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, they each have their 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 loe 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 that 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 take a look at 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 1.3 million people (City) making it Canada’s third-largest city, while Edmonton trails closely behind with a population of just over 1 million.

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

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 in the Economic Intelligence Unit’s annual Global Liveability Index coming in at 3rd overall in the world. Citing our proximity to the mountains, 330+ of sunshine, GDP expectations to beat the rest of the country by 2%, 

Jobs and The Economy

When we think about how the city's 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 just where Edmonton outshines Calgary. If you're looking to work for the government, there's a large sector of employment in the province's capital. 

The unemployment rates in Calgary recently jumped to 6.6 per cent in December 2022 from 6.0 per cent the month before. Edmonton's unemployment rate on the other hand dropped one-tenth of a percentage in December 2022 to 5.5 per cent. This means that the two biggest cities in Alberta average out to a 6% unemployment rate which is .02 higher than the 2022 average of 5.8% in Alberta. 

Calgarians, on average, earn among the highest wages in Alberta. This is largely in part 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 better. 

Approximately 25% of Edmonton's workforce is in the public sector. 

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. You’re big decision? Deciding whether you’ll be an Oilers fan or a Flames fan!

Edmonton is known for its hospitality towards newcomers all around the world. The majority of Edmontonians are there to help and be friendly wherever they are! Edmonton also has earned this title by celebrating arts, culture by family-friendly festivals all year round! There is always something you can enjoy. While Calgary has its own Calgary Stampede named "The Largest Rodeo in the World", Edmonton's competitor is named 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, making this one of the largest shopping malls among North America! You can find the best shopping selection with a variety of stores, restaurants and even an area full of rollercoasters. If you ever get too hot, you can explore the indoor water park that is open all year long, making this area one of the most popular areas in the mall alone!

Do the cities have a vibrant arts scene?

Both Calgary and Edmonton have a vibrant art 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 is comprised of many museums. If you're looking for something different from museums, then Calgary 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
Cross Iron Mills Mall
Spruce Meadows
Devonian Gardens
Fish Creek Provincial Park
Bowness Park
Heritage Park
Telus Spark Centre
The Military Museum
Calgary Stampede
Saddledome
BMO Centre

Attractions in Edmonton

West Edmonton Mall
The Art Gallery of Alberta
The Real Alberta Museum
Alberta Legislature
Rogers Place and the Edmonton Oilers
University of Alberta Botanic Garden
Telus World of Science
Edmonton Valley Zoo
Elk Island National Park
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 some major routes and both are surrounded by a ring road which alleviates traffic and keeps residents moving all day long.

While Edmonton has a larger bus network, Calgary has the Light Rail Transit (LRT) 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 ofits 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 core city of Calgary is also free for transit users, so make sure to use that to your advantage! Calgary also currently has huge plans on creating another C-Train line in the South East Quadrant of the city (Green Line). This will bridge between communities that are newly built, making transit faster and more accessible to all Calgarians!

Both Calgary and Edmonton have airports for air travel all around Canada and International. Calgary Airport is much larger and has many more international destinations than Edmonton's airport. The stats for Total Passengers Annually for the year of 2021 (Affected by COVID-19) is 5,909,265 for Calgary, While Edmonton sees a total of 2,593,046 Total Passengers per year! That is almost double of what Edmonton sees! This has been consistent during the past years where Calgary would see 2 times the amount of what Edmonton sees.

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 three to four seasons per year, Calgary is likely your best bet.

Edmonton is known for its cold temperatures and 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 climate where temperatures fluctuate between -30°C and +30°C over the course of a year.

The average length of Edmonton’s winter is longer than that of Calgary’s. Thanks to Chinook winds. Chinooks blow hot air from the west hat can rise the cities temperatures by as much as 15 degrees celsius!

Calgary tends to get more snow, while Edmonton's snow seems to sit around and last much longer. 

Edmonton tends to be colder and does experience harsher winds that make winter less enjoyable than it would be otherwise. But Calgary can have windy pockets in the city as well. 

Dailyhive did some research between Calgary snowfall and Edmonton snowfall  ( Around two centimetres of snow is the official first significant snowfall event, according to ECCC ) and concluded that calgary has beat out Edmonton in 7 out of the last 10 previous years when it came to seeing significant snowfall. 

It's also worth noting that in the years where Edmonton beat Calgary, it was 

Calgary snowfall

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

Edmonton SNOWFALL

2011: November 17, when 13.6 cm fell
2012: October 10, when 3.4 cm fell
2013: November 2, when 7.8 cm fell
2014: September 8, when 4.4 cm fell
2015: November 23, when 6.2 cm fell
2016: October 7, when 2.8 cm  fell
2017: September 19, when 4.8 cm fell
2018: September 12, when 5 cm fell
2019: November 5, when 3 cm fell
2020: October 16, when 2.2 cm fell
2021: November 15, when 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 Edmonton has Jasper, but beyond these two famous 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. This is because of the addition to Calgary Canada Olympic Park that can get you outside all year round with snowboarding, Downhill Karting and much more!  In Edmonton, you'd have to drive 3 hours to reach skiing or hiking trails. In Calgary, you can be up at Nakiska in Kananaskis Country skiing in the morning, hiking at Fish Creek Park before lunchtime, and biking around Prince's Island Park in the afternoon.

