Cost Of Living

Edmonton vs. Calgary: Which Alberta City is Right for You?

Cost of Living

Overall Cost of Living

The overall cost of living is similar in Edmonton and Calgary, with Edmonton being slightly cheaper. According to Numbeo, the cost of living index in Edmonton is 77.34, while in Calgary it is 78.97. This means that consumer prices in Edmonton are 96% lower than in Calgary, excluding rent.

Housing

Housing costs are a major factor in the overall cost of living. In Edmonton, the average price of a home is $390,000, while in Calgary it is $520,000. This means that housing is significantly more expensive in Calgary than in Edmonton.

Utilities

Utility costs are another important factor to consider. In Edmonton, the average monthly cost of utilities is $150, while in Calgary it is $170. This means that utilities are slightly more expensive in Calgary than in Edmonton.

Weather

Temperature

Edmonton has a colder climate than Calgary. The average temperature in Edmonton is 3.5 degrees Celsius, while in Calgary it is 6.6 degrees Celsius. Edmonton also experiences more extreme temperatures, with lows of -30 degrees Celsius in the winter and highs of 30 degrees Celsius in the summer. Calgary's temperatures are more moderate, with lows of -15 degrees Celsius in the winter and highs of 25 degrees Celsius in the summer.

Precipitation

Both Edmonton and Calgary have similar amounts of precipitation, with Edmonton receiving slightly more rain and snow. Edmonton receives an average of 490 millimeters of precipitation per year, while Calgary receives 430 millimeters. However, Edmonton is more likely to experience snow, with an average of 115 centimeters of snow per year, compared to 90 centimeters in Calgary.

Jobs

Unemployment Rate

The unemployment rate is a key indicator of the health of the job market. In Edmonton, the unemployment rate is 7.2%, while in Calgary it is 6.1%. This means that Calgary has a slightly lower unemployment rate than Edmonton.

Major Industries

The major industries in Edmonton include oil and gas, manufacturing, and healthcare. The major industries in Calgary include oil and gas, financial services, and technology.

Size

Population

Edmonton is the larger city, with a population of 1.01 million. Calgary has a population of 1.3 million.

Area

Edmonton is also the larger city in terms of area, covering 684 square kilometers. Calgary covers 825 square kilometers.

Pros and Cons

Edmonton

Pros:

• Lower cost of living
• More affordable housing
• More green space
• Strong arts and culture scene

Cons:

• Colder climate
• Higher unemployment rate
• Less job opportunities in some industries

Calgary

Pros:

• Strong economy
• Lower unemployment rate
• More job opportunities in some industries
• More amenities

Cons:

• Higher cost of living
• Less affordable housing
• More traffic
• Less green space