Are you thinking about relocating to Calgary? 🏔️🏡 You’re not alone. More and more buyers from Ontario, BC, and across Canada are making the move to Alberta’s largest city. And it’s easy to see why: Calgary offers affordability, lifestyle, and opportunity all in one place.

Before you pack the moving truck, here’s everything you need to know about relocating to Calgary.

1. Calgary is More Affordable 💸

Compared to Toronto or Vancouver, Calgary remains one of Canada’s most affordable major cities.

• Detached homes often cost significantly less.

• Property taxes are competitive.

• Everyday living—like gas and groceries—tends to be more budget-friendly.

👉 Bottom line: Your money goes further in Calgary, whether you’re buying your first condo or upgrading to a family home.

2. The Lifestyle is Hard to Beat 🌄

Calgary is the perfect mix of urban convenience and outdoor adventure.

• The Rocky Mountains are just an hour away—hello, weekend skiing and hiking!

• The city boasts over 1,000 km of pathways for walking, biking, and running.

• Calgary is one of Canada’s sunniest cities, with more than 300 days of sunshine each year.

👉 Bottom line: If you love nature, recreation, and sunshine, Calgary delivers.

3. Diverse Neighbourhoods 🏘️

Whether you’re moving with a family or as a young professional, Calgary has a community for you.

• Tuscany — family-friendly, schools, parks, and mountain views.

• Arbour Lake — Calgary’s only lake community with year-round activities.

• Beltline — vibrant downtown lifestyle with restaurants and nightlife.

• Signal Hill — convenience, shopping, and shorter commutes.

• Evanston — newer communities designed for growing families.

👉 Bottom line: From inner-city condos to suburban acreages, Calgary has it all.

4. Strong Job Market 💼

Calgary’s economy has grown beyond oil and gas. Today, there are strong opportunities in:

• Energy — still a powerhouse industry.

• Healthcare — consistent demand across Alberta.

• Technology — Calgary is building a reputation as a tech hub.

• Trades & Education — plenty of opportunities for skilled workers.

👉 Bottom line: Job seekers will find a diverse and growing economy here.

5. The Weather ❄️☀️

Let’s be real—yes, Calgary winters are cold. But they’re also unique:

• Calgary gets chinooks—warm winds that can raise temperatures by 10–20°C in a single day.

• More sunshine than almost anywhere else in Canada.

• Four true seasons, from snowy winters to hot summers.

👉 Bottom line: Winters are manageable thanks to sunshine and chinooks.

FAQs: Relocating to Calgary

Q: Is Calgary really that much cheaper than Ontario or BC?
Yes—housing, fuel, and taxes are generally lower.

Q: What’s the best neighbourhood for newcomers?
It depends on your lifestyle—Tuscany for families, Beltline for young professionals, Arbour Lake for lake life.

Q: Do I need a car in Calgary?
Most families do, but Calgary also has a growing LRT and public transit system.

Q: Is Calgary good for families?
Absolutely—great schools, family-friendly communities, and endless recreation opportunities.

Related Reading

• Relocating to Calgary—Everything You Need to Know

• Best Calgary Neighbourhoods for Families

• Top 5 Things Ontario & BC Buyers Love About Calgary

Relocating to Calgary means more than just a new address—it’s about embracing a lifestyle that balances affordability, outdoor adventure, and opportunity. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly suburb, a vibrant downtown condo, or an acreage on the city’s edge, Calgary has a place for you.

✨ Thinking about relocating? DM me “YYC MOVE” and I’ll send you my free Calgary Relocation Guide to help you plan your transition.

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.

If you’re considering a move to Calgary, you’re not alone. More and more families, professionals, and retirees from Ontario, BC, and across Canada are choosing Calgary as their new home. 🏡

Why? Calgary offers one of the best combinations of affordability, lifestyle, and opportunity in the country. But before you pack the moving truck, here’s everything you need to know about relocating to Calgary.

1. Affordability 💸

Compared to Toronto and Vancouver, Calgary is remarkably affordable.

• Detached homes in Calgary often cost a fraction of similar properties in Ontario or BC.

• Property taxes are competitive compared to many Canadian cities.

• Everyday costs like gas and groceries tend to be lower here.

👉 Bottom line: Your dollar goes further in Calgary, whether you’re buying your first home or upgrading.

2. Lifestyle 🌄

Calgary isn’t just a city—it’s a lifestyle.

• The Rocky Mountains are only an hour away, perfect for weekend skiing, hiking, and camping.

• Inside the city, you’ll find an extensive pathway system, parks, and recreation centres.

• Calgary enjoys four true seasons, offering variety year-round.

👉 Bottom line: If you love the outdoors, Calgary puts it right at your doorstep.

3. Job Opportunities 💼

Calgary’s economy has diversified beyond oil and gas. Today, you’ll find strong opportunities in:

• Energy — still a major player with global reach.

• Healthcare — demand is strong across Alberta.

• Technology — Calgary is rapidly becoming a hub for innovation and startups.

• Trades & Professional Services — construction, engineering, and education remain in demand.

👉 Bottom line: Whether you’re in tech, healthcare, or trades, Calgary offers career potential.

4. Neighbourhoods 🏘

One of Calgary’s biggest strengths is its variety of communities. Whether you’re looking for suburban peace, lake life, or downtown convenience, there’s a neighbourhood that fits.

• Tuscany — family-friendly with schools, parks, and mountain views.

