What Is The Cost Of Living In Calgary?

By UniAcco
May 14, 2024 •
Cost of living in Calgary

For those who want to live in a modern city with an affordable cost of living, Calgary in Alberta, Canada, is a fantastic option. Calgary is a desirable city for students looking to pursue higher education in the city due to its low tax rates, free or affordable health care, high salaries, and educational opportunities. According to The Economist Intelligence Unit’s report on the Global Liveability Ranking 2022, Calgary is one of the world’s top three most livable cities. Let’s explore the city’s unique qualities and, of course, the cost of living in Calgary, which draws a massive number of international students each year.

Calgary is a top choice among international students’ travel destinations because it is home to some of the best universities in Canada and the entire world. The cost of living in Calgary for students can range from $1,820 to $2,411 depending on their preferences for living on-campus or off-campus. These living expenses are affected by a number of additional factors, most of which are budget and lifestyle-related. This article provides a list of the monthly costs that students in Calgary frequently face.

Cost Of Living Calculator

DescriptionCost (£)
Total Cost of Accommodation100
Total Cost of Transport50
Total Cost of Utilities30
Total Cost of Food70
Total Estimated Cost250

Average Living Expenses In Calgary: An Overview

Even though the cost of living in Calgary for students is a little higher than Canada’s average, it still manages to draw in a sizable number of students from around the world. The prestige of Calgary’s world-class universities adds to the overall allure of the city. Here is a brief breakdown of the monthly cost of living in Calgary:

ParticularsCost (Monthly)
Off-Campus Accommodation $450
On-Campus Accommodation$1,041
Transportation$112
Food Cost$689
Utility Cost$234
Entertainment$64
Groceries$60
Clothes$136
Health Insurance$75
Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation $1,820
Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation $2,411
Annual Cost of Living$28,932

Cost Of Student Accommodation In Calgary

Compared to the rest of the cities in Canada, Calgary’s student housing is a little unique. UniAcco offers some of the top dorms in the city, giving students a variety of options for room arrangements like en-suite rooms, studio rooms, and student apartments in Edinburgh. The average rent for a five-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $450 to $600 per month. Student accommodation in Calgary offers incredible shared amenities like a gym, a movie theatre, and a large lounge. It also offers amazing apartment facilities like a fridge, a television, WiFi and a microwave. 

Cost Of Food In Calgary

Food prices in Calgary vary based on where you shop. Safeway, Supermarket, and Co-Op are typically more costly than discount stores like No Frills or FreshCo. A loaf of bread costs about $3, a carton of eggs costs about $4, and a pound of chicken costs about $15. Eating out can also be expensive, with the estimated price of a meal at a casual restaurant being around $20. If you don’t have a lot of money to spend on food, it is preferable to cook at home as frequently as you can.

Cost of living in Calgary

Cost Of Travel & Transportation In Calgary

Calgary’s transportation costs are a significant additional cost. Buses and trains run frequently throughout the day in the city, providing dependable public transportation. A Calgary Transit pass costs $112 per month on average. There are many different public transportation options, including buses, trains, subways, and light-rail trains. When using these public transportation services, you can save money by showing your student I-Card. This is an excellent strategy for reducing your cost of living in Calgary.

Cost Of Education In Calgary

The provincial government of Alberta finances and oversees the public school system in the city, which provides education. Tuition fees for students studying in the province are substantially lower than tuition fees for students studying outside Calgary. Numerous colleges and universities in the province, including the University of Calgary and Mount Royal University, provide a wide range of different programmes in the field of higher education. Additionally, there are trade schools spread out across the province that offer trade training.

Cost Of Utilities In Calgary

Utilities is another cost to take into account in Calgary. Depending on usage, the price of electricity, petrol, and water can change, but on average you can anticipate spending $280 per month on all three. Depending on the type of service and speed you select, internet service in Calgary can cost between $50 and $150 per month. It’s also important to keep in mind that certain times of the year may see discounts or promotions from some providers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of living in Calgary varies depending on your personal preferences regarding lifestyle and where you choose to live. If you are considering moving to Calgary for higher education, it is critical to keep in mind the monthly costs of housing, transportation, food, and utilities while creating your budget. You can also lower your living costs by doing your own cooking, shopping at outlet malls, and comparing prices on things like transportation and other expenses.

FAQs

1. Is Calgary a good place to live for students?

Calgary is a fantastic place for students to call home due to its robust economy, stunning natural surroundings, prestigious universities and high standard of living. It provides a variety of amenities, cultural events, a warm neighbourhood, and opportunities for outdoor recreation.

2. Is public transport easily accessible in Calgary?

Calgary offers easy access to local transportation for visitors. There are many options for getting from point A to point B in the city, including great train connections, plenty of taxis, and the introduction of trams.

3. Is healthcare affordable and accessible in Calgary?

Excellent hospitals and healthcare facilities can be found in Calgary, which has a top-notch healthcare system. The government offers numerous services to assist citizens in receiving the care they require, and healthcare is easily accessible and reasonably priced.

4. What is the cost of living in Calgary?

Although Calgary’s cost of living is thought to be lower than that of other significant Canadian cities, it can still be expensive for some people, particularly when it comes to housing. The price of goods and services, housing costs, and transportation costs are some of the variables that affect the cost of living.

We hope you found this blog on “What Is The Cost Of Living In Calgary?” useful. Check out our other blogs to learn more about related fields –

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