Calgary is more outdoorsy than Edmonton. You might be thinking that Edmonton and Calgary are equally outdoorsy cities because they're both in Alberta. But Calgarians are definitely more into outdoor activities – at least if we look at the number of hiking and skiing groups on Meetup as evidence.

Calgary has so much to offer when it comes to nature and outdoor activities. If you’re looking for somewhere more urban, Edmonton is definitely the place for you. If you’re looking for a more authentic experience with nature, 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. Remember the Chinook winds we mentioned earlier?

Are houses more expensive in Calgary or Edmonton?

While this is its own topic overall, a quick summary is as follows.

As of December 2022 Calgary landed significant higher for MLS® HPI benchmark prices coming in at $506,400 in comparison to Edmonton which is reported at $366,060 Remember that these numbers may change over time and depend on where exactly you live within each city. 

Calgary has the second lowest property tax rate in Alberta, ending 2022 with property tax rates at 0.71%. Property tax rates in Edmonton are currently at 0.93%.

All in all, Calgary is more expensive than Edmonton when it comes to real estate, in terms of rentals 

Is Calgary of Edmonton more expensive for rent?

Calgary has a slightly higher cost of living than Edmonton. The difference is mainly due to rent pricing. 

From an investors perspective, you'll find Calgary to drive in higher rent prices - Those seeking higher cash flow will likely push for investments in Calgary and those looking for lower purchase prices will find better options in Edmonton, Our advice though is that this is a complicated space to jump into, if you're just getting into investment properties, it's recommended you purchase where you know, the accessibility alone will allow you to learn the ropes up close. Although Calgary is more expensive to own, it also saw a much higher increase in property value in 2022 y/y in comparison to Edmonton, this coupled with higher rents, and a more attractive rental market in Calgary. 

 Thank you to the data provided by @rentals.ca and @rentfaster we were able to give shed some visuals on the rental battle of Alberta. 

1 Bedroom Rent Average Calgary Vs Edmonton

Average 2 Bedroom Rent Calgary Vs Edmonton

3+ Bed Average Rent: Calgary Vs Edmonton

You can see Calgary is over $575 higher than Edmonton in this segment with 3+ Rentals 

Average 3+ Bed Townhouse Rent Calgary Vs Edmonton

Is Calgary or Edmonton safer?

To determine if Calgary or Edmonton is safer to live in, we need to look at crime rates.

Violent crime rates in Calgary are 22% below the national average, while violent crime rates in Edmonton are 18% above the national average. If you look at the numbers overall, Edmonton has the second-highest crime severity index in Canada.

While this does mean that Calgary is a safer city than Edmonton, it doesn’t mean that Edmonton is not a safe and wonderful place to live. A majority of crimes that take place in Edmonton do not affect the general public, as they are drug and gang-related.

Is Calgary or Edmonton closer to Banff?

Calgary is closer to Banff, while Edmonton is closer to Jasper. Although it is worth noting that both cities are still within reasonable driving distance of these national parks.

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’d prefer—there is a good reason why! Each has its own distinct advantages that make them great places to call home.

They have a lot of things in common, but they also have some key differences. Things that set them apart include the cost of living, population, immediate access to nature, and a modern atmosphere.

Both cities are experiencing economic growth, and both have lots of outdoor activities and culture.

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, start here to start your Edmonton Home search and stop reading now, these next few points may sway your choice.

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

Calgary architecture has drawn attention from all around the world, and that’s not the only worldwide recognition it’s received. Calgary consistently tops the charts on the most livable cities in the world! 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, it just can't compete with Calgary's job market, economy, culture and attractions or transportation system.

Calgary has easy access to the Rocky Mountains and numerous provincial parks so you can enjoy winter sports like skiing, skating, and ice fishing. In the summer, Calgary is a hub for outdoor fun. Calgary has 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 over skyscrapers clustered along the Bow River valley.

Calgary has more bearable winters and climate. 

Calgary has better roads and is easier to navigate around the city, once the ring road is fully completed Calgary should rank amongst the best commuting large metro's in North America. While Calgary does have potholes, Edmonton has them on a much more prominent level. 

Best communities for families to live in Edmonton

1.   Glenora - A close battle between Strathcona and Glenora for top community, this established community features incredible properties, trendy shops, 

2.  Strathcona - Home to Whyte Avenue, this community is historically a vibrant hotspot that is sought after for it's incredible location and access to amenities giving you the ability to experience family living in the city with a wide span of options for entertainment and night life. 

3.  Garneau - Historic neighborhood with renowned landmarks throughout including the University of Alberta as well as the Garneau Theatre. A diverse and safe community that offers a wide variety of living opportunities.

