15 Pros and Cons of Living in Calgary: Ultimate 2024 Guide

If you’re thinking about the pros and cons of living in Calgary, you’re not alone! 

Its location in the Rocky Mountains foothills offers many year-round outdoor activities like skiing and snowshoeing in winter and biking and camping the rest of the year. But the cold winters and short summers might be too much for some people to handle.

I’ve been fortunate enough to have lived in many different places around the world, including Canada. When I was a kid, I had the chance to visit Calgary for the famous Stampede, the greatest outdoor show on earth. Since then, I’ve wondered what it might be like to live there.

For several years now, Calgary has ranked as the most liveable city in North America, among the world’s top 10 most livable cities! 

If you are considering moving to Calgary or looking for more information on what it’s like as a resident, I’ve got you covered! 

Quick Facts About Living in Calgary 

Short on time? Here is some of the essential information about living in Calgary, Canada:

• Calgary Population: 1.3 million
• It’s the largest city in the Canadian province of Alberta.
• Known for its strong economy, with many jobs in the oil and gas industry.
• Average Summer Temp: 22°C
• Average Winter Temp: -12°C (often dipping below -20°C)
• The average cost of living in Calgary, Canada, is about $2,500 CAD. Alberta province has the most expensive cost of living in Canada.
• The quality of life in Calgary is high.
• Calgary is a great place for families and new immigrants.

Is Calgary a Good Place to Live?

Calgary is a great place to live for people from all over the world.

Calgary has a strong economy with plenty of job opportunities in the oil and gas industry.

The average temperature is around 22°C (71°F) in the summer and -12°C (10°F) in the winter, perfect for those who like a cooler climate.

The cost of living in Calgary is high at about $2,500 CAD, but it also offers a great quality of life with plenty of family-friendly activities and resources available to immigrants. 

All things considered, Calgary is an excellent choice for those looking to start their lives anew. 

About Life in Calgary 

Calgary is one of the most affordable cities in Canada, with low housing costs and even lower taxes. 

This city is ranked as one of the most livable cities in the world and claimed the top spot on the list a few years back. 

The city itself is quite young compared to other cities in Canada, with a relatively low median age of 38 years. More than 1.3 million people live and work within its limits, less crowded than Toronto (3 million) or Montreal (almost 2 million). 

What’s great about living in Calgary is that it is easily accessible to the Canadian Rocky Mountains. In less than an hour’s drive, you can veer off to explore the wild beauty of Canada’s mountain range.

Where Is Calgary In Canada?

Calgary is located in Alberta, Canada, in Southwestern Canada, just a 3-hour drive from the US border (north of Montana) and only an hour away from the majestic Canadian Rocky Mountains. 

Calgary is around 300km (186 miles) away from the next closest large city, Edmonton. It is also quite far from other big Canadian cities such as Vancouver (973km/604 miles) and Toronto (3,238km / 2,212 miles).

The world-famous Banff National Park, Canada’s largest national park, is easily accessible from Calgary International Airport, a huge bonus for nature lovers!

Calgary Weather

Calgary enjoys some of the most beautiful weather in Canada but is known for being very unpredictable. The famous Chinook winds can change the temperature in Calgary drastically from one minute to the next. There’s a popular saying in Calgary, “If you don’t like the weather, wait 5 minutes!”

It is the sunniest major Canadian city, milder than many other cities throughout the year. 

The summers tend to be warm but not hot, with average temperatures in the low 20s Celsius (68-73°F). The summers also tend to feel very short. For those who enjoy hot summer days, Calgary isn’t for you since it rarely gets too hot and cools down at night. Most of the rainfall comes in the summer as well.

Winters are relatively mild, compared to cities in northern parts of Canada, with temperatures dropping to -3°C (27°F) during the day and -14°C (7°F) at night. The cooler weather lasts through spring and fall, something people from outside Canada might be surprised about. You’ll find snow on the ground for about 88 days a year.

Since Calgary is a flat prairie, it’s known for being windy and dry, so skin moisturizer is a necessity.