• Arbour Lake — Calgary’s only lake community with year-round activities.

• Signal Hill — convenience, shopping, and shorter commutes.

• Beltline — vibrant inner-city lifestyle with restaurants and nightlife.

• Evanston — newer, growing community designed for families.

👉 Bottom line: Calgary’s diversity means there’s a perfect community for everyone.

5. Weather ☀️❄️

Let’s be honest—yes, winters are cold. ❄️ But Calgary is also one of the sunniest cities in Canada, with over 330 days of sunshine per year. Plus, chinooks (warm winds) bring bursts of springlike weather in the middle of winter.

👉 Bottom line: Cold doesn’t stop Calgary. The sunshine and chinooks make it more manageable than many expect.

FAQs: Relocating to Calgary

Q: Is Calgary affordable compared to Ontario and BC?
Yes. Housing costs, property taxes, and everyday living expenses are typically lower.

Q: Is Calgary good for families?
Absolutely. Family-friendly neighbourhoods, schools, and recreation options make it ideal.

Q: What industries are strongest in Calgary right now?
Energy, healthcare, and tech lead the way, with growing opportunities in trades and education.

Q: Will I need a car in Calgary?
Most families do, but Calgary also has a strong LRT system and public transit network.

Related Reading

• Top 5 Things Ontario & BC Buyers Love About Calgary

• Best Calgary Neighbourhoods for Families

• Day in the Life: Suburban Calgary vs Downtown Calgary

Relocating to Calgary means more than just a new address. It’s about joining a city that balances affordability, lifestyle, and opportunity. From family-friendly suburbs to vibrant downtown living—and with the Rockies right in your backyard—Calgary offers something for everyone.

Thinking about making the move?
💬 DM me “YYC” and I’ll send you my free Calgary Relocation Guide to help you plan your next chapter.

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.

If you’ve noticed more Ontario and BC license plates on Calgary streets lately—you’re not imagining it. 🚗 Calgary has become a top relocation destination for out-of-province buyers, and the trend is only growing.

But why? What is it about Calgary that’s attracting families, professionals, and retirees from Ontario and BC? Let’s dive into the top 5 reasons buyers are making the move.

1. Affordability That Stretches Your Dollar 💸

This is the #1 reason, hands down. Homes in Calgary cost a fraction of what you’d pay in Toronto or Vancouver.

• Detached home in Calgary: far more affordable, often with a yard and garage.

• Equivalent in Vancouver or Toronto: a small condo—or nothing at all at the same price point.

For out-of-province buyers, it’s like unlocking a new lifestyle. You can sell a townhouse in the GTA and buy a full detached home in Calgary—with money left over.

2. Space to Live and Breathe 🏡

Ontario and BC buyers are blown away by how much space they get here. Calgary homes typically come with:

• Larger floor plans

• Bigger yards for pets and kids

• Driveways, garages, and storage

• Room for hobbies (home gyms, workshops, gardens)

For families and retirees alike, the extra breathing room makes everyday life easier and more enjoyable.

3. Lifestyle & Outdoor Access 🌄

Calgary offers a unique balance: big-city amenities plus quick access to nature. Within an hour’s drive, you can be in the Rockies. Within minutes, you can be walking river pathways, biking through Nose Hill, or enjoying Fish Creek Provincial Park.

For buyers relocating from busy, crowded areas, Calgary’s lifestyle is a huge upgrade. You get four true seasons, endless recreational activities, and a chance to actually enjoy your downtime.

4. Work & Opportunity 💼

Calgary isn’t just oil and gas anymore. The economy is diversifying, with growth in:

• Tech — Calgary is becoming a hub for startups and innovation.

• Healthcare — demand is strong across the province.

• Education — major universities and colleges continue to attract talent.

• Energy — still strong, with global opportunities.

Buyers relocating from Ontario and BC often find they can secure solid career opportunities while also benefiting from Calgary’s lower cost of living.

5. Community & Quality of Life 👨‍👩‍👧

Finally, there’s the community vibe. Buyers often remark on how friendly Calgary feels compared to larger metropolitan centres. Shorter commutes, strong neighbourhood associations, and a family-oriented culture all stand out.

Whether it’s festivals, sports, or local markets—Calgary combines big-city energy with a welcoming, small-town feel.

FAQs: Ontario & BC Buyers in Calgary

Q: Is Calgary really that much cheaper than Toronto or Vancouver?
Yes. Calgary’s average home price is significantly lower, especially compared to detached homes in Ontario and BC markets.

Q: Are more jobs available in Calgary?
Yes—especially in tech, healthcare, and professional services. Many buyers relocate for work and stay for lifestyle.

Q: What about property taxes?
Calgary’s property taxes are often lower than many Ontario municipalities, adding another affordability perk.

Q: Do out-of-province buyers face restrictions?
No. Anyone can buy in Alberta, whether you’re relocating permanently or purchasing an investment property.

Related Reading

• Calgary Home Prices in 2025: What $650K Really Gets You

• The Best Calgary Neighbourhoods for Families

• Relocating to Calgary: What Buyers Need to Know

Ontario and BC buyers are discovering what Calgarians already know: this city offers an unbeatable combination of affordability, space, lifestyle, opportunity, and community.

It’s no wonder so many are making the move—and once they do, they rarely look back.

Thinking about relocating to Calgary?
💬 DM me “MOVE TO YYC” and I’ll send you my free Relocation Buyer’s Guide to help you plan your next move.

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.