Calgary is ranked fifth most livable city in the world.
Whether you’re thinking about moving to Alberta or you’ve already decided to, Calgary might be the right city for you.
We have jobs. Lots of them.
We rank third overall in the world when it comes to finding a job. And if you’re an entrepreneur at heart or thinking about starting your own business, you’ll be in good company. Calgary had the second-highest concentration of self-employed people of major cities in Canada. Our workforce is young, diverse, and educated. We have the highest proportion of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) graduates, and the highest number of engineers and geoscientists of major Canadian cities. We’re also a top tech talent market in Canada.
Real estate is affordable
Calgary is more affordable and has a higher vacancy rate than most major Canadian cities. Compared to Vancouver and Toronto, the city’s apartment and condo rentals are less expensive, providing people with more options to shop around. And options for families exist all over the city, with a variety of single-family homes, duplexes, and townhouses for sale and rent in the suburbs, which are available in a range of affordable prices. If you’d like to find out more about our 198 communities, you can browse by type.
Our cost of living is lower
Calgary has the second-lowest cost of living of 39 North American cities (Mercer Cost of Living, 2018). Commute times are faster than other large Canadian cities. Plus Alberta is the only province without a sales tax. Provincial tax, personal income taxes, and inheritance taxes in Alberta are among the lowest in the country, and Albertans’ provincial health-care insurance is free. Find out more about how Calgary compares to other major Canadian cities.
There’s always something cool going on
With over 270 annual events, you’ll find tons of interesting, fun, and family-friendly things to do year round. And that doesn’t include all of our regular attractions like amusement parks, museums and galleries, a world-class zoo, and the Calgary Central Library–-which just made TIME magazine's World's 100 Greatest Places of 2019.
We’re also an hour away from the Rocky Mountains and Banff National Park, and there are more than four downhill resorts within a two-hour drive. There are also several spots for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in and around Calgary. Find more things to do.
We have tons of resources for newcomers
More than 28 percent of our population are newcomers to Canada, and we have many resources and support services to help you settle into your new home. Find information on immigration, health care, getting around the city, education, weather, and more.