Overall, Calgary’s weather is perfect for outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, or simply enjoying the outdoors.

Calgary Culture

The city has many annual events, such as the famous Calgary Stampede, and music festivals like the Calgary Folk Music Festival and Sled Island. 

There are a lot of museums and art galleries to explore, including the Glenbow Museum and Esker Foundation. The Calgary Zoo has over 1,200 animals from all around the world, and the Telus Science Centre features interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and a motion theatre.

Calgary is one of the most diverse cities in Canada, with 165 languages spoken.

But Calgarians are especially proud of their cowboy culture – many people still wear cowboy hats and boots, particularly during the Calgary Stampede. 

The city also has great nightlife and an ever-present music mile featuring multiple stages for live performances. 

Cost Of Living In Calgary

The cost of living in Calgary is high, but the quality of life is great. 

Renting a 1-bedroom apartment near the city center would cost about $1,700 CAD per month and around an additional $1,000 CAD for general expenses. 

Despite the high cost of living, Calgary is still considered one of the most affordable cities to live in Canada. It’s only second after Edmonton and among the top 25 most affordable housing markets in the world. 

Quality Of Life In Calgary

Low crime rates, affordable housing, a clean environment, and a sense of community make Calgary a particularly appealing place to live. Taxes are low, and the city is a great place to raise children. 

Calgary is a great city to move to for those looking for an active and vibrant lifestyle. It’s home to two of the world’s largest urban parks, Fish Creek Provincial Park, Nose Hill Park, and Canada Olympic Park, making it a great choice for outdoor lovers. 

Calgary also boasts North America’s most extensive outdoor pathway and bikeway network.  It has over 700 kilometers of pathways and 160 kilometers of dedicated bikeways throughout the city, providing plenty of options to explore the city and enjoy your time outdoors.

Alberta healthcare is more expensive than other provinces in Canada, and the quality of healthcare is lower than in other provinces. Lack of physician availability, limited equipment, and long wait times are all possible challenges to consider.

Crime Rates

Calgary is a great city for those looking to settle down and start a new life, but is Calgary safe? Despite recent reports of slight increases in crime, the city is safe and secure overall, with crime rates still far lower than in other major Canadian cities. 

The Crime Severity Index for Canada as a whole is 78.1, while Calgary was a bit lower at 75.22. That’s especially low when you compare it to Edmonton at 100.39.

The Calgary Police Service has been taking proactive steps to ensure public safety, like increasing police presence in key areas and introducing programs to help reduce incidents of violent crime. 

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Calgary Education System

The Alberta School System offers quality education for K-12 students, and government funding ensures that schools are well-equipped and well-staffed. Public school is free to attend, including expats and permanent residents!

The school year runs from September to June, allowing plenty of time to explore the city and take family vacations during summer and school breaks. 

Teachers in Calgary have a minimum four-year university degree and a teacher preparation program, so parents can be confident their children are receiving the highest level of instruction. 

There are also several universities in Calgary, such as the University of Calgary and Mount Royal University.

Getting Around Calgary

Public transport makes it easy to get around Calgary with the C Train, the continent’s first public transit system powered by the wind! 

Calgary also boasts an efficient network of footbridges that connect buildings, so you don’t have to go outside to get between buildings in the cold. 

In good weather, bicyclists get around on the many bike paths.

The city also features a walkable downtown area and easy car access to mountain destinations like Banff National Park. 

Food in Calgary

Calgary is home to some of the most delicious cuisine in Canada and is known as a center of culinary excellence in Alberta.

You’ll find classic Canadian dishes such as poutine and perogies and tantalizing international flavors like Indian, Thai, Greek, and Ethiopian. There are so many amazing local restaurants and bars serving traditional Alberta beef and craft beer.

Whether it’s a food truck on Stephen Avenue or a cozy café in Kensington Village, you will surely find something scrumptious wherever you go.

