🇨🇦 Calgary vs 🇺🇸 Denver

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇨🇦

Calgary

Canada

$2,215–$3,508/mo

C$3,076 – C$4,872 / month (local)

🇺🇸

Denver

United States

$2,462–$3,897/mo

$2,462 – $3,897 / month (local)

Denver is 11% more expensive

Calgary wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryCalgary (USD)Denver (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$1,662–$2,585$1,846–$2,872🟢 Calgary
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$877–$1,385$974–$1,538🟢 Calgary
Utilities$69–$134$77–$149🟢 Calgary
Groceries$351–$526$390–$585🟢 Calgary
Eating out (mid-range meal)$46–$83$51–$92🟢 Calgary
Public transport (monthly)$88–$106$97–$118🟢 Calgary
Internet & Mobile$28–$46$31–$51🟢 Calgary
Gym membership$32–$60$36–$67🟢 Calgary
Cinema ticket$13–$17$14–$18🟢 Calgary
Monthly total (single)$2,215–$3,508$2,462–$3,897🟢 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

Housing4.8 / 10 · 4.4 / 10
Calgary▲ better
Denver
Safety8.4 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
Calgary
Denver▲ better
Healthcare8.4 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
Calgary
Denver▲ better
Education8.0 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
Calgary
Denver▲ better
Environment8.8 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Calgary
Denver▲ better
Economy7.1 / 10 · 7.2 / 10
Calgary
Denver▲ better
Culture7.7 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
Calgary
Denver▲ better
Internet8.1 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Calgary
Denver▲ better

Who should choose which city?

Choose Calgary if…

  • You want lower typical monthly costs than Denver
  • Oil & gas salaries
  • Rockies proximity
  • Clean
  • Energy

Choose Denver if…

  • You're happy to pay more for what Denver offers vs Calgary
  • Mountains
  • Sun
  • Young workforce
  • Outdoor industry

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Full Calgary guide

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Explore Calgary

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Full Denver guide

See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores

Explore Denver