Living in Calgary: 15 Reasons Why Calgary is a Great Place to Live!

Why has Calgary consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the world? While the EIU’s Most Livable Cities Survey ranked our city among the best globally for many consecutive years, there is much more to Calgary that makes it a great place to live.

Take, for example, Calgary’s relatively low cost of living compared to Canada’s largest cities, its beautiful natural scenery, eclectic festival scene, vibrant cultural diversity, and proximity to the mountains. It’s no wonder so many Canadians and foreigners choose to move to Calgary, a burgeoning city that seamlessly combines modern urban living in charming neighbourhoods with the endless recreational opportunities of Western Canada’s prairie foothills and mountains.

Below are 15+ reasons why Calgary is a great place to live and why you should consider the city your future home!

#1 – No Provincial Sales Tax (PST)

One of the biggest financial perks of living in Calgary is that Alberta does not charge a provincial sales tax (PST). In addition to the territories, Alberta has the lowest sales tax rate of any province, at just 5% GST. Instead of paying 13% HST on most consumer purchases, as you would in Ontario, for example, in Alberta, that sales tax burden is reduced by more than 60%.

Over time, this cost-of-living advantage can translate into substantial savings for individuals and families. From groceries and clothing to dining out and entertainment, keeping more money in your pocket with each purchase can make a noticeable difference. For anyone watching their monthly expenses, saving on a reduced sales tax can be a real game-changer.

Alberta’s low sales tax is a key reason why moving to Calgary remains appealing to many interprovincial and international migrants. Also known as the “Alberta Advantage,” this lower sales tax on larger purchases such as appliances, vehicles, and other larger-ticket items translates into tangible savings in your wallet.

#2 – Moderate Cost of Living

Showhomes in Hotchkiss

Calgary may not be as affordable as Edmonton, but when compared to major cities like Vancouver or Toronto, it wins every time. It costs about $1,581 for an individual (excluding rent) to live in Calgary ^[1]. There’s a good reason you’re seeing Calgary’s population grow significantly: the area was home to 1.6 million people in 2024, with the population increasing by 18% over the past five years ^[2]. Many inbound immigrants are relocating to YYC from Canada’s largest metropolitan areas to take advantage of affordability, with Calgary real estate priced significantly lower than in Vancouver or Toronto.

Calgary vs. Vancouver

For example, the overall cost of living in Calgary is 16.1% lower than in Vancouver. Calgary’s rent prices are nearly 36% lower, restaurant prices are 6.6% lower, groceries cost 6.4% less, and your local purchasing power is 8.4% higher ^[3].

Calgary vs. Toronto

Compared to Toronto, Calgary is also relatively affordable to live in. The overall cost of living in Calgary is 11.3% lower than in Toronto. Rent prices are also 24.5% lower, and restaurant prices are 7.6% lower ^[3].

#3 – More Affordable Real Estate

Calgary is a much more affordable place to live when compared to some other major cities across Canada, as we’ve discussed above. But Calgary’s real estate is also affordable to buy. According to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) ^[6], Calgary properties are more affordable than in Montreal, Ottawa, Victoria, Toronto, and Vancouver.

Additionally, Alberta doesn’t have a land transfer tax on real estate transactions like in other provinces. Instead, associated fees with buying/selling real estate are often much smaller compared to other parts of the country, making Calgary an excellent place to buy a home.

#4 – Strong Career Opportunities

Telus Tower

Calgary has a diverse economy with strong energy, finance, and technological sectors. As a result, residents have long-term, well-paying job opportunities, especially in the city’s primary industries. As the provincial economy continues to diversify, careers in other sectors are emerging. To date, the city has been largely shielded from the worst effects of a full-blown trade war with the United States. Calgary’s economy grew 2.9% in 2025 and is forecast to grow by 2.4% in 2026 ^[4].

Calgary’s unemployment rate is typically lower than the national average, making it a great place to find work. The city is home to many large companies and head offices, contributing to a typically strong job market and making it a major hub for business activity. Also, due to its location, Calgary is a major transportation hub in Western Canada, where the information technology (IT) sector has experienced rapid growth.