4.  Aspen Gardens - A safe and nature centric community that is quiet and filled with walking paths and trails. 

5.  Summerside - A newer community in Edmonton and the first lake community in Edmonton. Growing to be one of the most sought after places for families. 

Best communities to live in Calgary for Families 

1.   Aspen Woods - Large upscale living with easy access to the rest of the city and super convenient access to the mountains, offers incredible views including some amongst the Aspen groves overlooking the mountains. 

2.  Arbour Lake - Another popular lake community in Calgary - Great access to amenities, major transportation, and exclusive lake access that offers skating, fishing, and much more. 

3.  Discovery Ridge - Situated next to Griffith woods, this smaller community offers everything a family who loves nature could ask for. From wildlife experiences to homes that back right onto the woods, access to major amenities just five minutes away with a small community serving commercial complex. 

4.  Royal Oak - Parks, playgrounds and family living is what this highly sought after northwest community is all about. Easy access to major roadways, public transportation lines and shopping make this a prime family community.

5.  Mahogany - One of Calgary's premiere family oriented lake communities that offers a huge selection of opportunities to purchase in, from starter homes to lakefront properties. Mahogany is jam packed with amenities, this includes the highly popular Westman Village, shopping, schools, and planned future LRT access to downtown. 

Nightlife in Calgary vs Edmonton

While Calgary with Edmonton aren't the hottest night spots in the world (in comparison to markets like Toronto, NYC, Vegas) Calgary for the most part is seen to have the better nightlife when comparing both cities. Nightclubs to mention in Calgary are Knoxville’s Tavern, The Hifi Club, Commonwealth Bar & Stage, Cowboys, Habitat Living Sound, and much more. The majority of the Nightlife will be in the central area of the city, all clubs have a distinct feeling from one another and plenty of good pubs and unique outings can be found throughout the city. 

Edmonton’s nightlife on the other hand also has some great spots in the city. Some spots that we included in our blog are The Next Act, The Luxx, SoberUp Club, The Bower,  and much more 

Food/Restaurants in Calgary vs Edmonton

Both cities have amazing food choices all around! There is always something to satisfy your tastebuds, some top choices for restaurants in Calgary are Bolero Brazilian Steak House, Lulu Bar, Ten Foot Henry, Ceasars Steakhouse, Santorini Greek Taverna, Sho Sushi Bar and Kitchen, and Sky360 Calgary Tower!

Edmonton has many diverse choice including Sabor, Cafe Amore Bistro, Tres Carnales Taqueria, ATLAS Steak+Fish, MEAT, Thanh Thanh Oriental Noodle House, and La Ronde Revolving Restaurant!

FUN FACT: You may have thought  that ginger beef was originally created in China, but in order to entice Calgary to try Chinese food in the 1970's, Calgary's Chef George Wong  created a recipe that would bring a little bit of the Western cuisine to Chinese cuisine! Ginger Beef is now enjoyed all over the world!

Sports in Calgary vs Edmonton

Both cities have a rich background for all types of physical activity. One of the most widely known is the rival between the Calgary Flames and the Edmonton Oilers! The first game between the two teams was back in 1980 when Calgary went to Edmonton and lost 5-3. the start of what we now know as the Battle of Alberta. In the present day, it is an absolute delight to see both these teams  play, giving you a sense of identity and bragging rights for whoever wins. In the past, the opposing mayors from each city have made bets where the losing mayor would have to wear the winning team’s jersey.  

Calgary and Edmonton both have teams in the CFL Canadian Football League. The Calgary Stampeders are stationed in the McMahon Stadium in the Northwest quadrant of the City while Edmonton is home to the Elks which is home to the Commonwealth Stadium close to the core of the city.  

Edmonton has a new arena that truly outshines Calgary. Opened in 2016, the stadium has a capacity for Hockey at 18,500 and Concerts typically 20,734.  Due to this new arena, and the Saddledome having poor acoustics, Edmonton does drive more artists, comedians, and events, something Calgary is sorely due for. 

If you are looking to have some fun and play some non competitive sports, Calgary has the CSSC, the Calgary Sports and Social Club. Here you can find a team for various different sports during every season. Games are meant to not be taken seriously and to maximize the amount of fun you have by grouping up individuals who have the same level of skill! Edmonton has their own version called the ESSC, the Edmonton Sports and Social Club. If you're trying to make friends or are looking for a hobby, both these clubs will not let you down!

Education

Cost of Living In both Cities

The cost of living in Calgary is 11% more expensive than in living in the city Edmonton. The average cost of a single person living by themself is  $1881 for Calgary vs $1692 for Edmonton. Cities ranked 1847th and 2219th in the list of the most expensive cities in the world and ranked 28th and 102nd in Canada overall.

The Cost of a family in both cities jumped to a total of $4575 in Calgary vs a total of $3911 while living in Edmonton. Expect to be paying a bit more while living in Calgary.

Here's an approximate breakdown of prices as of December 2012 for various items in Calgary vs Edmonton. Overall inflation has impacted the cities similar and the cost of living is quite similar for many items. 

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. 

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.