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,541/mo | +$541 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,811/mo | +$811 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Calgary or Toronto cheaper to live in?
Calgary is approximately 21% cheaper overall. Calgary's COL+Rent Index is 47.7 vs Toronto's 60.6 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Calgary vs Toronto?
A 1BR in Calgary city center costs ~$1,481/mo vs $2,174/mo in Toronto. Outside the center: $1,178 vs $1,728.
What is $2,000/month in Calgary worth in Toronto?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Calgary has the purchasing power of approximately $2,541/month in Toronto.
Are groceries cheaper in Calgary or Toronto?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $353 in Calgary vs $410 in Toronto. Groceries Index: 62.9 vs 73.2 (NYC = 100).