Calgary vs Edmonton Guide

You've narrowed down your search to two of the largest cities in Canada. Now, you just need to decide… Should I move to Calgary or Edmonton?

As a city, each has its own set of strengths and weaknesses. In the end, the decision is personal and comes down to many factors! This is why we're here. Now obviously we love Calgary and rep this city whenever we can, so there may be a slight bias, but we'll do our best to give you all the information you need to make the most informed decision on whether you should move to Calgary or Edmonton in Alberta.

For some of our clients who moved from out of province, they preferred the access to nature, convenience, and entertainment options of Calgary, while others prefer the smaller size and lower cost of living in Edmonton.

It has even come down to one simple factor for some of our clients who choose to go to Edmonton, and that's the weather. Some might prefer the more bearable winters (thanks to Chinooks) while others suffer from migraines due to the big weather shifts seen in Calgary during winter months.

Your Guide to Living in Calgary vs Edmonton

Let’s take a look at as many possible factors as will help guide your decision, including the housing market, economy, attractions, transportation, weather, sports, and nature in Calgary vs Edmonton.

If you want to make an informed decision about which city is best for you, you’ll want to consider all the aspects we mention below.

Use our quick Calgary vs Edmonton navigation guide below to jump to a topic that matters most to you.

• Population and Housing Market
• Jobs and The Economy
• Culture and Attractions in Calgary vs Edmonton
• Do the cities have a vibrant arts scene?
• Attractions in Calgary
• Attractions in Edmonton
• Transportation Systems in Calgary vs Edmonton

• The Climate in Calgary vs Edmonton
• Nature and Outdoor Activities in Calgary vs Edmonton
• FAQs – Should I Move to Calgary or Edmonton
• Both Calgary and Edmonton are amazing places to live.
• Why You Should Move to Calgary Over Edmonton?
• Nightlife in Calgary vs Edmonton
• Food/Restaurants in Calgary vs Edmonton
• Sports in Calgary vs Edmonton
• Education in Calgary vs Edmonton
• Cost of Living in Both Cities

Population and Housing Market

Calgary has a population of about **1.3 million** people (city proper), making it Canada’s third-largest city, while Edmonton trails closely behind with a population of just over **1 million**.

Update (2024): Thanks to record migration, both cities have grown rapidly. Calgary’s city population is now roughly 1.57 million (with the metro area around 1.66 million), after welcoming nearly 100,000 new residents in 2023 alone. Edmonton’s city population also climbed to about 1.19 million following its own surge in newcomers.

The average household income *after-tax* in Calgary is roughly $87,000, compared to $84,000 in Edmonton. Both of these are higher than Canada’s average after-tax household income of about $73,000.

In terms of housing market prices and affordability, things are a bit more complicated. While Calgary has a higher average home price than Edmonton (**$490,134 vs $368,576**), there are affordable options available to first-time buyers – particularly if they’re willing to settle outside of the city.

Update: As of mid-2024, Calgary’s housing market has pulled even further ahead. The composite benchmark home price in Calgary reached around $588,600 (July 2024), whereas in Edmonton it was about $399,700. In other words, Calgary’s home values have seen larger gains recently, even though Edmonton remains the more budget-friendly market overall.

Edmonton

**Population:** 1,418,118 (Metro)
**Median age:** 36.3
**Average Household Income (Before Taxes):** $121,620
**GDP:** $88.2 Billion
**Quality of life:** Ranked one of the world’s best cities in 2017

Calgary

**Population:** 1,600,000 (Metro)
**Median age:** 36.6
**Average Household Income (Before Taxes):** $140,919
**GDP:** $97.9 Billion
**Quality of life:** Ranked world’s 5th most livable city in 2016 & 2017.
Calgary ranked as the top city in North America in 2022’s most liveable city index (EIU’s Global Liveability Index) – coming in at 3rd overall in the world. (They cited our proximity to the mountains, 330+ days of sunshine, and GDP growth expected to beat the rest of the country by 2%.)
Update: Calgary maintained its high livability status in subsequent years – it was ranked the 5th most livable city in the world (and #1 in North America) in 2024.

Jobs and The Economy

When we think about how the cities’ economies compare, it’s important to remember the differences in the workforce. Calgary has a primarily “white-collar” workforce, while Edmonton is known to have a primarily “blue-collar” workforce.

Calgary has more jobs than Edmonton, but Edmonton has a larger service sector. Calgary is a great city to find jobs in the energy, finance, and technology sectors.

