🇨🇦 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
| Category | Calgary (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
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Calgary →📊
Full Denver guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Denver →