Not only are Calgary and Edmonton Alberta’s two largest cities, but they’re also two of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in Canada, welcoming new residents by the tens of thousands each year.

While the pair have a lot in common, Calgary and Edmonton are far from interchangeable. Both cities are distinct and diverse in their own right, each offering a unique yet high quality of life.

If you’re thinking about moving to Alberta but aren’t sure which city is right for you – keep reading! In this blog, we’re comparing Calgary vs. Edmonton on a wide range of factors including lifestyle, neighbourhoods, investment quality, and more.

Affordable Homes & Cost of Living

Calgary and Edmonton have attracted incoming relocators thanks to their affordability, each offering various housing types suited to a wide range of budgets. But is one city more affordable than the other? It depends on what you’re looking for.

Both cities have neighbourhoods and homes that are more budget-friendly than others. So, rather than simply comparing high-level market stats, it’s better to consider which city will suit your financial circumstances based on your unique needs and preferences.

Another important factor to consider when buying a home is equity. Having an affordable price tag is great, however, like any big investment you should also consider equity and appreciation. In this regard, Calgary’s rapid growth and long-term economic outlook can make for a strong investment in the long term.

Curious about how Calgary compares to other cities in Canada? Explore these related readings.

Weather, Climate, & Outdoor Activities

Thanks to their locations and geography, Calgary and Edmonton both offer residents the best of four-season living. However, there is a slight distinction when it comes to weather and climate.

Calgary is known for its dry, sunny climate and is one of Canada’s sunniest cities, with over 2,300 hours of sunshine annually. Winters can be cold but are often broken up by Chinooks – warm, dry winds that raise the temperature significantly for short periods.

Edmonton experiences colder winters than Calgary, with temperatures frequently dipping below -20°C. Summers, however, are warmer and can sometimes feel more extended, allowing Edmontonians to enjoy the city’s festivals and outdoor activities. Edmonton also gets slightly more precipitation than Calgary, particularly in the summer months.

Calgary Vs. Edmonton – Which is Colder?

Alberta winters can get cold regardless of which city you choose to live in. However, because Edmonton doesn’t benefit from Chinook winds, its winters are usually slightly colder on average.

Calgary Vs. Edmonton – Which is Closer to the Mountains?

Alberta is famous around the world for its incredible mountain scenery, so it’s no surprise that the Rockies are one of the biggest draws bringing people out west. That said, one of the biggest differences between Calgary and Edmonton is how close they are to the mountains.

Calgary is nestled right at the base of the Rockies with Canmore roughly 45 minutes away and Banff National Park about 60 minutes by car. Because they’re so close, day trips from Calgary are just as easy as overnight trips. You can head out for a hike or ski in the morning and be back by sunset.

Reaching the mountains from Edmonton takes a little bit longer. If you’re driving, Jasper is roughly 3.5 to 4 hours away – and that’s when traffic is good. As a result, most Edmotonians only visit the mountains for overnight trips.

Thinking about moving to Calgary? Have a look at these related blogs for helpful tips!

Options For Commuters

From an urban planning perspective, both Calgary and Edmonton are fairly spread out. As a result, most residents in both cities choose to own a vehicle. That said, there are walkable and transit-friendly pockets in each city. If you’re looking to live car-free out west, you’ll want to choose your new home carefully.

As a quickly growing modern metropolis, Calgary’s public transit network, Calgary Transit is quite expansive, with a high-level LRT network (C-Train), Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), and standard bus routes all across the city.

Edmonton has an expanding LRT system and an extensive bus network. However, due to the city’s layout, commuting by car is often faster, particularly in suburban areas. The city has been improving bike lanes and public transit options, though they are still less efficient than Calgary’s.

Thinking about moving to Calgary? As relocation specialists, we can help! Call 587.229.7108 to reach us or click to send us an email.

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