Edmonton has more manufacturing jobs than any other Canadian city (excluding Toronto), meaning if you want a job building things or working in factories then Edmonton might be more suitable for you. But that's not the only area where Edmonton outshines Calgary – if you’re looking to work for the government, remember Edmonton is the provincial capital and approximately 25% of Edmonton's workforce is in the public sector.

The unemployment rates in Calgary recently jumped to **6.6%** in December 2022 (from 6.0% the month before). Edmonton's unemployment rate, on the other hand, dropped one-tenth of a percentage in December 2022 to **5.5%**. This means that the two biggest cities in Alberta averaged out to around a **6%** unemployment rate, which is 0.2% higher than the 2022 provincial average of 5.8% in Alberta.

Calgarians, on average, earn among the highest wages in Alberta. This is largely due to the oil and gas industry.

Public transportation is considered by many to be better in Calgary, and accessing the downtown core for workers is easier. (More on transportation below.)

Update: By the end of 2023, Calgary and Edmonton were actually on equal footing with unemployment at roughly 6.1% in each city. Both saw slight increases as their labour forces grew rapidly. Calgary’s labour force expanded about 6% in 2024, far outpacing Edmonton’s ~3% growth. Each city added lots of jobs (Edmonton led Alberta in job growth in early 2023, while Calgary surged later in 2024, but it wasn’t quite enough to keep the jobless rate from rising a bit. Still, Calgary continues to boast some of the highest average wages in Canada, thanks largely to the oil and gas sector and a growing tech industry.

Alberta's Economic Breakdown 1986 to 2016

Economic Diversity: 1986 | GDP: $59.6 Billion

• Oil & Gas & Mining – 23.2%
• Manufacturing – 6.9%
• Transportation & Utilities – 9.2%
• Business & Commercial Services – 6.6%
• Finance, Insurance & Real Estate – 13.5%
• Tourism & Consumer Services – 4.6%
• Retail & Wholesale – 9.7%
• Public Administration – 5.8%
• Education – 4.5%
• Health Care – 4.5%
• Agriculture & Forestry – 4.6%
• Construction – 7.0%

Economic Diversity: 2016 | GDP: $309.1 Billion

• Oil & Gas & Mining – 16.4%
• Manufacturing – 6.7%
• Transportation & Utilities – 6.6%
• Business & Commercial Services – 11.8%
• Finance & Insurance – 4.8%
• Real Estate – 11.7%
• Tourism & Consumer Services – 5.1%
• Retail & Wholesale – 9.5%
• Public Administration – 5.4%
• Education – 4.1%
• Health Care – 6.3%
• Agriculture & Forestry – 1.8%
• Construction – 10.1%

Culture and Attractions in Calgary vs Edmonton

The cities' cultural climates are quite similar, with Edmonton being the slightly more hipster-friendly of the two. The cultural difference mainly lies in their respective populations: Calgary has a larger immigrant population, which gives it a more diverse culture overall. Both cities have a variety of museums, theatres, concert halls and other cultural hotspots to enjoy.

One of the major attractions in Calgary is the **Calgary Stampede**, which takes place every July – a tradition with roots tracing back to 1886.

Both Calgary and Edmonton have an energetic sporting history and culture. With die-hard fans and roaring crowds in both cities, you won’t want to miss the excitement. Your big decision? Deciding whether you’ll be an Oilers fan or a Flames fan!

Edmonton is known for its hospitality towards newcomers from all around the world. The majority of Edmontonians are there to help and be friendly wherever they are! Edmonton has earned this title by celebrating arts and culture with family-friendly festivals all year round – there is always something you can enjoy. While Calgary has its famous Calgary Stampede (nicknamed "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth"), Edmonton’s summer fair counterpart is K-Days, where you have 10 days full of rides and festival-worthy foods.

We also want to mention **West Edmonton Mall** – taking up 5.3 million square feet of land, it’s one of the largest shopping malls in North America! You’ll find an incredible selection of stores, restaurants, and even an indoor amusement park complete with rollercoasters. If you ever get too hot, you can explore the indoor water park that is open year-round. This mall alone is a major attraction and a point of pride for Edmonton.

Do the cities have a vibrant arts scene?

Both Calgary and Edmonton have a vibrant arts scene with plenty of galleries and theatre companies. You might lean more towards one city depending on your interests.

