🇺🇸 Boston vs 🇨🇦 Calgary
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇺🇸
Boston
United States
$2,923–$4,628/mo
$2,923 – $4,628 / month (local)
🇨🇦
Calgary
Canada
$2,215–$3,508/mo
C$3,076 – C$4,872 / month (local)
Boston is 32% more expensive
Calgary wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Boston (USD) | Calgary (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $2,192–$3,410 | $1,662–$2,585 | 🟢 Calgary |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $1,157–$1,827 | $877–$1,385 | 🟢 Calgary |
| Utilities | $91–$177 | $69–$134 | 🟢 Calgary |
| Groceries | $463–$694 | $351–$526 | 🟢 Calgary |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $61–$110 | $46–$83 | 🟢 Calgary |
| Public transport (monthly) | $116–$140 | $88–$106 | 🟢 Calgary |
| Internet & Mobile | $37–$61 | $28–$46 | 🟢 Calgary |
| Gym membership | $43–$79 | $32–$60 | 🟢 Calgary |
| Cinema ticket | $17–$22 | $13–$17 | 🟢 Calgary |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,923–$4,628 | $2,215–$3,508 | 🟢 Calgary |
See how your salary compares in both cities
Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).
Quality of life comparison
Housing3.9 / 10 · 4.8 / 10
Boston
Calgary▲ better
Safety9.0 / 10 · 8.4 / 10
Boston▲ better
Calgary
Healthcare9.0 / 10 · 8.4 / 10
Boston▲ better
Calgary
Education8.6 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Boston▲ better
Calgary
Environment9.4 / 10 · 8.8 / 10
Boston▲ better
Calgary
Economy7.7 / 10 · 7.1 / 10
Boston▲ better
Calgary
Culture8.3 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Boston▲ better
Calgary
Internet8.7 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
Boston▲ better
Calgary
Who should choose which city?
Choose Boston if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Boston offers vs Calgary
- ✓Universities
- ✓Healthcare
- ✓History
- ✓Students
Choose Calgary if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Boston
- ✓Oil & gas salaries
- ✓Rockies proximity
- ✓Clean
- ✓Energy
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📊
Full Boston guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Boston →📊
Full Calgary guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Calgary →