Calgary’s job scene, propped up by its primary industries, is a huge reason why the city is a great place to live and work, especially if you value long-term careers with good job security.

#5 – Breathtaking Natural Scenery

Banff, AB

Stunning natural landscapes surround Calgary, such as the foothills and mountains to the west and the hoodoos of Drumheller Valley to the east. You’ll find more beautiful mountains to the south as they project southeastward and into the United States.

Banff, Canmore, and Lake Louise are typically the most popular mountain destinations for Calgary residents. They offer unforgettable opportunities to enjoy all the mountains have to offer, including hiking, biking, canoeing, rock climbing, and swimming, as well as winter activities such as skiing and ice skating.

Bragg Creek is another popular nearby destination. Set amid the foothills, the rural municipality offers numerous outdoor hiking and biking paths that also serve as cross-country ski trails in winter. Kananaskis Country is yet another nearby park, about 45 minutes west of the city limits, where you’ll find countless trails, golf courses, and an array of activities like the Nordic Spa.

Calgary’s Parks and Recreation

Beyond its surrounding landscapes, Calgary is home to many outdoor recreational areas. Fish Creek Provincial Park, for example, is one of the largest urban parks in Canada, covering 13.5 square kilometres and featuring extensive trails, pathways, and a man-made lake (Sikome Lake) for summer water activities with the family.

The Bow River runs through the city and is a year-round draw for outdoor recreation. Its paved river pathways connect the city from the northwest to the southeast, and along its embankments, you’ll find many annual activities and events, mostly in the spring and summer.

If you enjoy ample access to nature and being outdoors, you’ll love living in Calgary!

#6 – Rich Cultural Diversity

Chinatown

Calgary is a highly culturally diverse city with a thriving restaurant, arts, and entertainment scene. It is home to many festivals, including the Calgary Stampede and Global Fest, as well as several other annual events, which celebrate the city’s rich heritage and multicultural population. Many events, such as Fiestaval Latino, showcase culinary specialties from across Latin America.

Calgary’s thriving multiculturalism has led to the establishment of many restaurants serving cuisines from Southeast Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America. In the heart of the city, for example, Chinatown offers an eclectic mix of amenities, including some of the best Chinese and hotpot restaurants in Calgary. Along International Avenue (17th Avenue SE), you’ll find a wide range of cuisines from all over the world.

Festivals & Museums

YYC has many museums, galleries and theatres to explore, including the Glenbow Museum – one of the largest museums in Western Canada – with a wide range of exhibits and programs on art, culture, and history. The National Music Centre, a prominent cultural venue with interactive exhibits and significant music artifacts, is another key attraction.

Annual activities like GlobalFest, International Beerfest, Comic & Entertainment Expo, Sled Island and several other festivals are almost every week in the city, all the more reasons why Calgary is such a great place to live!

#7 – Ample Sports & Recreation

Saddledome & Stampede Grounds

Whether you’re a soccer, football or hockey fan, there are plenty of opportunities to catch a sports game in Calgary. The city is home to many recreational facilities and professional/amateur sports teams, including:

• Calgary Flames (NHL Hockey)
• Calgary Stampeders (CFL Football)
• Calgary Roughnecks (NLL Lacrosse)
• Cavalry FC (CPL Soccer)

For many Calgarians, sports games are an inherent part of social life. For example, a night out enjoying dinner on 17th Avenue SW, walking to Scotia Place to catch the Flames game, and returning for drinks along the Red Mile afterward, is just one of many ways the city’s professional sports teams have a strong influence on the local social scene.

Outdoor Activities and Leisure

YYC has one of the most extensive urban paved pathway systems in North America, serving as excellent bike paths and running and walking trails. These pathways extend north to south and branch into almost every community, making the Bow and Elbow River pathways central to outdoor leisure and recreation year-round in Calgary.

Calgary’s abundance of golf courses – some with breathtaking panoramic mountain views – makes it easy to stay active and healthy. Many are located in pristine natural environments, in mountain and foothill communities like Bragg Creek, providing ideal panoramic views and backdrops for golf. The nearby municipalities of Cochrane and Okotoks, as well as the Foothills M.D. and Rocky View M.D., also are home to an amazing list of spectacular courses.

