
Alberta is growing instantly over the last couple of years. People moving to Alberta from other Canadian provinces. There are several reasons behind it that we will explain in the upcoming paragraphs.
Alberta is the cheapest and most affordable province to live in Canada. It is the fourth-largest province in Canada by area. The population of Alberta is 4,262,635 according to 2021 Census data.
Alberta has a strong economy and it boasts from the last few years. It has two large cities such as Calgary and Edmonton. There is only a 5% GST tax on goods and services and no sale tax in Alberta.
In this article, we compare Calgary vs Edmonton. We will differentiate these two cities based on the population, house prices, rent, cost of living, jobs, economy, weather, amenities, sports, public transport, and many more.
Calgary Vs Edmonton
Here, is the comparison between Calgary vs Edmonton.
Population
- Calgary population: 1,306,780 (1.306 Million)
- Edmonton population: 1,010,899 (1.1 Million)
Calgary Population
Calgary is the largest city in Alberta with 1.30 Million population. The population of Calgary rise by 5.5% in 5 years.
The first highest age group population is between 15 to 64 years and 893,525 population.
The second highest age group population is between 0 to 14 years and 235,855 population.
The third highest age group population is 65 years or over and 177,405 population.
Edmonton Population
Edmonton is the second largest city in Alberta with 1.1 Million population. Edmonton is the capital of Alberta. This city’s population is increased by 8.3% in the last 5 years.
The first higher age group population is between 15 to 64 years and 688,325 population.
The second highest age group is between 0 to 14 years and 184,115 population.
The third highest age group population is 65 years and over and 138,460 population.
Calgary vs Edmonton Housing Market

- Average house prices in Calgary: $450,400-$600,400
- Average house prices in Edmonton: $350,550-$400,700
Calgary Housing Market
The average house price in Calgary is $450,400-$600,400. From September 2022, house prices in Calgary are going to increase. Calgary has opportunities to explore. It is a little more expensive than Edmonton.
Edmonton Housing Market
The average house price in Edmonton is $350,550-$400,700. Edmonton has lower house prices than Calgary. Edmonton is a good place to live with your family. It is an affordable and reliable place to live in Canada.
Jobs Opportunities & Income

- The average income in Calgary: $58,500 per year
- The average income in Edmonton: $54,000 per year
Calgary Income
There are more job opportunities in Calgary. Here is the list of in-demand jobs in Calgary:
- Health Care Services
- Automatic and Trucking
- Social services: Early Childhood Educators, Personal Support Worker
- Accountant
- Human Resources
- Business Development
The average income in Calgary is $58,500 per year. Calgary is more affordable in the housing market as compared to the metro cities in Canada. A GST tax deduction is very in Alberta. So, these things make Alberta cheaper and more affordable to live in Canada.
Edmonton Income
The average income in Edmonton is $54,000 per year. The oil and gas industry is the main source of income for Alberta. Edmonton is considered for the “Blue Collar” jobs. Here is the list of in-demand jobs in Edmonton:
- On-demand Shuttle driver
- Truck driver
- Receptionist
- Maintenance Clerk
- Warehouse Associate
- General Helper
- Health services
Calgary vs Edmonton Hockey

- Best sport in Alberta: Hockey
- The best hockey team in Calgary: Calgary Flames
- The best hockey team in Edmonton: Edmonton Oilers
Mark Messier is the best hockey player on the Edmonton Oilers team. Edmonton hockey team becomes the first national hockey league team in Alberta. The Calgary Flames hockey team relocate from Atlanta.
Calgary vs Edmonton Cost of Living

- The average cost of living in Calgary: $3,550
- The average cost of living in Edmonton: $3,000
Calgary Cost of living
The average cost of living in Calgary is $3,550. The provincial taxes and personal income taxes are lower in Alberta as compared to the other provinces in Canada. Some big companies have their headquarters in Calgary such as Suncor Energy, Canadian Pacific Railway, Enbridge, Infosys, RBC Innovation hub, and many more.
Edmonton Cost of living
The average cost of living in Edmonton is $3,000. Edmonton city is the fourth cheapest place to live in the world. It has good infrastructure, a strong economy, and growing more opportunities for the people.
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Public Transport

- Best public transport in Calgary: C-train and bus services
- Best public transport in Edmonton: LRT service (Light rail transit)
Calgary
Public transport in Calgary is very effective and less expensive. It is easy to commute around the city with the help of C- trains and buses. The green line is the huge public transport infrastructure in Calgary’s history. The monthly pass cost in Calgary is $112.00.
Edmonton
Public transport is very fast and convenient in Edmonton. On-demand transit is also free in this city. The public transport services work 7 seven days a week until 3 am. The monthly pass is $73 for 24 years and under. Otherwise, the monthly pass is $100 for the 25 to 34 years age group.
Tourist Places
Actually, both cities of Alberta have a great quality of life. Calgary is a bit bigger than Edmonton.

Calgary
Here are the top Amenities in Calgary that you can explore it.
1. Calgary Tower
The Calgary tower is the main hub for tourists destination.
2. Heritage Park
Heritage Park is the largest western Canadian museum. This park has 180 historical exhibits and buildings. This place is a great tourist destination in Calgary.
3. Calgary Zoo
Calgary Zoo has a variety of animals, and birds and is filled with models of dinosaurs. This place is a must to explore in Calgary with your kids.
4. Prince’s Island Park
This is an urban park built on the site of a sawmill and has picnic areas in it. This park has a lot of trails and many major events.
5. Peace Bridge
This is a modern red bridge for pedestrians. It was designed by a Spanish architect.
6. Calgary stampede
Calgary Stampede is a place to celebrate festivals in the city. It is a space where huge events and shows are hosted such as horse riding.
Edmonton
Here, is the list of top places to explore in Edmonton.

1. West Edmonton Mall
West Edmonton Mall is the largest mall in North America. This mall has more than 800 shops. The facilities provided in this mall such as amusement park, water park, casino, and a number of restaurants and bars.
2. Alberta Legislature Building
This building is home to the Alberta legislative. It was built in 1913. You can explore this place in Alberta.
3. Fork Edmonton Park
This is the heritage park in Edmonton. You can explore this place.
4. Edmonton Valley Zoo
This zoo has a variety of animals and birds. You can also enjoy the rides in this zoo.
5. Royal Alberta Museum
6. Art Gallery of Alberta
This art gallery was founded in 1924. It exhibits the arts of Canada and around the world.
So, we compare Calgary vs Edmonton on different things. Calgary is a little more expensive than Edmonton.
Overall, both Calgary and Edmonton are good cities to live in Canada. These both cities are cheap and affordable as compared to the metro cities of Canada.