Calgary has more art galleries than Edmonton does, but Edmonton has more theatre companies. Edmonton’s arts scene also includes many museums. If you're looking for something different from museums, then Calgary’s array of galleries, live music venues, and events like the Calgary Folk Music Festival may be more exciting for you.

Attractions in Calgary

WinSport: Canada Olympic Park
Studio Bell (Home of the National Music Centre)
The Hangar Flight Museum
Fort Calgary
Calgary Zoo
Calgary Tower
CrossIron Mills (shopping mall)
Spruce Meadows
Devonian Gardens
Fish Creek Provincial Park
Bowness Park
Heritage Park
TELUS Spark Science Centre
The Military Museums
**Calgary Stampede** (annual rodeo and exhibition)
Scotiabank Saddledome (Flames hockey arena, soon to be replaced)
BMO Centre (major convention centre)

Attractions in Edmonton

**West Edmonton Mall**
Art Gallery of Alberta
Royal Alberta Museum
Alberta Legislature Building
Rogers Place (arena) and the Edmonton Oilers
University of Alberta Botanic Garden
TELUS World of Science
Edmonton Valley Zoo
Elk Island National Park (just outside city)
Fort Edmonton Park
The Citadel Theatre

Transportation Systems in Calgary vs Edmonton

What are the transportation and road systems like? It might be comforting to know right off the bat that both cities are connected to major highway routes and both are surrounded by a ring road, which alleviates traffic and keeps residents moving.

While Edmonton has a larger bus network, Calgary has the C-Train (Light Rail Transit) running through the downtown core and connecting you to other major parts of the city.

Edmonton might be the smaller city, but it has more LRT lines than most cities in North America! You'll also find that Edmonton has more bike paths than any other Canadian city, except Vancouver.

If you’re an avid cyclist, Calgary easily takes the cake with more bike lanes. In fact, it was named Canada's most bicycle-friendly city by *Bicycling Magazine* in 2017 and 2018 because of its large network and support programs for cyclists.

Calgary’s C-Train covers all four quadrants of the city with more than 118 km of track. Bus routes run through most neighbourhoods. Worth mentioning: the downtown core of Calgary is a **free fare zone** for transit users on the C-Train, so make sure to use that to your advantage! Calgary also currently has huge plans for creating another C-Train line in the southeast quadrant of the city (the **Green Line**). This will connect newly built communities, making transit faster and more accessible to all Calgarians in the future.

Both Calgary and Edmonton have international airports for air travel across Canada and abroad. Calgary’s airport (YYC) is much larger and serves many more international destinations than Edmonton's YEG. For example, in 2021 (during COVID-19 impacts) Calgary saw about 5.9 million passengers, while Edmonton saw about 2.6 million – roughly double the traffic in Calgary. In typical years, Calgary’s airport handles far more travelers and direct flights, reflecting its status as a larger airline hub.

Update: Calgary’s long-awaited Green Line LRT project has moved into the construction phase as of 2023–2024, which will further improve transit options once completed. Additionally, the final section of Calgary’s Ring Road (Stoney Trail) opened in late 2023, creating a continuous 100+ km highway loop around the city for smoother cross-town travel. Edmonton’s transit has also seen improvements, with expansions to the LRT network moving forward (the new Valley Line Southeast, a 12-station low-floor LRT, opened for passenger service in November 2023.

The Climate in Calgary vs Edmonton

It's hard to say which city is better for your climate preferences since both have a good mix of sunny days, rainy days, and overcast days. But if you prefer to truly experience all four seasons, Calgary is likely your best bet.

Edmonton is known for its cold temperatures and heavy snowfall — it's even nicknamed the "Icebox of the North." Edmonton also tends to get more precipitation than Calgary (about 25% more). Calgary's weather can be extreme though: temperatures drop below -20°C in the winter and rise to around +30°C in summer.

Edmonton has a more moderate (but longer) winter where temperatures fluctuate between about -30°C and +30°C over the course of a year. The average length of Edmonton’s winter is longer than Calgary’s, thanks to Calgary’s Chinook winds. **Chinooks** are warm, dry winds that blow over the Rockies in winter and can raise Calgary’s winter temperatures by as much as 15°C in a single day!

Calgary tends to get more snow in total, while Edmonton's snow tends to stick around longer (since it stays colder). Calgary’s snow can melt during winter chinooks, whereas Edmonton’s colder stretches mean snow piles up and stays through much of the winter.

