When you look at the average cost of living in Calgary, it is much lower than the average for other provinces. Renting a house in the suburbs is often cheaper than paying close to downtown. Transit is also inexpensive, and you can ride it for around $112 per month. However, child care costs are increasing at a rate of 1% per year.
Calgary’s cost of living is lower than most provinces
The cost of living in Calgary is lower than most provinces and cities in Canada. It’s not as expensive as Vancouver or Toronto, but it’s far less expensive than other places. In fact, Calgary ranks 141st out of 227 major cities based on cost of living. The average price of a house in Calgary is about half of that of comparable homes in Vancouver. This affordability is one of the main reasons why many people are moving to Calgary.
Renting a house in a suburb is cheaper than paying close to downtown
The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in downtown Calgary is about $1,099 CAD, while renting a house in a suburb is about $2,200 CAD. Compared to the average price of one-bedroom apartments in other major Canadian cities, Calgary rents at lower rates. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in downtown can be as high as $1,700 CAD, and the average monthly deposit is usually full month’s rent.
Child care costs are increasing at a rate of 1% per year
Calgary, Alberta is becoming a more expensive place to raise a child. According to the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, Calgary is one of the most expensive cities in Canada in terms of child care costs. According to the study, Calgary parents pay about $1,100 per month for full-time toddler care, compared to the average of $1,685 for toddlers in Toronto and Vancouver. The increase in costs is not surprising, as Calgary is experiencing an average of 1% annual increase.
Transit costs $112 a month
If you are looking to commute to work in Calgary but are concerned about the high cost of transit, you may want to consider buying a monthly transit pass. These passes are cheap and provide you with unlimited travel in Calgary. An adult monthly transit pass costs $112 and children’s passes are $56. You can also plan your trip using the Calgary Transit trip planner.
Schools are free
Schools in Calgary are government funded, which makes it possible for every child to attend. The Calgary Board of Education runs over two hundred and forty five schools in the city, educating more than twelve thousand students each year. The school system offers basic education based on the Alberta curriculum. The government pays for the basic program and any additional fees are paid by the student’s parents. Every child in Calgary is assigned to a school based on their address and the program they need to complete.
Child care is expensive
Across Canada, Calgary ranks third in the cost of child care, after Toronto and Vancouver. On average, parents in Calgary spend $1,100 a month on daycare, and these costs are rising at a rate of about 1% a year. Currently, the cost of live-in nannies in Calgary costs around $14-$20 per hour, while monthly fees for a YMCA Calgary daycare program run about $549 per month.
