Cost of Living in Calgary in 2025: A Complete Breakdown
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Explore the cost of living in Calgary, including housing, groceries, transport, and entertainment. Get a clear breakdown of costs to plan your monthly budget wisely.
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The cost of living in Calgary has seen a steady increase. The city is now the fourth most expensive city in Canada. Calgary’s cost of living index is 14% higher than the national average as of 2024. Despite this, Calgary is still a relatively affordable city when compared to other major cities. The average monthly expense for a single person, excluding rent, is around CAD 1,181.
With a robust job market and quality public services, the city offers great value for money. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs around CAD 1,958. If you are planning to move as a student or professional, let’s explore the living costs in Calgary.
Why Live in Calgary?
There are many factors to take into account when moving to Calgary. The following are some of the benefits when travelling to Calgary.
- As per a Big 7 Travel online survey, Calgary is the 6th most welcoming city in Canada. Many people in the survey expressed their love for the city's sense of community.
- Studying in Calgary has several benefits, such as a high standard of living, a thriving economy, and an embracing, diverse community. Calgary comes in 2nd place when it comes to post-secondary credentials, which include degrees from universities, apprenticeships, diplomas, and certificates.
- Calgary is ranked 5th in the world for livability and is a popular destination for foreign students looking to study and immigrate to Canada.
- Calgary has a reputation for being the world's cleanest city. Its outstanding track record has been earned by its clean sewage system, safe drinking water, and low levels of air pollution. Furthermore, significant routes (about 15,000 kilometres of roadways) are cleaned in the spring, significant fines for littering (up to $1000) are imposed, and a great disposal program is in place.
Also Read: 10 Reasons Why Canada is the Best Country to Live in The World for Indians
What is the Average Cost of Living in Calgary?
You'll be happy to learn that the Calgary, Canada cost of living is reasonable if you are searching for a reasonably priced place to call home. Without rent, the cost of living in Calgary for a family of 4 is expected to be CAD 3,685 per month, and a single person's projected monthly expenses in Calgary come to CAD 1,181. The table below demonstrates the average cost of living in Calgary, Canada.
|
Cost of living |
One person (in CAD) |
Family of 4 (in CAD) |
|
Total with rent |
2,882 |
6,379 |
|
Without rent |
1,181 |
3,685 |
|
Rent & Utilities |
1,701 |
2,694 |
|
Food |
778 |
2,014 |
|
Transport |
225 |
586 |
Also Read: Cost of Living in Canada 2025: For Students & Immigrants
Cost of Living in Calgary Alberta
Calgary ranked 5th globally in livability in 2024, making it a top choice for international students seeking to study and immigrate to Canada. The Calgary, Alberta cost of living varies based on location and personal preferences. Here is the explained cost of living in Calgary per month.
1. Cost of Living in Calgary: Housing Expenses
Calgary is a beautiful city with a diverse range of neighbourhoods, each with its unique charm. If you are considering living alone, you may want to consider a studio apartment downtown. With rental rates averaging around CAD 1,900 per month, it's an affordable option for those on a budget.
|
Particulars |
Cost (CAD) |
Cost (INR) |
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
1,958 |
1,20,772 |
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
1,625 |
1,00,232 |
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
3,226 |
1,98,984 |
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
2,619 |
1,61,544 |
Quick Read: 10 Best Cities in Canada 2025: For Students, Immigrants & Families
2. Calgary Living Expenses: Transportation Cost
Calgary's public transit system may not be as extensive as that of other large Canadian cities. Therefore, owning a car can be a big asset because it can help lower the total cost of living in the area.
If you don't own a car, Uber and taxi services are widely available in the city. However, Car2Go is also a viable option for short trips. Renting one of these shared cars might be far less expensive than using a cab.
|
Particulars |
Cost (CAD) |
Cost (INR) |
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
3 |
185 |
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
118 |
7,278 |
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
5 |
308 |
|
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) |
1.92 |
118 |
|
Taxi 1 hour waiting (Normal Tariff) |
39 |
2,405 |
|
Gasoline (1 litre) |
1.53 |
94 |
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3. Cost of Living in Calgary Per Month: Grocery Cost
The cost of groceries in Calgary will vary based on where you shop and your dietary preferences. On average, one can expect to spend between CAD 300 to CAD 500 on monthly groceries. Here is a breakdown of the average costs of common grocery items in Calgary.
|
Particular |
Cost (CAD) |
Cost (INR) |
|
Milk (regular), (1 litre) |
2.95 |
181 |
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) |
3.83 |
236 |
|
Rice (white), (1kg) |
4.30 |
265 |
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
4.81 |
296 |
|
Local Cheese (1kg) |
19.41 |
1,197 |
|
Chicken Fillets (1kg) |
17.67 |
1,089 |
|
Apples (1kg) |
6.00 |
370 |
|
Banana (1kg) |
1.82 |
112 |
|
Oranges (1kg) |
5.04 |
310 |
|
Tomato (1kg) |
5.97 |
368 |
|
Potato (1kg) |
3.50 |
215 |
|
Onion (1kg) |
3.49 |
215 |
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
3.72 |
229 |
|
Water (1.5-litre bottle) |
2.61 |
160 |
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4. Cost of Living in Calgary: Utilities Cost
Knowing utility costs in Calgary is an important part of budgeting for everyday life, especially for students and new residents. Utility costs can vary depending on your usage, the size of your apartment, and can include everything from electricity to internet services. Here is a list of the average utility costs in Calgary.
|
Particulars |
Cost (CAD) |
Cost (INR) |
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment |
283.72 |
17,500 |
|
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10 GB+ Data |
60.04 |
3,703 |
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
84.53 |
5,213 |
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5. Cost of Living in Calgary Per Month: Leisure and Sports
The leisure and sports activity costs vary depending on your lifestyle and activity preferences. Here is a breakdown of the average monthly costs for recreational activities.
|
Particulars |
Cost (CAD) |
Cost (INR) |
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
71.85 |
4,431 |
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
58.12 |
3,584 |
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
17.00 |
1,048 |
Also Read: Pros and Cons of Moving to Canada from India in 2025
How to Manage Your Living Expenses in Calgary?
To avoid overspending in foreign countries, it's important to follow some money-saving tips. Here are some ways to handle living expenses in Calgary.
- Plan your Budget: To plan your budget, categorise your expenses into fixed and variable categories
- Part-Time Employment: While studying in Calgary, splitting your time between part-time employment and your education might help you make ends meet and maintain your budget
- Use Public Transport: Using public transport in Calgary will save you a lot of money
- Eat Self-Made Meals: Instead of eating in restaurants, self-cooked meals can save you money
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Calgary provides a balanced lifestyle with a reasonable cost of living. It is an excellent option for those seeking an urban lifestyle without paying the premium price. From housing to food and entertainment, budgeting smartly can help you afford Calgary and make your stay enjoyable and stress-free.
If you are interested in studying in Calgary, Canada, and looking for immigration services, contact GetGIS, our professionals will assist and mentor you through the entire process.
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