Beyond the Rocky Mountains, the foothills region west of Calgary offers some of the best trail and off-trail biking and hiking near the city. Just a bit further west, several nearby provincial and national parks, like Banff and Kananaskis, offer hundreds of additional outdoor leisure and recreational activities to enjoy just a short drive from Calgary’s city limits.

#8 – High Quality of Life

Calgary consistently ranks among the top cities in Canada for quality of life. Low crime rates, drinkable tap water, accessible healthcare, overall cleanliness and a strong sense of community are just a few factors that make Calgary a great place to live.

According to Global Citizens Solutions, Calgary is the sixth best city to work and live globally, trailing only Lisbon (1), Madrid (2), Geneva (3), Prague (4), and Dublin (5). The city ranks high on the Quality of Life Index at 176.3 and also has a high Purchasing Power Index score of 119 ^[5]. The average salary in Calgary as of 2025 is $4,853 per month, or $58,243 annually ^[5], which helps people afford daily expenses.

Well-funded education and healthcare systems, along with ample public transportation infrastructure, underpin Calgary’s quality of life. It offers excellent access to outdoor recreation, more affordable housing than in other major Canadian cities, and a strong job market in its major energy, tech, and finance sectors ^[5].

#9 – Family-Oriented City

Bow River in Calgary

Another reason Calgary is a great place to live is that it is very family-friendly! The city’s public, private, and religious school systems offer families a range of educational opportunities, while many parks, recreation centres, and master-planned neighbourhoods cater to a family-oriented lifestyle.

Many neighbourhoods in Calgary have active central community centres that help to create a family-friendly atmosphere, which host weekly events such as holiday celebrations, yoga sessions, and sports events.

Calgary offers many family-friendly activities and events, including the Calgary Zoo, RiverWalk, and SPARK Science Centre. Families won’t have difficulty finding fun and engaging things to do in almost any part of the city.

Calgary’s extensive paved pathway system, comprising 1,000 kilometres of regional pathways and 96 kilometres of trails, connects families across nearby communities. Meanwhile, the city’s relatively sunny weather year-round makes for a great time at the nearby playground or park.

#10 – Entrepreneurial Spirit

Downtown Skyline

Calgary is a city that encourages and supports entrepreneurship. Small business owners benefit from its entrepreneur-friendly climate, which is promoted by organizations such as the Calgary Chamber of Commerce.

Home to over 100 corporate head offices, the most per capita of any Canadian city, Calgary is also where you’ll find hundreds of startups. Alberta’s corporate income tax rate of 8% – the lowest among Canadian provinces – makes Calgary an appealing choice for companies looking to reduce expenses.

Entrepreneurs require lightning-fast internet connections. Calgary’s 5G-ready telecoms with carrier-agnostic dark fibre networks ensure you’re always connected to the web.

#11 – Growing Cultural Scene

Stephen Avenue (8th Avenue SW)

Calgary’s food and drink scene has grown drastically in recent years, with many new restaurants, cafes and eateries popping up all over the city – including established international brands like Paris Baguette, Krispy Kreme, and Chick-fil-A.

Urbanization plans by the City of Calgary are creating more accessible streetside retail spaces in new mixed-use developments such as East Village, Eau Claire and the University District. At the same time, renovations to Stephen Avenue are expanding opportunities for top-notch restaurants to open in a walkable, high-activity location.

Calgary’s generally strong economy contributes to developing many Class A retail spaces around the city, where you’ll find some of the best restaurants, pubs and bars. Enjoy buying groceries from locally sourced farms at the Calgary Farmers’ Market West and South locations.

#12 – Sunny weather and Chinooks

Chinook Arch

Despite Calgary’s reputation for cold winters, the city enjoys warm and sunny summers. Located just east of the Rocky Mountains, it is also home to a unique weather phenomenon in the winter that can make a cold winter’s day as warm as spring.

Calgarians are lucky to have Chinooks throughout the winter. This weather phenomenon causes atmospheric pressure changes, creating conditions for above-zero temperatures in the midst of winter and providing locals with a much-needed reprieve from cold weather several times a year, sometimes lasting weeks.