15 Pros and Cons of Living in Calgary 

1. Pro: Stunning Scenery 

Calgary offers a stunning backdrop of mountains, prairies, and rivers that will take your breath away. If you love being outdoors, Calgary has many opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and skiing. 

The city’s proximity to Banff National Park also offers easy access to breathtaking landscapes, such as the iconic Peyto Lake and Moraine Lake. 

2. Con: Harsh Winters

The winters in Calgary can be long and harsh, often lasting from November to March – although it’s still not as cold as many other parts of Canada! 

If you embrace the winter, there are plenty of activities for fun, such as skiing, snowshoeing, or ice skating. And you’ll love that Calgary has more sunny days than most other places in the country.

3. Pro: Outdoor Activities

Outdoor activities in Calgary are plentiful and enjoyable year-round. In the summer, residents can participate in kayaking, fishing, biking, or golfing activities. During the winter, there are plenty of snowshoeing, skiing, and ice skating options for outdoor fun. 

Ski resorts like Lake Louise and Sunshine Village are just an hour away from the city center. All these activities make it easy to stay active outdoors, no matter the season!

4. Con: Short Summers

Calgary’s short summers are a con of living in Calgary for most. The warm season is fleeting, with temperatures often dropping quickly in late September. It starkly contrasts the long winter months that begin in November and only end by March. 

However, many transplants find that they can still take advantage of all the city offers in its magical summer months with careful planning. With plenty of festivals and activities like street markets and outdoor concerts, the warm season still has much to offer those who live in Calgary!

5. Pro: Accessible Parks

Calgary is blessed with an abundance of parks and outdoor spaces that are easily accessible for anyone wanting to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. 

Whether it’s Stanley Park or Bowness Park, locals can access plenty of green space within walking distance. 

Visitors can enjoy picnics, bike riding trails, or simply stroll along the river, enjoying the beautiful natural scenery. All these activities make it the perfect destination for friends and families looking for some quality time in nature.

6. Con: Chinook Winds

The Chinook Winds are an ever-present reminder of Calgary’s location in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. These dry, warm winds bring mild temperatures and quickly thaw snowfall during the winter months. 

While the Chinook Winds can provide welcome relief during long, cold winters, they also bring strong gusts that can create hazardous conditions. The locals must take extra caution and watch out for downed trees or branches. Flying debris can be unpredictable in these powerful winds.

7. Pro: Welcoming and Diverse Community

Calgary is a city with a large population of immigrants from all over the world. It has become an important melting pot for many cultures, languages, and religions. The city prides itself on its inclusiveness and openness to different points of view. 

You’ll love exploring the many festivals the city has to offer and strolling through one of hundreds of parks or trails. Living in Calgary offers endless opportunities for unique experiences and conversations! 

8. Pro: Strong Economy 

Calgary’s economy is based on an abundance of natural resources. It’s a hub for the oil and gas industry, and the city has a high concentration of corporate head offices. This means that there are a lot of job possibilities as well as many networking opportunities. 

And with its growing tech industry, Calgary is also leading the way in innovation and growth. 

Residents have access to good wages, affordable housing, and low unemployment rates – all important factors for those looking to live in Calgary.

9. Con: Economic Volatility

Calgary’s close connection to oil and gas means it is highly exposed to economic downturns in the industry. For example, when oil prices drastically drop, Calgary’s economy tends to suffer. This has implications for job security and wages. 

Despite this, many Calgarians are keenly aware of their city’s dependence on oil and are taking steps to diversify the economy, such as increasing investment in new industries like technology. 

Calgary’s vibrant business community makes it an attractive option for entrepreneurs and small business owners. 

10. Pro: Low Taxes

Calgary is known for its low taxes, making it an attractive destination for people looking for a new place to call home. 

The city has no provincial sales tax, and the corporate income tax rate is much lower than other cities in Alberta. This makes it easy to start a business or invest in existing ones due to the reduced financial burden of taxes. 

The property taxes are also fairly low, making real estate investments a more viable option. These lower costs can be passed on to employees, leading to higher wages and job security than in other parts of Canada.

