Calgary, Alberta is one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities – attracting relocators from across the country and beyond. Over the past few years in particular, the city has welcomed thousands of new residents by way of Vancouver, BC. 

As two major cities in Western Canada, Calgary and Vancouver have a lot in common, making it relatively easy for Vancouverites to get settled in their new city. However, there are a few big differences between these two places – both from a lifestyle and real estate perspective. 

If you’re considering a move to Calgary from Vancouver, here are 3 major considerations to keep in mind as you search for a new home. 

Thinking about moving to Calgary? Don’t make these mistakes. 

1. The Cost of Living 

One of the most well-known differences between Vancouver and Calgary is the cost of living. 

Vancouver consistently ranks among the most expensive cities in Canada, if not North America. Over the past few decades, demand for housing in Vancouver has driven prices to astronomical levels, with modest homes often costing well above the national average. Additionally, other living expenses, such as groceries and transportation, tend to be higher in Vancouver compared to many other Canadian cities.

On the other hand, Calgary tends to have a more reasonable cost of living, particularly when it comes to real estate. In fact, the city’s comparative affordability is one of the primary reasons for its fast growth. That said, as Calgary attracts more and more relocators, the demand for housing is trending upwards. Relocators who hesitate to buy a home in Calgary could face higher costs and more competitive conditions down the line. 

Thinking about making a move to Calgary? Explore these blog posts for important information about the local market.

2. Weather & Geography

Another noteworthy distinction is the weather in both cities. Calgary holds the title of Canada’s sunniest city, a stark contrast to Vancouver’s extended rainy seasons. In Vancouver, rain can be a constant companion for about seven months of the year, sometimes persisting for weeks without a break. In fact, Vancouver often surpasses London, England, in annual rainfall. This makes it a challenging location for those with seasonal depression. Additionally, recent summers in Vancouver have been increasingly hot and humid, yet it’s hard to find homes equipped with air conditioning, which might be uncomfortable for many.

Mountain Landscapes

The mountain experiences in Calgary and Vancouver are distinctly different. Calgary’s proximity to Banff offers iconic, rugged, and peaky mountains, contrasting sharply with Vancouver’s more rounded, lush mountainscapes. Banff has many accessible options for day trips, making the trails less crowded in comparison. On the other hand, Vancouver, with its high population has fewer easily accessible trails that offer views so the popular ones can get quite crowded.

In Vancouver’s lush environment, only a handful of trails offer panoramic views and these tend to be the most frequented. Conversely, in Banff, you’re spoiled for choice with scenic trails; almost every hike provides breathtaking views as you often reach or come close to the tree line.

Paradise For Skiers & Snowboarders

Skiing Experience: The skiing experience in Vancouver, particularly at Whistler, is a significant investment compared to Banff. Whistler, comparable to Banff’s ski hills in terms of terrain and experience, comes with a hefty price tag. Many skiers feel compelled to purchase seasonal or special year-long passes, which can be quite expensive.

In contrast, skiing in Banff offers more affordability and flexibility. Deals from retailers like Costco often make occasional ski trips to Banff’s hills more budget-friendly, without the need to commit to costly season passes. In terms of local options, Vancouver has hills like Cypress right in the city but they don’t match the expansive, mountain-top skiing experiences that Banff is renowned for.

Looking to find a Calgary home that’s suited to your current lifestyle? Read these blog posts next. 

3. Commuting & Getting Around

Another fairly big difference between Vancouver and Calgary is the need to own a vehicle. In Vancouver, it’s not uncommon for residents to live a completely car-free lifestyle thanks to strong public transportation, dense neighbourhoods, and bike-friendly infrastructure. However, Calgary doesn’t offer this option to the same extent and most Calgarians drive out of necessity.

While it is technically possible to live car-free, you’ll be fairly limited in where, how, and when you travel. Calgary’s public transit is adequate, however, services are far less encompassing and frequent compared to Vancouver’s TransLink. 

While Vancouver’s relatively mild climate allows for getting around by bike year-round, Calgary’s winters and spread-out landscape make it more challenging for cyclists. While there is some cyclist-friendly infrastructure around the city, if you’re relocating to Calgary and intend to rely on biking as your primary way of getting around, you may need to adjust your expectations. 

Finding Your Perfect Calgary Home

If you’re thinking about moving to Calgary, you’ll want to work with an experienced real estate team that specializes in supporting relocators.  

As one of Calgary’s top real estate teams, we have a proven process for helping new Calgarians make a smooth transition to their new home. 

Whatever your ideal home, neighbourhood, and lifestyle look like, we’re your personal real estate resource here to answer all your questions. Whether you’re relocating from Vancouver or beyond, we’ll welcome you to Calgary and help you get familiar with the area, and establish yourself in the city.

If you’re looking for an expert to guide you through the process of relocating and finding a great home in Calgary, look no further than our dedicated team of Realtors. Call 403.999.5882 to get in touch – or click to send us an email. 

Get Our Newsletter

And get all you need to keep up with Calgary real estate.

Sign Up