City Comparison
Toronto vs Calgary
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Calgary is ~21% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Toronto
Canada
COL+Rent
60.6
Rent Index
49.3
Groceries
73.2
Restaurant
72.3
Calgary
Canada
COL+Rent
47.7
Rent Index
33.6
Groceries
62.9
Restaurant
57.8
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Toronto | Calgary | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $2,174 | $1,481 | +$693 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,728 | $1,178 | +$550 |
| Groceries | $410 | $353 | +$57 |
| Restaurant Meal | $22 | $19 | +$3 |
| Transit Pass | $92 | $79 | +$13 |
| Utilities | $160 | $137 | +$23 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Toronto | Calgary |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $2,355/mo | $1,717/mo |
| Typical | $3,166/mo | $2,335/mo |
| Comfortable | $3,904/mo | $2,913/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Toronto | ≈ in Calgary | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,181/mo | -$319 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,574/mo | -$426 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,361/mo | -$639 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Toronto or Calgary cheaper to live in?
Calgary is approximately 21% cheaper overall. Toronto's COL+Rent Index is 60.6 vs Calgary's 47.7 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Toronto vs Calgary?
A 1BR in Toronto city center costs ~$2,174/mo vs $1,481/mo in Calgary. Outside the center: $1,728 vs $1,178.
What is $2,000/month in Toronto worth in Calgary?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Toronto has the purchasing power of approximately $1,574/month in Calgary.
Are groceries cheaper in Toronto or Calgary?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $410 in Toronto vs $353 in Calgary. Groceries Index: 73.2 vs 62.9 (NYC = 100).