11. Con: High Cost of Living

While the cost of living in Calgary is high, it’s still better than most other major cities. When compared to places like Toronto and Vancouver, the cost of living in Calgary is much lower, which is why so many people move to Calgary.

The high quality of life offered by Calgary makes up for the higher costs of living.

Residents can enjoy a vibrant street life full of culture and activities, beautiful parks and outdoor recreation opportunities, as well as an array of excellent restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues, all within easy reach.

And it’s no secret that Calgary has a strong job market with plenty of opportunity. 

12. Pro: Vibrant Cultural Scene

Calgary is known for its vibrant cultural scene with big events like the Calgary International Film Festival, Calgary Fringe Festival, High-Performance Rodeo, and Sled Island Music & Arts Festival. 

The Stampede, held annually, is a 10-day event that brings together people from all walks of life to enjoy rodeos, chuckwagon races, parades, and music.

Theatre Calgary, Alberta Theatre Projects, Downstage, and Lunchbox Theater are constantly producing excellent work, while live music can be found in venues around the city, such as The Blues Can or Ironwood Stage & Grill. 

Foodies have no shortage of culinary delights, with over 5,000 restaurants in Calgary. 

13. Pro: Great Public Transit 

Calgary’s public transit system is comprehensive, convenient, and efficient. 

The C-Train is the backbone of the system, connecting downtown to many other parts of Calgary, including Stampede Park and Saddledome, at an affordable price. 

Bus routes are also extensive, with 13 conventional bus routes and over 2,500 stops, serving almost every neighborhood in the city. 

With an extensive network of pathways for cyclists and pedestrians, Calgarians have ample options for getting around town. 

14. Con: Traffic Congestion

Despite the city’s relatively small population of 1.2 million, downtown traffic is especially clogged during rush hour. 

Calgarians spend an average of 110 hours in downtown traffic annually, but that’s much better compared to 197 hours in Vancouver and 135 hours in nearby Edmonton. 

The main issue is that much of Calgary’s population is concentrated downtown, meaning fewer roads are available for weekday commuters. The city is experiencing rapid growth and development, which can add to traffic congestion on existing streets. 

Fortunately, the City of Calgary is taking steps to reduce traffic and increase efficiency by widening roads and improving public transportation options.

15. Pro: Safety

Calgary is one of the safest cities in Canada. The city consistently ranks high in safety with a very low crime rate and a very good quality of life. 

The police force, alongside other local authorities, is constantly investing in advanced technologies to ensure the safety of Calgarians and visitors. Calgary residents can rest assured knowing they enjoy a safe environment throughout their daily lives. 

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Best Neighborhoods To Live In Calgary 

Calgary’s 190 neighborhoods are divided into four quadrants: Northwest, Southwest, Southeast, or Northeast. 

The downtown core is the hub of activity in the city, offering a mix of modern high-rise apartments, condos, and cozy single-family homes. Brentwood and Southwood are popular residential areas close to downtown. 

The western neighborhoods of Cougar Ridge, Signal Hill, Springbank Hill, and Tuscany are all well-established communities with plenty of amenities such as schools, malls, and parks.

Varsity and Kensington are desirable areas for young professionals. These neighborhoods feature a mix of apartments, condos, and townhomes and provide quick access to downtown.

The city’s northeastern quadrant is also home to many vibrant communities, such as Falconridge, Marlborough Park, and Taradale. These areas have plenty of green spaces, with parks, trails, and golf courses.

Other popular neighborhoods include Bridgeland/Riverside, which offers an eclectic mix of restaurants and shops and scenic views of the river.

The East Village is home to trendy cafes, galleries, music venues, and boutique stores. The area is also known for its vibrant nightlife and arts scene.

West Hillhurst offers stunning city views, proximity to shopping and restaurants, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Mount Pleasant offers wonderful views of downtown Calgary and easy access to parks, schools, and other amenities.

The lakefront community of Auburn Bay provides a picturesque setting on the shores of Lake Chestermere. Residents enjoy waterfront trails for hiking and biking, plus access to nearby shopping centers.

