Cost of Living in Alberta
Are you considering a move to Alberta, Canada, or perhaps just curious about the cost of living in this beautiful province? Alberta offers a vibrant lifestyle, stunning landscapes, and a robust job market, but understanding the living costs is essential for making informed decisions. In this blog post, we’ll break down the cost of living in Alberta, covering expenses from dining out to housing. Plus, we’ve prepared a handy table summarizing the living costs to help you plan your budget effectively.
Dining Out: Exploring Alberta’s Culinary Scene
One of the most enjoyable aspects of life in Alberta is its diverse culinary scene. Whether you’re dining at a fine restaurant or grabbing a quick bite, here are some typical restaurant costs:
| Expense | Average Cost (C$) | Range (C$) |
|---|---|---|
| Inexpensive Restaurant Meal | 23.15 | 17.00-50.00 |
| Mid-range Restaurant (2 people) | 100.00 | 75.00-200.00 |
| McDonald’s Combo Meal | 13.00 | 12.00-15.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | 7.50 | 5.00-11.50 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | 8.25 | 7.00-13.00 |
| Cappuccino | 5.31 | 3.00-8.00 |
| Soft Drink (0.33L) | 2.75 | 2.00-4.50 |
| Bottled Water (0.33L) | 2.39 | 1.75-3.60 |
food cost of living in Alberta
When it comes to everyday grocery shopping, Alberta offers a wide range of options. Here are the average prices for common grocery items:
| Grocery Item | Average Cost (C$) | Range (C$) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (1 liter) | 2.68 | 1.45-5.00 |
| Fresh White Bread (500g) | 3.34 | 1.99-6.00 |
| Rice (1kg) | 4.38 | 2.00-8.50 |
| Eggs (12) | 4.43 | 3.15-6.00 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | 15.70 | 8.82-30.00 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | 15.61 | 9.00-24.80 |
| Beef Round (1kg) | 19.76 | 10.00-35.99 |
| Apples (1kg) | 5.49 | 2.00-11.00 |
| Bananas (1kg) | 1.98 | 1.25-4.44 |
| Oranges (1kg) | 5.03 | 2.00-10.00 |
| Tomatoes (1kg) | 4.93 | 2.00-9.92 |
| Potatoes (1kg) | 3.46 | 1.35-6.99 |
| Onions (1kg) | 3.40 | 1.71-6.61 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | 3.50 | 2.00-6.00 |
| Bottled Water (1.5L) | 2.24 | 1.00-4.00 |
| Mid-Range Wine (bottle) | 17.00 | 12.00-25.60 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | 3.43 | 1.75-5.00 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | 4.04 | 2.50-7.00 |
| Cigarettes (20 Pack) | 18.00 | 15.00-23.00 |
Transportation Cost of living in Alberta
Getting around Alberta is relatively easy thanks to its well-developed transportation infrastructure. Here’s what you can expect to pay for transportation:
| Expense | Average Cost (C$) | Range (C$) |
|---|---|---|
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | 3.60 | 3.60-4.00 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | 112.00 | 112.00-120.00 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | 4.50 | 3.80-5.95 |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | 1.92 | 1.67-3.50 |
| Taxi 1-hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | 43.00 | 38.00-55.00 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | 1.39 | 1.20-1.56 |
| New Volkswagen Golf (Equivalent Car) | 28,629.00 | 25,000.00-36,100.00 |
| New Toyota Corolla Sedan (Equivalent Car) | 29,087.53 | 24,000.00-34,000.00 |
Utility Cost of living in Alberta
Utility bills are a part of life, and in Alberta, they vary based on the size of your living space. Here’s an estimate of what you might pay for basic utilities:
| Expense | Average Cost (C$) | Range (C$) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Utilities (85m2 Apartment) | 317.29 | 200.00-500.00 |
| Mobile Phone Monthly Plan (10GB+ Data) | 59.50 | 55.00-90.00 |
| Internet (60 Mbps, Unlimited Data) | 96.19 | 69.00-131.00 |
Additional Expenses: Sports, Childcare, Clothing, and Rent
Here are some other costs to consider when planning your budget:
Sports and Leisure:
- Monthly Fitness Club Fee for 1 Adult: 76.20 C$
- Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour on Weekend): 37.38 C$
- Cinema Ticket (International Release, 1 Seat): 17.50 C$
Childcare:
- Full-Day Private Preschool or Kindergarten (Monthly, 1 Child): 1,161.59 C$
- Yearly Cost of International Primary School (1 Child): 27,314.29 C$
Clothing and Shoes:
- Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar): 83.97 C$
- Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, …): 72.77 C$
- Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range): 117.11 C$
- Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes: 174.15 C$
Rent Cost of living in Alberta (Monthly):
- 1-Bedroom Apartment in City Centre: 1,752.67 C$
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Outside of Centre: 1,494.76 C$
- 3-Bedroom Apartment in City Centre: 2,942.71 C$
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Outside of Centre: 2,369.03 C$
Property Cost in Alberta:
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre: 6,136.79 C$
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre: 4,546.18 C$
Salaries in Alberta
- Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax): 4,448.96 C$
- Mortgage Interest Rate (Yearly, 20 Years Fixed-Rate): 6.66% (4.00-8.75%)
Tips for Saving Money on Living Expenses in Alberta
- Rent a room instead of an apartment. This can save you a significant amount of money, especially if you are living in a major city.
- Shop around for utilities. There are many different companies that offer utilities in Alberta, so it is worth shopping around to find the best deal.
- Take advantage of public transportation. This can save you money on fuel and parking costs.
- Cook at home instead of eating out. This is a great way to save money on food costs.
- Take advantage of free or low-cost activities. There are many free or low-cost activities available in Alberta, such as hiking, biking, and visiting museums.
Here are some additional tips that may be helpful depending on your specific situation:
- If you are a student in Alberta, you may be eligible for financial assistance from the government or your school.
- If you are a low-income earner, you may be eligible for government assistance programs, such as rent assistance or food stamps.
- There are many organizations in Alberta that offer free or low-cost services, such as food banks, clothing banks, and financial counseling.
Overall, the cost of living in Alberta is relatively low compared to other provinces in Canada. However, there are still ways to save money on living expenses if you are willing to make some sacrifices.
FAQ
- How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Alberta?
The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Calgary or Edmonton is about $1,200 per month. The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is about $1,500 per month.
- How much does it cost to buy a home in Alberta?
The average home price in Alberta is about $450,000. However, the cost of homes can vary depending on the city or town you live in.
- How much does it cost to live in Alberta without a car?
It is possible to live in Alberta without a car, but it will be more difficult and expensive. You will need to rely on public transportation, which can be limited in some areas. You will also need to factor in the cost of taxis and Uber rides.
- How much does it cost to eat out in Alberta?
The cost of eating out in Alberta can vary depending on the restaurant. However, you can expect to pay about $15 for a meal at a mid-range restaurant.
- How much does it cost to have fun in Alberta?
There are many free or low-cost activities available in Alberta, such as hiking, biking, and visiting museums. However, there are also many expensive activities, such as skiing, snowboarding, and going to the movies.
