How expensive is life in Canada? A cost of living review by province and territory

Cost of living varies between cities—rent prices have been high in Calgary since the oil boom, but Edmonton is cheaper. However, there’s no PST and taxes are lower, making the province a fairly good deal when it comes to shopping and entertainment.

Average wages in Alberta

The minimum wage is $15 per hour.

You can use ALIS, a tool from the Government of Alberta, to find wage and salary information for occupations in Alberta based on the Alberta Wage and Salary Survey.

Cost of living in Calgary

Rent prices

Calgary’s economy is closely tied to the oil industry—when it booms, everything is expensive, then it crashes, and the circle eventually starts again (until we use solar power and other clean energy sources!). According to the CMHC, a bachelor apartment starts from $1,207 per month and a one-bedroom apartment from $,469 per month. As for RentSeeker, the estimate is $1,480 per month for a bachelor and $1,711 per month for a one-bed.

In several neighbourhoods, large houses are sometimes surprisingly cheaper than an apartment. You may want to consider living with roommates in a house for a better deal!

Public transportation

Calgary Transit operates buses and a light train system, the C-Train:

• Single trip: $3.70
• Day pass: $11.60
• Monthly pass: $115

For more information, read Fares and passes.

Entertainment

• Restaurants: a meal and a non-alcoholic drink sets you back $25 (plus tax and tip). Fancier restaurants are around $100
• Bars: a beer is $7-$14 and your favourite cocktail $14-$18
• Movie theatre: a ticket is $14-$16

Cost of living in Edmonton

Edmonton feels off the beaten track for many travellers but it’s an interesting, cheaper option in Alberta.

Rent prices

Rent prices are fairly similar to what you’d find in Calgary. According to the CMHC, a bachelor apartment is $948 per month and a one-bedroom apartment is $1,126 per month. For RentSeeker, a bachelor apartment is $1,207 per month and a one-bed is $1,358 per month.

In the Edmonton city centre, the cheaper neighbourhoods are Hudson’s Bay Reserve and West Edmonton. Rent is higher in Downtown Edmonton and around the university. On the outskirts, Jasper Place and Millwoods are more affordable—generally speaking, you’ll pay less if you venture North and North-East of Edmonton.

Public transportation

The Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) operates the bus and light rail systems:

• Single trip: $3.50
• 10 single-trip tickets: $27.75
• Day pass: $10.25
• Monthly pass: $100

For more information, read ETS Fares.

Food

Food tends to be slightly less expensive in Edmonton than in many Canadian cities—produce prices are average, but you’ll pay less for meat, dairy products and eggs.

Entertainment

• Restaurants: a meal and a non-alcoholic drink sets you back $35-$45 (plus tax and tip). Fancier restaurants are around $80
• Bars: a beer is $8-$13 and your favourite cocktail $15-$18
• Movie theatre: a ticket is $15

Cost of living in ski resorts (Banff, Jasper and Canmore)

Many IEC permit holders head to Alberta’s world famous ski resorts during the winter for work opportunities in a stunning setting. It’s typically a “hidden” job market where positions are found through networking. For more info, read our section on networking in Finding a job and working in Canada.

It’s hard to give an estimate on the cost of living in Banff and Jasper, for instance, because in the food or hospitality industry, employers tend to rent directly to employees. Accommodation is hard to find and rent prices are high—expect to pay over $2,000 for a bachelor in Canmore or Banff. Food is also more expensive than in Calgary or Edmonton, and you will need a car if you want to get around easily.