Moving To Calgary Vs. Other Cities In Canada 

Living In Calgary vs Vancouver

Calgary is known for its scenic beauty and laid-back atmosphere, with plenty of green spaces and outdoor activities. It is also home to one of the most vibrant and diverse economies in Canada. 

Vancouver is similarly blessed with natural beauty and a bustling economy and is close to the stunning Pacific Ocean, offering picturesque coastal views and opportunities for water activities. 

The cost of living is significantly lower in Calgary than in Vancouver. The average prices for housing and daily expenses, such as food, transportation, and medical care, are all much more affordable in Calgary compared to Vancouver.

Living In Calgary vs Edmonton

Edmonton is a great option for those seeking an urban center with plenty of amenities and services. The city itself has many parks and recreation centers, as well as a variety of restaurants, shopping venues, and entertainment options. Edmonton also has a vibrant economy driven by the oil and gas industry, making it an attractive place to live and work. 

Calgary offers lower housing prices than Edmonton in many areas, making it easier to find more affordable accommodation. The cost of living is lower in Calgary. 

Living In Calgary vs Toronto

Toronto is a much larger city with an incredibly vibrant business sector and cosmopolitan culture and is often considered one of the most livable cities in the world. But so is Calgary, and it’s much more laid-back than Toronto. 

Calgary’s economy is heavily dependent on energy production, which means job prospects are more plentiful for those in the industry. 

The cost of living in Calgary is lower than what you would find in Toronto, with average house prices being much more affordable. 

Living In Calgary vs Montreal

Montreal is a bustling city with its vibrant French culture, many festivals, and nightlife. The cost of living in Montreal is significantly higher than that of Calgary. However, the city offers a wide variety of experiences and amenities to enjoy. 

The job market in Montreal is not as reliant on energy production as Calgary’s, so there are more opportunities for those looking to venture outside the industry. 

Despite this, the average salary for many professions in Montreal can be far lower than in Calgary, but the overall cost of living makes up for it. However, Montreal lacks the laid-back vibe that you can find in Calgary.

Things To Do In Calgary 

• Visit the Calgary Tower – Standing at 191 meters tall, the Calgary Tower offers breathtaking views of the city and is one of Canada’s most recognizable structures.
• Check out Heritage Park – This historic park features over 180 exhibits that tell the story of Alberta’s past, from pre-railway settlement to modern times.
• Take a hike in Fish Creek Provincial Park – This urban park stretches 37km of the river valley and provides an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city with its many walking trails and outdoor activities.
• Play 18 holes at Shaganappi Point Golf Course – Located just minutes away from downtown Calgary. This golf course offers some stunning views and great amenities for golfers of all levels as well as non-golfers who just want to practice their swing on the driving range.
• Spend a day by Glenmore Reservoir – This artificial lake offers great spots for swimming, fishing, boating, windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, or simply enjoying nature while enjoying its spectacular views.
• Catch a show at Theatre Calgary – This theater company presents classic plays as well as contemporary works throughout the season, which runs from September through May each year.
• Attend one of Calgary’s festivals– Enjoy the music festivals like Folk Fest and Sled Island and other cultural events like Carifest and GlobalFest!
• Spend an evening at Stampede Park – Calgary is home to the world-renowned 10-day Stampede celebration every July. Stampede Park also hosts several other events, such as live music shows throughout the summer season, so be sure to check it out!

Life In Calgary, Canada FAQs

Final Thoughts: Living in Calgary, Alberta

Living in Calgary is an excellent choice for those looking for an exciting city with plenty of job opportunities, ample outdoor activities, and beautiful scenery. 

Although Calgary experiences long winters, the city still offers various fun activities and vibrant culture to explore year-round. 

The cost of living in Calgary is generally lower than in other major Canadian cities like Toronto or Vancouver, making it an attractive place if you’re living on a budget.
Now that you know about Calgary living, read more about the other top cities to live in Canada! Hopefully, this helps you find your new future home!