Same Budget. Two Cities. Completely Different Realities.

Every year, I have clients ask the same question:
“What does $1 million buy me in Calgary compared to Vancouver?”

And every year, the answer gets more dramatic.

In 2025, the gap between the two markets isn’t just big — it’s an entirely different lifestyle, value structure, and buyer experience.

Think of it like comparing a horse pasture to a parking stall.
Same cost… very different vibe. 😅

Let’s take a closer look.

🏡 Calgary: Space, Flexibility, and Actual Breathing Room

In Calgary, $1M still stretches — and stretches far.

What you can realistically get:
✔ A detached home
✔ 2,000–3,000+ sq ft
✔ 4+ bedrooms
✔ Updated finishes
✔ A real yard
✔ A double or triple garage
✔ Quiet streets, green space, pathways
✔ Mountain access within an hour

And if you’re acreage-inclined?
For $1M you can often find:
🌾 2–4 acres
🏠 A well-kept house
🏚 A barn, shop, or outbuilding
🚗 More parking than you’ll ever need

You’re not just buying a home — you’re buying lifestyle, land, and long-term value.

🏙️ Vancouver: Premium Price for Premium Density

Let’s be honest: Vancouver is stunning.
Ocean. Mountains. City.
Zero complaints there.

But when it comes to real estate value, 2025 continues the same trend:
$1M = not very much space.

What $1M typically gets you in Vancouver:
✔ A one-bedroom condo
✔ 650–800 sq ft
✔ No yard
✔ No garage
✔ Shared amenities
✔ Lots of neighbours (very close)

Sometimes you can find a small two-bedroom if the building is older or located farther from downtown — but space is scarce, and competition is intense.

You’re paying for location, density, and access… not square footage.

🔍 Why the Difference Matters in 2025

This isn’t a “Calgary vs Vancouver — which is better?” conversation.
They’re totally different markets serving totally different lifestyles.

But for many buyers — especially:
• young families
• remote workers
• move-up buyers
• people relocating from BC

…this comparison is a turning point.

Calgary offers stability, affordability, space, and lifestyle flexibility without sacrificing amenities or career opportunity.
That’s a huge 2025 draw.

🛣️ Lifestyle Differences at a Glance

CALGARY

🌳 Big yards
🚗 Easy commuting
🐶 Dog-friendly living
🌄 Weekend mountain access
🏡 Space to grow
💰 Lower taxes
🛒 Affordable cost of living
➡ Balanced family + professional lifestyle

VANCOUVER

🌊 Ocean views
🏙️ Walkability + urban energy
🚲 Car-optional lifestyle
☕ World-class food + coffee
💼 More global corporate presence
💸 High cost of living
➡ Fast-paced, urban lifestyle

Different strengths.
Different appeals.
Different financial realities.

📸 Real Buyer Example

A recent client relocated from Vancouver to Calgary with a $1M budget.
In Vancouver: they were looking at a 690 sq ft condo.
In Calgary: they bought a 2,600 sq ft detached home on a quiet street with a triple garage and a massive yard.

Same budget.
Completely different life.

💡 So Which City Is “Better”?

Neither.
It depends who you are and what stage of life you’re in.

But here’s the truth that surprises a lot of people:
If lifestyle, space, family balance, and affordability matter to you — Calgary wins in 2025, hands down.

And that’s why we’re seeing thousands of people relocate from BC to Alberta every year.

📩 Get the Full Calgary vs Vancouver Comparison Guide

I built a simple, visual comparison that breaks everything down:
📏 Square footage differences
💸 Price breakdowns
🗺️ Lifestyle trade-offs
🏡 What $1M buys in each market
⛰️ Neighbourhood examples
🚗 Commute considerations
🌆 Photos + side-by-side layouts

DM me “1M GUIDE” and I’ll send it to you personally.

❓ FAQ

Q: Is $1M a good budget in Calgary?
A: Absolutely. It puts you in move-up or near-luxury territory.

Q: Can you get a detached home for $1M in Vancouver?
A: Very rarely. Mostly older teardown-type properties or extremely small lots.

Q: Why do so many people leave BC for Alberta?
A: Value, affordability, taxes, space, and balanced living.

Q: Which city has better long-term real estate appreciation?
A: Both perform well, but Calgary offers a much lower entry point and faster lifestyle ROI.

📚 Related Reading

• 🏡 Top 5 Calgary Neighbourhoods Everyone’s Talking About in 2025

• 💡 Why Everyone’s Moving to Calgary in 2025 — And Not Just for the Oil Jobs

• 📉 Is Now a Good Time to Buy in Calgary? Here’s the 2025 Reality Check

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.