Edmonton also tends to be windier at times and can feel colder due to wind chill, although Calgary has its share of windy days too.

Daily Hive did some research comparing Calgary snowfall and Edmonton snowfall (around two centimetres of snow is considered the first significant snowfall event, according to Environment Canada) and concluded that Calgary beat out Edmonton in 7 out of the last 10 years when it came to seeing significant snowfall.

It's also worth noting that in the years where Edmonton beat Calgary, it was ... (generally later in the season).

Calgary – First Significant Snowfall by Year

2011: November 30 (5.8 cm fell)
2012: October 9 (2 cm fell)
2013: October 27 (4.4 cm fell)
2014: September 8 (12 cm fell)
2015: October 3 (3 cm fell)
2016: October 7 (4 cm fell)
2017: November 1 (2.2 cm fell)
2018: October 1 (5.3 cm fell)
2019: September 28 (4.5 cm fell)
2020: October 14 (5.5 cm fell)
2021: October 29 (3.6 cm fell)

Edmonton – First Significant Snowfall by Year

2011: November 17 (13.6 cm fell)
2012: October 10 (3.4 cm fell)
2013: November 2 (7.8 cm fell)
2014: September 8 (4.4 cm fell)
2015: November 23 (6.2 cm fell)
2016: October 7 (2.8 cm fell)
2017: September 19 (4.8 cm fell)
2018: September 12 (5 cm fell)
2019: November 5 (3 cm fell)
2020: October 16 (2.2 cm fell)
2021: November 15 (4 cm fell)

Nature and Outdoor Activities in Calgary vs Edmonton

Both cities have a lot to offer in terms of nature and outdoor activities. Calgary has **Banff** and the Rocky Mountains practically in its backyard, and Edmonton has **Jasper** a few hours away – but beyond these two famous mountain parks, there are plenty of other places to get your fill of the great outdoors.

In Calgary, you can ski, hike, and bike all in one day. Thanks to facilities like WinSport (Canada Olympic Park) within the city, you can go snowboarding or mountain biking without leaving town. And in the nearby Rockies, world-class ski resorts and hiking trails abound. In Edmonton, you'd have to drive 3–4 hours to reach the big mountain ski resorts or hiking trails in the Rockies. For example, from Calgary you can be skiing at Nakiska (in Kananaskis Country) in the morning, hiking at Fish Creek Provincial Park at lunch, and biking around Prince's Island Park in the afternoon.

Calgary is generally considered more “outdoorsy” than Edmonton. You might think Edmonton and Calgary would be equally outdoorsy since they’re both in Alberta – but Calgarians tend to be more into mountain sports and day trips to the Rockies, given the proximity. There are countless hiking clubs, skiing groups, and outdoor enthusiast meetups based in Calgary. That said, Edmonton has an extensive river valley park system (one of North America’s largest urban park networks) that offers great biking, running, and cross-country skiing right in the city.

To sum up, Calgary has so much to offer when it comes to nature and outdoor activities (especially if you love the mountains). If you’re looking for a more urban environment with pockets of nature, Edmonton is a great choice. If you’re looking for quick access to vast wilderness and mountain adventures, Calgary is definitely the better choice.

FAQs – Should I Move to Calgary or Edmonton

Does Calgary or Edmonton get more snow?

Calgary tends to get more snow than Edmonton overall. While winter temperatures in Edmonton are colder than in Calgary, Calgary’s higher snowfall is balanced by the warmer Chinook winds that can melt snow mid-winter. Edmonton’s snow often sticks around longer because of the sustained cold.

Are houses more expensive in Calgary or Edmonton?

Generally, houses are more expensive in Calgary than in Edmonton. As of late 2022, Calgary’s MLS® Home Price Index benchmark was about $506,400, compared to roughly $366,060 in Edmonton. Calgary also has slightly lower property tax rates (around 0.71% vs 0.93% in Edmonton in 2022). All in all, Calgary is pricier to buy in – but it has also seen faster recent growth in property values.

Is Calgary or Edmonton more expensive for rent?

Calgary has a slightly higher cost of living than Edmonton, mainly due to housing. This means rent is generally more expensive in Calgary. For example, the average rent for a one-bedroom in Calgary is often a few hundred dollars higher than in Edmonton. From an investor’s perspective, Calgary’s higher rents can mean better cash flow, although Edmonton’s lower purchase prices are attractive. (Calgary’s rental market has been very strong in recent years, with low vacancy rates driving up rents.)

