Long-Distance Moving to Calgary for Newcomers: Your Complete Guide
Planning to move to Calgary? Use our complete relocation checklist with packing tips, moving timelines, and settling-in advice for a smooth transition.
August 28, 2025
Planning a move to Calgary from another province? This guide breaks down what to expect: from cost of living and neighbourhoods to weather, transit, and how to choose the right long-distance mover. Table of contents
- Why people move to Calgary
- Cost of living in Calgary
- Nest neighbourhoods for different lifestyles
- Getting around Calgary: transit and driving
- Outdoor living in Calgary
- Fun facts about Calgary
- What to watch out for when moving to Calgary
- How MTS makes moving to Calgary seamless
At a glance
- Affordable Living: Housing costs are 40–60% lower than Toronto or Vancouver, with more options for renters and first-time buyers.
- Career Growth: Calgary is booming in tech, energy, healthcare, and construction, offering strong salaries and opportunities across industries.
- Lifestyle Balance: With the Rockies 90 minutes away, 1,000+ km of pathways, and family-friendly neighbourhoods, Calgary blends city convenience with outdoor living.
Why Move to Calgary?
For many Canadians, the answer is simple: affordability, opportunity, and lifestyle.
With housing prices 40–60% lower than Toronto or Vancouver, no provincial sales tax, and the sunniest city in the country, Calgary has become a magnet for families and professionals looking for a fresh start.
In 2024, more than 20,000 Canadians moved to Calgary from other provinces, making it one of the top destinations for interprovincial relocation.
No surprise why: high-paying jobs in energy, tech, and healthcare, plus the unbeatable proximity to the Rocky Mountains.
But even with all these upsides, relocating isn’t without challenges. Newcomers need to prepare for frigid winters, fast-growing suburban developments, and the risk of getting stuck with a mover who overpromises and underdelivers.
This guide walks you through every stage: from budgeting and neighbourhood scouting to understanding Calgary’s unique cost of living, and shows you how MTS Moving makes long-distance relocations to Alberta easier, more transparent, and built around peace of mind.
Why People Move to Calgary
If you’re thinking about relocating from another province, Calgary offers a mix that’s hard to beat: more space for your money, growing career opportunities, and a lifestyle that doesn’t make you choose between city and nature.
Let’s break down why it’s one of the top destinations for interprovincial relocation in 2025.
Affordable Housing
Compared to Toronto or Vancouver, Calgary’s housing costs aren’t just lower, they’re often what makes the move possible. For renters, it’s the difference between barely getting by and actually saving. For buyers, it could mean owning a detached home without pushing your budget to the edge. You’ll still find competitive neighbourhoods and rising demand, but fewer bidding wars and more room to make thoughtful decisions.
Expanding Job Opportunities
Calgary’s economy has evolved far beyond oil and gas. In recent years, the city has become a major player in clean energy, healthcare, construction, and especially tech, where it’s led North America in job growth for two years straight. More than 24,000 tech roles have been added since 2021, and over 1,000 companies now call Calgary home.
Whether you’re advancing in your field, entering the trades, or working remotely, Calgary’s career potential is hard to ignore.
Lifestyle and Community
The Calgary lifestyle fits seamlessly into your daily life.
If you’re moving with kids, you’ll find family-friendly neighbourhoods with good schools, safe streets, and plenty of parks and playgrounds that aren’t just for weekends; they’re part of everyday life. If you’re starting fresh on your own, it’s easy to get outside, meet new people, and settle into a community that feels welcoming instead of overwhelming.
Overall, the city’s pace is manageable, the spaces are designed for real life, and people tend to stick around, making it easier to build something real here.
Cost of Living in Calgary
You’ve probably heard that Calgary is cheaper than Toronto, Vancouver—but what does that actually look like in monthly terms? Here's how everyday costs stack up, and what surprises most newcomers once they arrive.
Rent and Housing Costs
If you’re renting, Calgary is $750–$900/month cheaper than Toronto or Vancouver for a one-bedroom downtown apartment. In 2025, that averages around $1,600/month in Calgary, compared to $2,353 in Toronto and $2,522 in Vancouver.
Buying also offers real relief: average detached homes are priced around $665,000 in Calgary, less than half the price in other major cities. Mortgage payments are often $2,000–$3,000/month lower than in Toronto or Vancouver.
Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Category | Calgary | Toronto | Vancouver | Montreal |
Avg. Monthly Cost (single, rent excl.)
| $1,583
| $1,678 | $1,782 | $1,472 |
Avg. Monthly Rent (1-bedroom downtown)
| $1,600 | $2,353 | $2,522 | $1,729
|
Apartment Price (city centre, per square foot)
| $421
| $706 | $1,113 | $672
|
Detached Home Price (Average)
| $665,000 | $1,100,000 -$1,300,000 | $1,300,000 | $550,000- $650,000
|
Mortgage Payment (Average)
| $3,610 | $6,488 | $7,091 | $2,959
|
Down Payment (Average Home)
| $40,198 | $234,357 | $256,131 | $28,434
|
Average Annual Salary (2022)
| $65,700 | $62,100 | $60,200
| $54,500
|
Income Tax Rate (first bracket) | 8% | 5.05% (ON) | 5.06% (BC) | 14% (QC) |
Income Tax (high bracket)
| 10% (151K+) | 11.16% (151K+) | 14.70% (186K+) | 25.75% (130K+)
|
Restaurant Prices (index) | 9.6% lower | - | 7.5% higher
| 3.9% higher |
Grocery Prices (index) | 2.6% higher | - | 5.3% lower | 0.5% lower |
Utilities, Groceries, and Transit
Expect to spend $150–$350/month on utilities, depending on the size and efficiency of your home. Grocery costs are on par with most Canadian cities; roughly $500/month per person. but have been rising slightly due to inflation.
Public transit is affordable: Calgary Transit’s adult monthly pass costs $115, and gas prices typically range from $1.40–$1.60/L. If you drive, factor in car insurance around $100–$200/month, though new arrivals may see higher premiums initially.
What Might Surprise You
Many newcomers are caught off guard by Calgary’s property taxes. While still moderate by national standards (~$3,400/year for a typical single-family home), Alberta doesn’t cap increases the way some provinces do.
Another surprise? You’ll probably need a car. Calgary’s spread-out layout and suburban development mean transit doesn’t always reach where you need to go, especially in newer neighbourhoods. Budgeting for a vehicle, insurance, and winter-ready maintenance is a smart move.
Best Neighbourhoods for Different Lifestyles
Calgary’s neighbourhoods each have their own rhythm, and where you land will shape your experience of the city. Here are a few standouts, depending on what stage of life you’re in.
Young Professionals
If you want to be close to the action, Beltline and East Village deliver. Beltline is packed with condos, restaurants, gyms, and nightlife; all within walking distance of downtown. East Village has a more modern, creative energy, with riverside paths, concerts, and cultural hubs like the Central Library. Both are perfect if you’re after convenience and a car-free lifestyle.
Families
For families, space and schools matter. Tuscany offers mountain views, top-rated schools, and a strong community feel, while Signal Hill balances parks, shopping, and established homes in a safe, connected area. Evergreen, bordering Fish Creek Park, is newer, with plenty of playgrounds and green space for kids to explore.
Affordable & Student Options
If affordability is your top priority, Forest Lawn and Acadia are worth a look. Forest Lawn offers some of Calgary’s most competitive rents and a diverse cultural scene, while Acadia mixes budget-friendly housing with schools, recreation centres, and easy transit access. Both give newcomers a chance to plant roots without stretching their budget.
Getting Around Calgary: Transit and Driving
Calgary is a city you can navigate on your own terms. Whether you rely on public transit, drive, or prefer biking and walking, the infrastructure here makes daily life surprisingly manageable.
Calgary Transit
Calgary’s bus and CTrain system covers the city core and major suburbs, with two light rail lines carrying more than 100 million rides a year. Costs are straightforward :
- Adult single fare: $3.80 (90 minutes, includes transfers)
- Adult monthly pass: $118 (unlimited rides)
- Youth monthly pass: $86
- Seniors annual pass: $159
- Day pass: $11.95; weekend group pass $17 (up to 5 riders)
- Children 12 and under: Free
For newcomers, the monthly pass is usually the easiest way to get started, and Calgary’s low-income transit program makes it one of the most affordable systems in Canada for eligible households.
Car Culture
Calgary is still very much a driving city. The average commute is about 25 minutes; far shorter than Toronto or Vancouver, and major highways like Deerfoot Trail and Stoney Trail make cross-city trips faster than you’d expect. Parking is plentiful downtown, with free evening and Sunday options. If you’re planning to live in newer suburbs, owning a car will likely make your life much easier.
Biking & Walking
For those who prefer to stay active, Calgary has one of the most extensive pathway networks in North America: over 1,000 km of urban pathways plus nearly 100 km of dedicated bike trails.
The Bow and Elbow River pathways are especially popular, and newer protected bike lanes make cycling in central neighbourhoods safer. Walkers will find year-round options too, from Fish Creek Park to smaller urban trails that connect communities across the city.
Outdoor Living in Calgary
One of the biggest draws of Calgary is how easy it is to live an active, outdoor lifestyle—without giving up city convenience.
- Proximity to the Rockies: Banff is just 90 minutes away, making Calgary the most accessible mountain gateway in Canada. From quick day trips to Canmore or Lake Louise to weekend ski runs at Sunshine or Nakiska, you’ll have world-class adventure on your doorstep year-round.
- Pathways and Green Spaces: Within the city, you’ll find over 1,000 km of trails and more than 8,500 hectares of parks . Whether it’s a run along the Bow River, a family picnic at Fish Creek Park, or biking Nose Hill’s ridge, Calgary makes it easy to stay active close to home.