Calgary is also one of the sunniest cities in Canada, averaging more than 300 days of sunshine annually. Its geographic advantage, combined with a blend of urban and outdoor experiences, makes the weather enjoyable for most people and has even led to innovations in the solar industry in southern Alberta.

#13 – World-Class Infrastructure

Rocky View Hospital on Glenmore Reservoir

Calgary is home to well-developed public infrastructure and boasts a world-class healthcare system. Facilities such as Foothills, Peter Lougheed, South Campus, Rocky View, and the soon-to-open Calgary Cancer Centre provide comprehensive healthcare services, making it easy to find the care you need.

Beyond healthcare, Calgary offers a wealth of amenities that enhance your quality of life. The CORE Shopping Centre, located in the heart of downtown Calgary, is one of the city’s largest shopping destinations, featuring over 160 stores and services. Whether you’re looking for high-end fashion, everyday essentials, or a bite to eat, you’ll find it all in this bustling retail hub.

The city is home to numerous public libraries and recreation centres. These venues offer a wide range of activities and services, from fitness classes and sports leagues to cultural events and educational programs. Some of our favourite city recreation centres include:

• MNP Sports & Community Centre
• Westside Recreation Centre
• Village Square Leisure Centre
• Vivo for Healthier Generations
• Southland Leisure Centre
• Remington YMCA
• Shawnessy YMCA
• Crowfoot YMCA

With so many amenities at your fingertips, living in Calgary makes it easy to stay active, engaged, and entertained.

#14 – Strong education system

Rocky Mountains ~1 hour from Calgary city limits

Calgary’s strong education system is another reason why the city is a great place to live. The Calgary Catholic School District, one of the largest in the city, operates more than 100 schools focused on faith-based education.

In addition to public and private schools, Calgary is home to several renowned post-secondary institutions, including the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, Mount Royal University, and the University of Calgary.

Community is at the heart of Calgary’s identity, with numerous programs and initiatives designed to unite people. The Calgary Public Library offers a range of services, from literacy programs to community events, ensuring residents of all ages can access valuable resources. Calgary Community Associations, often located in the centre of neighbourhoods, play a vital role in organizing youth sports, cultural activities, and annual events that foster strong families.

With a robust education system and a wealth of community programs, Calgary provides an enriching environment for families and individuals alike.

#15. Adequate Public Transportation

C-Train Station

Calgary is a big city by land area, so having a car is helpful when getting to and from point A and B. However, it also has an adequate public transportation system, including multiple C-Train lines, which allows residents in nearly any part of the city to get to where they need to go.

Post-secondary students attending the University of Calgary, for example, have transportation hubs such as Dalhousie Station and the University C-Train Station to facilitate travel to and from the institution. Students at Mount Royal have direct bus routes from the north that connect to the City Centre, where they can transfer and head south to campus classes.

Calgary isn’t like Paris, where you’ll find a complete subterranean subway system connecting you to every community in a jiffy. However, it has an adequate, continually developing public transportation system using buses and rail that helps people get to school, work, and visit their loved ones, and then back home again.

Why Should You Live in Calgary?

For all the reasons above, Calgary is a great place to live for individuals from many walks of life. From a high quality of life and ample outdoor recreational opportunities to a culturally diverse population with over 240 ethnicities, living in Calgary is an excellent option for those looking for a relatively affordable lifestyle in Canada.

If you have questions about Calgary real estate or are thinking about relocating to the city, contact Cody Battershill and the Calgaryism Real Estate team of Realtors® anytime, and we will be happy to discuss your relocation goals with you!

ARTICLE SOURCES:

_{1 – Global Citizen Solutions – https://www.globalcitizensolutions.com/best-places-to-live-in-canada/
2 – Government of Alberta – https://regionaldashboard.alberta.ca/region/calgary/population/#/?from=2020&to=2024
3 – Numbeo – https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/
4 – City of Calgary – https://www.calgary.ca/research/economic-outlook.html
5 – Global Citizens Solution https://www.globalcitizensolutions.com/best-cities-to-work-and-live/
6 – CREA – https://www.crea.ca/housing-market-stats/canadian-housing-market-stats/national-price-map/}