Is Calgary or Edmonton safer?

Statistically, Calgary is safer than Edmonton. Violent crime rates in Calgary are about 22% below the national average, while violent crime in Edmonton is about 18% above the national average. Edmonton has one of the higher crime severity indexes among Canadian metros. However, this doesn’t mean Edmonton is *dangerous* – the majority of crimes in Edmonton tend to be targeted (gang or drug-related) and don’t affect the general public. Day-to-day life is safe in both cities, but Calgary does edge out in safety rankings.

Is Calgary or Edmonton closer to Banff?

Calgary is closer to Banff. Calgary is about a 1.5-hour drive away from Banff National Park (to the west), whereas Edmonton is about a 4-hour drive from Banff. On the flip side, Edmonton is closer to Jasper National Park (roughly 3.5 hours west of Edmonton). Both cities are within a half-day’s drive of the Rocky Mountains, but Calgary definitely has the advantage for quick trips to Banff and Lake Louise.

Both Calgary and Edmonton are amazing places to live.

Calgary and Edmonton are both great places to live. In fact, if you’re having a hard time trying to decide which city you prefer — there is a good reason why! Each has its own distinct advantages that make it a wonderful place to call home.

They have a lot in common, but they also have some key differences. Factors that set them apart include the cost of living, population size, immediate access to nature, and overall urban vibe.

Both cities are experiencing economic growth, and both offer lots of outdoor activities, culture, and friendly communities.

Why You Should Move to Calgary Over Edmonton?

Alright, this is where we get a little biased. If you're dead set on living in Edmonton, we can connect you with our partners at Elevate Realty Group – check out their Edmonton Luxury Homes site to kickstart your Edmonton home search. Otherwise, if you're still on the fence, read on – these next few points may sway your choice.

Calgary is a clean city with low air pollution, great drinking water, and efficient recycling programs.

Calgary’s architecture has drawn attention from around the world, and that’s not the only worldwide recognition it’s received. Calgary consistently tops the charts of the world’s most livable cities. (This year, Calgary was ranked the 3rd most livable city in the world.)

If you’re looking for a city with a rich culture and history, Calgary is the place for you. While Edmonton has its own charm and culture, it just can't compete with Calgary's combination of job market, economic diversity, cultural attractions, and transportation system.

Calgary has easy access to the Rocky Mountains and numerous provincial parks. You can enjoy winter sports like skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating in the mountains or right in the city. In the summer, Calgary is a hub for outdoor fun – the city boasts over 8,500 hectares of parkland and natural green space, as well as 1,000 km of pathways to explore.

Plus… if you ask us, Calgary is home to Canada's most beautiful skyline. It never gets old seeing the setting sun reflect off the skyscrapers clustered along the Bow River valley.

Calgary also has more bearable winters, thanks to those Chinooks we mentioned – periods of mild weather that break up the cold spells. Calgary’s climate can be easier to handle if you’re not a fan of long deep-freezes.

Calgary has better road infrastructure and is generally easier to navigate by car. Once the final sections of the ring road opened, Calgary now has one of the best bypass systems in Canada. (While Calgary does have potholes, Edmonton’s roads are often considered worse in that department!)

Update: Calgary is finally catching up to Edmonton on the arena front. In July 2024, the city broke ground on a new $1.2 billion arena project to replace the aging Saddledome:contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}. This new Event Centre (seating ~18,400 for hockey) is slated to open by 2027:contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}, meaning Calgary will soon have a modern arena to match Edmonton’s Rogers Place. This will attract more big concerts and events to Calgary in the future.

Best communities for families to live in Edmonton

1. Glenora – A close battle between Strathcona and Glenora for the top community. This established neighbourhood features incredible properties and trendy shops.

2. Strathcona – Home to Whyte Avenue, this community is a historically vibrant hotspot that is sought after for its incredible location and access to amenities. It gives you the ability to experience family living in the city with a wide range of options for entertainment and nightlife.

3. Garneau – A historic neighborhood with renowned landmarks including the University of Alberta and the Garneau Theatre. It’s a diverse and safe community that offers a wide variety of housing options.

4. Aspen Gardens – A safe, nature-centric community that is quiet and filled with walking paths and trails. Lots of greenery and a peaceful vibe.

5. Summerside – A newer community in Edmonton and notably the city’s first lake community. It’s quickly becoming one of the most sought after places for families, thanks to the recreational lake and strong community feel.

