🇨🇦 Calgary vs 🇨🇦 Toronto

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇨🇦

Calgary

Canada

$2,215–$3,508/mo

C$3,076 – C$4,872 / month (local)

🇨🇦

Toronto

Canada

$2,615–$4,141/mo

C$3,632 – C$5,751 / month (local)

Toronto is 18% more expensive

Calgary wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryCalgary (USD)Toronto (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$1,662–$2,585$1,962–$3,051🟢 Calgary
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$877–$1,385$1,035–$1,635🟢 Calgary
Utilities$69–$134$82–$158🟢 Calgary
Groceries$351–$526$414–$621🟢 Calgary
Eating out (mid-range meal)$46–$83$54–$98🟢 Calgary
Public transport (monthly)$88–$106$104–$125🟢 Calgary
Internet & Mobile$28–$46$33–$54🟢 Calgary
Gym membership$32–$60$38–$71🟢 Calgary
Cinema ticket$13–$17$15–$20🟢 Calgary
Monthly total (single)$2,215–$3,508$2,615–$4,141🟢 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 · 4.0 / 10
Calgary▲ better
Toronto
Safety8.4 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
Calgary
Toronto▲ better
Healthcare8.4 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
Calgary
Toronto▲ better
Education8.0 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
Calgary
Toronto▲ better
Environment8.8 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Calgary
Toronto▲ better
Economy7.1 / 10 · 7.2 / 10
Calgary
Toronto▲ better
Culture7.7 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
Calgary
Toronto▲ better
Internet8.1 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Calgary
Toronto▲ better

Who should choose which city?

Choose Calgary if…

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

Choose Toronto if…

  • ✓You're happy to pay more for what Toronto offers vs Calgary
  • ✓Diversity
  • ✓Safety
  • ✓Healthcare
  • ✓Immigrants

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Full Calgary guide

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Full Toronto guide

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Explore Toronto →