- Seasonal Activities: Outdoor living here isn’t limited to summer. The Calgary Stampede takes over the city every July, while winter brings skiing, snowshoeing, and festivals like Chinook Blast. From music and food events to river floats and cycling races, every season has something to get you outside and connected.
Fun Facts About Calgary
Thinking about a move is serious business, but Calgary has a playful side too. Here are a few facts that capture what makes the city unique:
🎡 Home of the Calgary Stampede
Every July, more than 1.4 million people flock to “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.” It’s 10 days of rodeo, concerts, parades, and parties that transform the entire city.
🤠 From “Cowtown” to Tech Hub
Calgary embraces its ranching roots, but don’t let the nickname fool you. The city now ranks among North America’s top 30 tech ecosystems , with one of the fastest-growing startup scenes in the world.
☀️ Canada’s Sunniest Major City
With 2,300+ hours of sunshine a year, an average of 333 sunny days. Calgary beats every other Canadian city for bright skies. It’s part of why outdoor living is such a big deal here.
What to Watch Out for When Moving to Calgary
Moving to Calgary comes with its own set of challenges. Here are three to keep in mind as you plan:
- Harsh Winters: Cold snaps below –20°C, short daylight hours, and icy roads can all complicate a winter move. It’s doable, but you’ll want proper tires, clear driveways, and a moving crew experienced with Alberta winters.
- Suburban Access: Many Calgary suburbs are built with cul-de-sacs and narrow streets. That can make it tough for large moving trucks to get close to your home. Check in advance if parking permits or staging areas are needed.
- Peak Season & Stampede: Most moves happen in summer, but July is especially hectic during Stampede. Movers book up quickly, traffic slows down, and short-term rentals are harder to find. If possible, schedule your move outside that week for less stress.
Your Calgary Relocation Partner: Experienced, Reliable, Proven
Long-distance moves can feel overwhelming, especially when winter weather or tight suburban streets add another layer of stress. With MTS, you don’t have to worry. Our crews specialize in Alberta relocations and have guided thousands of families through the move to Calgary.
Take Vikramjit’s story. He and his family made the leap from Brampton to Calgary, worried about how fragile items and a house full of boxes would survive the trip. From the first call to the final drop-off, he describes the team as “professional yet very friendly,” making sure every item was properly tagged, wrapped, and delivered safely. By the time they unpacked in Calgary, he called the entire experience “quicker, safer, and stress-free.”
Or Farida, who moved from Vancouver to Calgary with MTS.
Her crew arrived on time, wrapped and tagged everything, and had it loaded in under an hour. On the Calgary end, they didn’t just drop boxes at the door. They placed items in the right rooms and even reassembled her bed. For Farida, that extra care was the difference between chaos and calm.
A video-verified, guaranteed quote backs every move with MTS, so you’ll never face last-minute add-ons or surprise charges. With $1.50/lb coverage included and trusted full-time crews, not gig workers. You can relax knowing your belongings are in safe hands, just like Vikramjit and Farida did.
A Smooth Calgary Move Starts with the Right Partner
Calgary offers affordability, opportunity, and lifestyle you won’t find in bigger, more expensive cities. But the move itself can be a turning point; get it wrong, and the stress can overshadow the excitement. That’s why choosing the right partner matters.
At MTS Moving, we believe a seamless relocation is the foundation for starting strong. With transparent quotes, professional crews, and proven experience moving thousands of families across Canada, we make sure your Calgary move begins on the right note.
Ready to get started? Get your guaranteed Calgary moving quote today and experience the peace of mind that comes with having a trusted team by your side.
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FAQ About Long-Distance Moving to Calgary
How much does it cost to move to Calgary from Ontario?
The average long-distance move from Ontario to Calgary can range from $4,500–$8,000, depending on the size of your home, distance, and services included. At MTS, we use video-verified quotes so you know the exact cost up front, no surprise add-ons.
Is Calgary cheaper to live in than Toronto or Vancouver?
Yes, significantly. Housing is about half the price, and rent for a downtown one-bedroom averages $1,600 compared to over $2,500 in Vancouver. Everyday costs like groceries and utilities are similar, but lower income taxes and higher average salaries make Calgary’s overall cost of living lighter.
What’s the best neighborhood in Calgary for families?
Popular choices include Tuscany, Signal Hill, and Evergreen: all known for good schools, parks, and community amenities. Each offers safe streets and easy access to recreation, making them ideal for families settling into Calgary.
How do I move to Alberta from another province?
The process is straightforward but requires planning. Book a licensed long-distance mover early, update your driver’s license and health coverage once you arrive, and budget for vehicle registration (a common surprise for newcomers). Choosing an experienced mover like MTS Moving ensures your belongings are handled securely along the way.
What’s winter moving like in Calgary?
Challenging but manageable. With temperatures often dropping below –20°C, snow and ice can slow things down. The key is preparation: winter tires, clear driveways, flexible timing. and working with a mover who knows how to navigate Alberta winters.