Best communities to live in Calgary for families

1. Aspen Woods – Large upscale homes with easy access to the rest of the city and super convenient access to the mountains. This area offers incredible views, including some properties set among aspen groves overlooking the Rockies.

2. Arbour Lake – A popular lake community in Calgary’s northwest. Great access to amenities, major transportation routes, and exclusive lake access for residents (with skating, fishing, beach and more).

3. Discovery Ridge – Situated next to Griffith Woods Park, this smaller community offers everything a nature-loving family could ask for. From wildlife sightings to homes that back onto the forest, plus access to major amenities just five minutes away (including a small local shopping plaza).

4. Royal Oak – A northwest community known for its parks, playgrounds and family-friendly atmosphere. Easy access to major roadways, the C-Train (via the nearby Tuscany station), and large shopping centers make this a prime family community.

5. Mahogany – One of Calgary's premier family-oriented lake communities. Mahogany offers a huge selection of homes, from starter houses to luxury lakefront properties. The community is packed with amenities, including the popular Westman Village development, tons of shopping and dining, schools, and a future planned LRT extension to downtown.

Nightlife in Calgary vs Edmonton

Neither Calgary nor Edmonton are *world-famous* party capitals (especially when compared to the likes of Toronto, New York, or Las Vegas), but Calgary is generally seen as having the better nightlife between the two. Calgary’s entertainment districts – like 17th Avenue SW, the Beltline, and downtown – offer a variety of nightclubs, bars, and late-night restaurants. Notable Calgary nightspots include Knoxville’s Tavern, The Hifi Club, Commonwealth Bar & Stage, Cowboys Dance Hall, Habitat Living Sound, and many more. Most of the nightlife is centralized in the inner-city areas, and each club has its own distinct vibe. There are also plenty of pubs and unique cocktail lounges throughout the city.

Edmonton’s nightlife, on the other hand, also has some great spots but on a somewhat smaller scale. Many of Edmonton’s bars and clubs are concentrated around Whyte Avenue (in Old Strathcona) and the downtown Ice District. Some popular Edmonton spots include The Next Act (a popular pub), The Bower, Midway Music Hall, Garneau Pub, and others. Edmonton also has a good live music scene and a handful of dance clubs. You can certainly have a fun night out in either city, but Calgary’s larger population and downtown area give it a bit of an edge for variety and sheer number of venues.

Food/Restaurants in Calgary vs Edmonton

Both cities have amazing food scenes! There’s always something to satisfy your taste buds in either Calgary or Edmonton, from hole-in-the-wall eateries to upscale dining.

Calgary’s top restaurants include Bolero Brazilian Steakhouse (for the meat lovers), Lulu Bar (Asian fusion in a trendy setting), Ten Foot Henry (popular for its vegetarian-forward share plates), Caesar’s Steakhouse (a classic), Santorini Greek Taverna, Sho Sushi Bar and Kitchen, and Sky 360 (the revolving restaurant atop the Calgary Tower). Calgary’s dining scene is very diverse, with everything from food trucks to fine dining, and new establishments are always popping up.

Edmonton also has many diverse choices. Top picks in Edmonton include Sabor (known for Iberian coastal cuisine), Cafe Amore Bistro (Italian comfort food), Tres Carnales Taqueria (authentic tacos), Atlas Steak + Fish, MEAT (a southern BBQ spot in Old Strathcona), **Thanh Thanh Oriental Noodle House** (beloved for Vietnamese pho), and **La Ronde** (a revolving restaurant with panoramic city views). Edmonton’s food scene has been gaining recognition, and like Calgary it offers a bit of everything: trendy cafes, farm-to-table bistros, and delicious ethnic restaurants reflecting the city’s cultural diversity.

Fun fact: You may have thought that ginger beef was originally created in China, but it was actually invented in Calgary! In the 1970s, a Calgary chef named **George Wong** created the sweet and spicy deep-fried beef dish to appeal to local tastes. Ginger beef is now enjoyed all over Canada (and beyond).

Sports in Calgary vs Edmonton

Both cities have a rich sports culture – and of course a fierce rivalry in hockey! The Battle of Alberta between the Calgary Flames and the Edmonton Oilers is legendary. The first NHL game between the two teams was back in 1980 (when the Flames moved to Calgary from Atlanta) – Edmonton won 5-3 – marking the start of this provincial hockey feud. In the present day, it’s always an event when the Flames and Oilers face off, with fans traveling between cities and a playoff series in 2022 that reignited the rivalry. In the past, even the opposing mayors have made friendly bets (e.g., the losing city’s mayor wearing the other team’s jersey).

