So, you’re thinking about moving to Calgary? 🏡
Let’s skip the fluff and get right to it — this city has huge advantages (and a few challenges) that every newcomer should know before packing the moving truck.
Here’s an honest, no-sugar-coating look at what life in Calgary is really like.
The Pros ✅
1. Housing You Can Actually Afford 💰
Let’s start with the big one — affordability.
Compared to major markets like Vancouver or Toronto, Calgary’s home prices are refreshingly reasonable. You can often find spacious homes, modern condos, or even small acreages for what a down payment might cost elsewhere.
✨ Pro tip: Calgary’s housing market offers strong long-term value — especially for those relocating from high-priced provinces.
2. No Provincial Sales Tax (PST) 💸
This one surprises a lot of newcomers — Alberta doesn’t have a PST.
That means everything from groceries to furniture to your home purchase costs less here than in most other provinces.
For example:
In BC, buyers pay 7% PST.
In Ontario, they pay 8%.
In Alberta, you pay zero.
That’s thousands of dollars saved every year, especially for homeowners and families.
3. A Strong, Diverse Job Market 💼
Calgary’s economy has evolved far beyond oil and gas.
Today, it’s a growing hub for tech, construction, healthcare, and finance, with major companies expanding their footprint in Alberta.
Unemployment rates have remained below the national average, and with new infrastructure and downtown revitalization projects, Calgary’s job scene is more dynamic than ever.
✨ Pro tip: The city’s entrepreneurial spirit runs deep — small businesses and startups thrive here.
4. Lifestyle & Outdoor Access 🌲
If you love the outdoors, this might be your dream city. Calgary is just over an hour from the Rocky Mountains — think Banff, Canmore, and Kananaskis on your doorstep.
But it’s not just about mountain escapes. The city itself offers:
8,000+ hectares of parkland 🌳
Over 1,000 km of pathways for biking and walking 🚴♀️
A growing food and craft beer scene 🍽️
Festivals, markets, and live music year-round 🎶
✨ Pro tip: Calgarians truly live for the weekends — and outdoor adventures are always part of the plan.
5. Sunshine — and Lots of It ☀️
Here’s a fun fact: Calgary gets over 330 days of sunshine per year, making it one of Canada’s sunniest cities. Even when it’s cold, that blue-sky backdrop makes winter feel a little brighter.
The Cons ❌
1. The Cold — and We Mean Cold ❄️
Calgary winters are beautiful but harsh.
You’ll see temperatures drop to -30°C (and sometimes lower) — although Chinooks often bring quick warm-ups.
If you’re coming from a mild climate, it can be an adjustment.
✨ Pro tip: Invest in good winter gear, block heaters, and a solid snow brush — you’ll thank yourself later.
2. The Chinooks 🌬️
Calgary’s famous Chinook winds are both a blessing and a curse.
They can raise the temperature by 20°C in a few hours — melting snow and lifting moods. But they also bring wild weather swings and occasional headaches for those sensitive to pressure changes.
3. City Sprawl & Commuting 🚗
Calgary is big — the largest city in Alberta by area.
That means commuting across town can take time, especially during rush hour. The city is car-friendly, but not always ideal for pedestrians in suburban areas.
✨ Pro tip: If you work downtown, living near the C-Train line can make a world of difference.
4. Market Fluctuations 📉
Calgary’s economy — while resilient — is historically tied to the energy sector, which can cause ups and downs in both employment and housing markets.
That said, diversification continues to strengthen the city’s long-term stability.
Bonus: What Calgarians Love Most ❤️
Ask anyone who’s moved here what keeps them in Calgary, and you’ll likely hear:
Friendly, down-to-earth people
Family-oriented neighborhoods
Easy access to nature
Financial breathing room
It’s a place where you can build a life, not just survive in one.
FAQs: Moving to Calgary
Q: Is Calgary affordable compared to other cities?
Yes — housing, taxes, and cost of living are significantly lower than in BC or Ontario.
Q: What’s the job market like?
Strong and growing, especially in energy, tech, trades, and healthcare.
Q: How bad are Calgary winters, really?
They’re cold, but manageable — Chinooks often bring relief, and sunshine makes a big difference.
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Conclusion
Calgary isn’t perfect — no city is — but it offers a rare mix of affordability, opportunity, and lifestyle that’s hard to beat anywhere else in Canada.
If you’re tired of high housing costs, long commutes, and limited space, it might be time to give Calgary a serious look.
✨ Ready to see what your life could look like here? DM me “CALGARYMOVE” for my free Relocation Guide to Living in Calgary — packed with everything you need to make your move smart, smooth, and stress-free.
About Kristen Edmunds
Kristen Edmunds is a Calgary-area REALTOR® and Associate Broker with KIC Realty, specializing in acreages, luxury homes, and smart buy/sell strategies. With expertise in rural properties (water wells, septic, equestrian facilities) and a client-obsessed approach, Kristen helps buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals with confidence and ease.
