Calgary, Alberta, one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities is a welcoming and exciting place to live. Along with an endless list of unique charms, things to do, and some of the most amazing scenery found anywhere in the world, one of the main reasons relocators have continued flocking here is affordable real estate.
While other major cities like Toronto and Vancouver pose significant challenges for would-be buyers as a result of sky-high housing costs, Calgary has long been a reliable alternative for anyone looking to begin their homeownership journey without sacrificing quality of life.
With that in mind, as Calgary’s population continues to grow, local real estate has begun to shift. As more buyers enter the market, housing costs are trending upwards. This momentum has led some Calgarians (and future residents) to wonder if the city still has affordable homes to offer.
How Affordable is Calgary?
One of the challenges of defining just how budget-friendly Calgary can be is that every home buyer is working with a different degree of financial resources. With that in mind, what qualifies as affordable housing can vary from buyer to buyer. However, where Calgary can be consistently and concretely considered affordable is in comparison to other big cities in Canada.
Although increasing demand for residential real estate has pushed prices upward, the average price of a home in Calgary remains far more reasonable than most other major Canadian markets. In particular, homes in Calgary are much more attainable than those in some B.C. and Ontario cities.
Want to know more about the benefits of buying a home in Calgary? Read these blogs next.
- Buying New vs. Buying a Resale Home – Which is Better For You?
- Moving to Calgary – Should You Buy or Rent?
- The Ultimate Guide to Finding Your Forever Home in Calgary
What Are Homes in Calgary Like?
Another advantage of Calgary’s housing stock is diversity. Not only are there options suited to a wide range of budgets, but buyers can also find the ideal property based on their lifestyle. From modern condos in the downtown core to sleek-yet-spacious townhomes, charming family homes and everything in between, Calgary’s market provides a fairly vast mix of housing types in a wide variety of neighbourhoods.
On that note, Calgary’s fast growth has contributed to a boost in the building and development of new construction homes. Found in recently built, up-and-coming communities, these houses come with a unique range of benefits that many buyers may be drawn to.
Calgary’s Overall Affordability
Beyond just real estate affordability, Calgary’s overall cost of living remains relatively moderate compared to other major Canadian cities. Essential expenses such as groceries, transportation costs – either vehicle ownership or public transportation, and of course, recreation and entertainment are often more manageable. With lower day-to-day costs, Calgarians get to enjoy a higher standard of living without sacrificing financial stability.
Not to mention, Calgary’s tax-friendly environment can also be helpful for residents. Unlike some other provinces, Alberta has no provincial sales tax and lower income taxes overall.
On that note, purchasing a home in Calgary does not come with land transfer taxes (LTT). In other cities like Toronto, buyers are subject to LTTs locally and provincially. This can end up being a fairly substantial add-on cost when buying a home – usually tens of thousands of dollars. However, Calgary buyers don’t need to worry about LTTs. This is another area in which Calgary homes remain more affordable for many people.
Calgary is welcoming relocators by the tens of thousands every year. Explore these blogs to learn more about Calgary’s growth and how it’s impacting real estate.
- Why Are So Many People Moving to Calgary From the GTA?
- Should You Invest in Calgary Real Estate?
- Relocating to Calgary? Don’t Make These Mistakes!
Want to Buy a Home in Calgary?
As one of Canada’s most exciting and liveable cities, Calgary makes an amazing place to call home, and, thanks to the city’s comparatively affordable real estate, future homeowners can turn their dreams into reality sooner than they would in Toronto or Vancouver.
If you’re thinking about moving to Calgary, you’ll want to work with an experienced real estate team that specializes in supporting newcomers – like Dolce Real Estate. Whether you’re relocating from elsewhere in Canada or beyond, our time-tested system for supporting new Calgarians can help you make a smooth transition to your new home.
If you’re looking for an expert to guide you through the process of relocating to Calgary, look no further than our dedicated team of Realtors. Call 403 999 5882 to get in touch – or click here to send us an email.

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