Beyond hockey, Calgary and Edmonton both have CFL football teams: the Calgary Stampeders (who play at McMahon Stadium) and the Edmonton Elks (who play at Commonwealth Stadium). Both teams have passionate fan bases and a history of success (Calgary and Edmonton have 20 Grey Cup championships between them).

Edmonton’s arena (Rogers Place) is newer and truly world-class, having opened in 2016 with a capacity of ~18,500 for hockey (and over 20,000 for concerts). Its modern amenities and design give Edmonton an edge in attracting big-name concerts, comedians, and events – something Calgary has been sorely due for with its aging Saddledome, which has poorer acoustics and less capacity.

Update: Calgary is finally catching up on this front. As mentioned above, a new arena for the Flames is under construction and expected to open in a few years, which will put Calgary back on a level playing field for hosting major events.

If you’re looking to play sports or just have fun recreationally, both cities offer adult rec leagues. Calgary has the CSSC (Calgary Sport & Social Club), and Edmonton has the ESSC (Edmonton Sport & Social Club). These clubs organize co-ed teams for everything from soccer to dodgeball to inner-tube water polo (yes, that’s a thing) – a great way to have fun and meet people, whether you’re new to town or just looking for a hobby.

Education

Edmonton is home to 5 universities, including the flagship University of Alberta (U of A), which is ranked 118th in the world in the Times Higher Education 2023 World University Rankings. Edmonton’s strong education system (with three different school boards to choose from) and one of Canada’s top universities make it an attractive city for families with children and for post-secondary students alike.

Calgary, on the other hand, also has 5 degree-granting universities, including the University of Calgary (U of C). The University of Calgary is typically ranked in the 201–250 range globally (Times Higher Education 2023). Some of the best programs at U of C include Engineering, Business (Haskayne School of Business), Medicine, and Computer Science. Mount Royal University in Calgary is another popular institution, known for its teaching-focused undergrad programs. Both cities also have well-regarded technical colleges (SAIT in Calgary and NAIT in Edmonton) which are among the best polytechnic schools in Canada.

Commuting in Calgary vs Edmonton

As you can see on our Instagram post below, Calgary and Edmonton share similar commute times on average. In general, commute times in both cities are quite reasonable compared to larger cities like Vancouver or Toronto. Calgary’s average one-way commute is around 27 minutes, and Edmonton’s is about 25 minutes.

If you want more information on Calgary's commute times, read our comprehensive Calgary Commuting Guide to discover just how manageable getting around the city can be.

Cost of Living in Both Cities

The cost of living in Calgary is about 11% higher than in Edmonton. For a single person living alone, the average monthly cost is approximately $1,881 in Calgary vs $1,692 in Edmonton (not including rent). In global terms, Calgary and Edmonton are relatively affordable – in 2023 Calgary was ranked around the 30th most expensive city in Canada, while Edmonton was around 100th.

The cost for a family is of course higher: roughly $4,575 per month in Calgary vs $3,911 in Edmonton (for a family of four, not including housing). Expect to pay a bit more in Calgary for things like housing and transportation.

Here’s an approximate breakdown of prices (as of late 2022) for various common expenses in Calgary vs Edmonton. Overall, inflation has impacted both cities similarly and the cost of living is pretty comparable for many items, but you’ll notice Calgary is higher in some categories:

Update: As of 2024, not much has changed in the cost-of-living gap – Calgary still tends to be around 10–15% more expensive overall than Edmonton, largely due to housing costs. Both cities have seen rising costs due to inflation (especially in groceries, gasoline, and utilities), but they remain far more affordable than larger Canadian metros like Vancouver or Toronto. In both Calgary and Edmonton, an average family can enjoy a high quality of life without the exorbitant expenses seen in Canada’s biggest cities.

Ready to make the move to Calgary?

So, you’ve decided that Calgary is the place you want to call home! Now it’s time to start looking for real estate. We’ve got you covered!

Contact **The Real Estate Partners** and we’ll start this journey together. Our team is here to help you find the perfect home and get settled in Calgary.

Want to get to know Calgary better? Watch our 'Pros and Cons of Calgary' playlist on YouTube and get to know the good, the bad, and the ugly of each community in Calgary.