Could your move to Alberta earn you an extra $5,000? Let’s break it down.

What Is It?

The “Alberta is Calling: Moving Bonus” is a one-time, non-taxable, refundable tax credit of $5,000, intended to assist skilled workers who relocated to Alberta between May 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024. It helps offset relocation costs and supports workforce growth in key industries.
Alberta.ca

Note: The program is limited to 2,000 applicants, processed first-come, first-served, and may stop early if funding runs out—even before the scheduled close date of March 15, 2026 at 4 p.m. MT.
Alberta.ca

Who Qualifies?

To receive the bonus, you must:

• Be 18 years or older, and a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

• Have moved to Alberta between May 1 and Dec 31, 2024

• Be a resident and tax resident of Alberta by December 31, 2024, with a 2024 CRA Notice of Assessment

• Live in Alberta for at least 12 consecutive months post-move

• Be employed full-time (minimum 30 hrs/week or 130 hrs/month) or self-employed in a skilled and eligible occupation
  Alberta.ca

How to Apply

1. Wait until May 1, 2025, when applications open

2. Sign up for a verified Alberta.ca account

3. Prepare documentation:

   • Proof of move date

   • CRA Notice of Assessment

   • Proof of employment or self-employment in an eligible field

4. Submit your application through the official portal

5. Keep an eye on email for approval, then you receive the bonus via direct deposit or cheque
   Alberta.ca

Final Thoughts & Tips

• This isn’t a funded grant—it’s a tax credit applied after eligibility is verified

• The bonus isn’t taxable

• Unlike other programs, even self-employed individuals can qualify with proper documentation

• Prepare early — this bonus is both cash-limited and time-sensitive

FAQ

• Is this the same as a relocation grant?
  No—it’s a refundable tax credit, not a grant. You apply post-move.

• Can I still apply if I moved after Dec 31, 2024?
  No, unfortunately that disqualifies you. The window has already closed for eligibility.

• How long will applications remain open?
  Officially until March 15, 2026, or until funding is exhausted—whichever comes first.

Related Reading

• Zoning 101 for Acreage Buyers in Alberta

• Hidden Costs of Relocating to Alberta

• Buying Acreage in Winter vs Summer: Big Differences

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.

What you need to know before making the move

Relocating to Alberta can feel like a fresh start — stunning landscapes, a booming job market, and a generally lower cost of living compared to many other provinces. But while the province offers plenty of perks, it’s not without its surprises.

To help you budget wisely, here are some of the hidden costs you might not expect when moving to Alberta.

1. Property Taxes & Municipal Fees

Alberta doesn’t have a provincial sales tax, which is a big win for many newcomers. However, property taxes here can vary widely between municipalities. In some areas, these rates are higher than what people anticipate — especially in smaller towns with limited tax bases.

Pro Tip: Check the municipal tax rate for the exact area you’re moving to, and factor in local utility fees that may be added to your property tax bill.

2. Winter Prep & Home Maintenance

If you’re moving from a milder climate, Alberta winters can be a shock — not just for you, but for your budget. Snow removal services, extra heating costs, and winterizing your home all add up.

Examples of winter expenses:

• Furnace maintenance and filter changes

• Heated driveway systems (optional, but a luxury some invest in)

• Insulating pipes to prevent freezing

• Snow blowers or professional plowing

3. Vehicle Registration & Insurance Changes

When you move to Alberta, you’ll need to register your vehicle here — and that means paying registration fees and possibly getting an out-of-province vehicle inspection.

Insurance rates can also change, depending on your driving record and the area you move to. For example, rural areas may see lower rates than busy city centres, but your mileage may vary.

4. Lifestyle & Cost-of-Living Adjustments

You may save money on certain things in Alberta, but you could also find yourself spending more in other areas — especially if you’re embracing the province’s outdoor lifestyle.

Think:

• Ski passes and winter sports gear

• Hiking and camping equipment

• Seasonal wardrobe changes (winter coats, boots, gloves, etc.)

5. Professional & Legal Fees

Relocating isn’t just about moving your belongings — it often means navigating paperwork, legal requirements, and possible professional consultations.
You might need:

• Real estate legal fees

• Moving company charges

• Short-term rental costs while you find a home

Final Thoughts

Alberta is a fantastic place to call home, but going in with a clear understanding of all the costs will save you stress and financial headaches. By budgeting for these hidden expenses ahead of time, you can focus on what really matters — enjoying your new life in one of Canada’s most beautiful provinces.

📌 Related Reading:

• Buying Acreage in Winter vs Summer: Big Differences

• Top 5 Mistakes That Cost Calgary Sellers Money

• Zoning 101 for Acreage Buyers in Alberta

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.