Cost of Living in Alberta in 2026: Check Accommodation, Transportation, and Other Costs for Foreigners
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The average cost of living in Alberta for a single person is CAD 2,300-2,600, including rent and other expenses. It will vary on the size of the family, among other factors. Scroll through to find accommodation, food, transportation and more.
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Thinking of moving to Alberta? The province's world-class infrastructure, stunning mountain views, and strong job market have led to a steady rise in the Alberta cost of living. As of 2026, living expenses in Alberta are expected to trend slightly higher than last year, with average house prices forecast to reach between CAD 525,000 and CAD 540,000 annually. However, your total expenses will vary significantly based on your specific location and lifestyle. In this article, we break down the cost of living in Alberta, explore housing options, and analyze everyday expenses.
Factors Influencing Alberta Cost of Living
The general factors influencing the cost of living in Alberta Canada include lower housing prices compared to B.C. and Ontario, but it doesn’t end here. Here are all the factors influencing the cost of living in Alberta:
- Since Alberta is a metropolitan city. Metropolitan areas generally have higher rents and overall living standards in comparison to smaller towns and rural areas.
- Personal luxuries, such as eating out, entertainment, and leisure activities, will significantly impact overall expenses.
- The size of the family also affects the cost of living. For instance, the cost of living for a single person will be lower than that of a family of 2, 4 or more.
- Unlike other provinces, Alberta has no Provincial Sales Tax (PST), meaning you only pay the 5% federal GST on purchases.
Accommodation Costs in Alberta for Foreigners
The core part of your monthly expenses goes to accommodation. The rent in Alberata may differ from the city or area, also depending on the type of accommodation.
But, according to sources, the cost of renting a house or an apartment is relatively lower than in other parts of Canada. However, the cost of rent in big cities like Calgary and Edmonton is usually much higher than in smaller towns or the countryside.
|
City |
Average Monthly Rent for a One-Bedroom Apartment |
|
Calgary |
|
|
Edmonton |
CAD 1,350 - CAD 1,500 |
|
Lethbridge |
|
|
Red Deer |
Also Read: Cost of Living in Montreal
Food Expenses in Alberta
Food prices in Alberta are Moderate in comparison to other provinces in Canada. But of course, the cost of food at any grocery store and restaurant depends on your dietary needs and frequency of eating out.
|
Category |
Cost Range |
Tips for Savings |
|
Grocery Costs Single person (monthly) |
CAD 275 - CAD 440 |
Buy in bulk, meal prep, buy items on sale, and use discount coupons |
|
Grocery Costs Family of four (monthly) |
CAD 660 - CAD 880 |
|
|
Eating Out Mid-range restaurant meal |
CAD 16 - CAD 27 per person |
Lunch specials, ethnic eateries, local diners |
|
Eating Out Fast food meal |
CAD 9 - CAD 13 per person |
Also Read: Ways for Immigration to Canada After 45
Transportation Costs in Alberta
Transportation costs are another factor that takes a huge chunk of your monthly expenses. Alberta provides a myriad of transport services for use by individuals requiring transport services.
|
Category |
Details |
Cost |
|
Public Transportation |
Monthly adult pass |
CAD 126/month |
|
Monthly adult pass |
CAD 36/month |
|
|
Monthly youth pass |
CAD 92/month |
|
|
Low-income monthly pass |
CAD 6.30-CAD 63/month |
|
|
Low-income monthly pass |
CAD 36/month |
|
|
Senior's annual pass |
CAD 169/year |
|
|
Single adult fare |
CAD 4.00 |
|
|
Single adult fare |
CAD 3.00 |
|
|
Car Ownership |
Gasoline |
CAD 1.35-1.55 |
|
Car insurance |
CAD 1,100-2,200/year |
|
|
Additional costs: maintenance, registration, parking |
Varies |
Also Read: Canada PR Process
Utility Costs in Alberta
Some of the important necessities in determining the cost of living include electricity, gas, water, internet, phone, etc. The cost of utilities will depend on the size of the accommodation and the consumer’s behaviour.
|
Utility Service |
Average Monthly Expense |
|
Electricity, Gas, and Water |
CAD 160 - CAD 270 |
|
Electricity |
Included above |
|
Natural Gas |
Included above |
|
Water |
Included above |
|
Internet Plan |
CAD 55 - CAD 85 |
|
Mobile Phone Plan |
CAD 50 - CAD 85 |
Also Read: Top 10 Reasons Why Choose Canada for Study
Moving to Alberta? Budget Your Cost of Living with GetGIS Assistance
Understanding the cost of living in Alberta Canada, is crucial for residents, students, and newcomers alike. With its diverse cities offering varying expenses, from the bustling urban lifestyle of Calgary to the moderate living costs of Red Deer, finding the right balance between affordability and quality of life is attainable.
GetGIS is a leading immigration consultants that provide invaluable support for immigration processes, ensuring a smooth transition for relocating to Alberta. Whether you're a prospective resident, student, or newcomer, navigating the cost of living in Alberta is an achievable feat with the right resources and knowledge.
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