Is Calgary Still Affordable in 2026? A Real Cost Breakdown for Families

With rising home prices and record population growth, many Canadians are asking the same question in 2026: Is Calgary still affordable, or has it become just as expensive as other major cities?

The short answer is affordability is relative. Calgary is more expensive than it was a few years ago but when you compare Calgary to markets like Vancouver, Toronto, or many other big cities across Canada, the numbers still tell a very different story.

 

This article breaks down Calgary’s affordability using real housing data, monthly costs, employment trends, and family-focused lifestyle factors.

Who This Article Is For

This breakdown is especially useful if you are:

• Considering moving to Calgary from BC or Ontario
• A family comparing cost of living across cities
• A buyer priced out of larger markets
• Planning a long-term move or real estate investment

 

Housing Prices in Calgary vs Other Major Cities

Calgary home prices have increased since 2020, but they remain significantly lower than many comparable Canadian cities.

Using Surrey, BC as a comparison (similar average household income):

Detached Homes

• Surrey, BC benchmark price: ~$1.4 million
• Calgary benchmark price: ~$733,500

That price gap alone is a major reason people continue to move to Calgary.

 

Monthly Mortgage Cost Comparison

To understand real affordability, monthly payments matter more than headline prices.

Calgary Example

• Purchase price: $750,000
• Down payment: 10%
• Interest rate: 4%
• Amortization: 25 years
• CMHC (4.0%): $27,000
• Monthly mortgage: ~$3,708

Surrey, BC Example

• Purchase price: $1.4 million
• Down payment: 10%
• Interest rate: 4%
• Amortization: 25 years
• CMHC (4.0%): $50,400
• Monthly mortgage: ~$6,920

That is roughly $3,212 less per month for a detached home in Calgary.

Apartment Prices and Monthly Costs

Apartments show a similar affordability gap.

• Surrey apartment benchmark: ~$509,000
• Calgary apartment benchmark: ~$309,000

Monthly mortgage costs:

• Calgary: ~$1,526/month
• Surrey: ~$2,514/month

That’s nearly $1,000 per month less in Calgary.

 

Cost of Living in Calgary: Utilities, Insurance, and Taxes

Utilities in Calgary

Natural Gas

• Typical usage averaged over a year: ~120 GJ per year
• Average monthly with fees: ~$100/month

Electricity

• Average size home: ~600-800 kWh/month
• After fees and distribution: ~$150-180/month

Water and Waste Services

• Average family: $100–$150/month
• Includes water, garbage, recycling, and compost

Home Insurance Costs

Insurance costs vary widely depending on location and risk factors.  Different areas of the city may see varying premiums based on the history and likelyhood of disasters such as Hail, Flood and Fire risk.  

• Wide range: $1,500 to $7,000 per year
• Rural properties and high-risk areas are more expensive

Residential Property Taxes

• Combined provincial and municipal tax rate for 2025 is calculated by the properties assessed value x 0.0061803

 

The Alberta Advantage

Alberta is the only province with NO provincial sales tax.

• Only 5% GST
• Saves families 6–10% on most purchases

For many households, these savings significantly effect the affordability of daily life. 

 

Jobs and Economic Growth in Calgary (2026 Outlook)

Affordability only works if employment is stable.

• Calgary unemployment rate: ~6.5%
• Expected to remain consistent through 2026

Economic Growth

• Calgary projected growth: ~2.4%
• National average: ~1.3%

Calgary is growing nearly twice as fast as the Canadian average.

Calgary’s Diversified Economy

Calgary is no longer dependent on a single industry.

Key growth sectors include:

• Aviation and aerospace (projected $4.7B by 2030)
• Technology and data centres
• Clean energy innovation
• Logistics and distribution
• Healthcare and education
• Construction and skilled trades

Employment growth in both aerospace and tech has increased by 60% in recent years.

 

Family Lifestyle and Livability in Calgary

Beyond cost, Calgary offers a lifestyle that supports families.

• Master-planned communities
• Walkable neighbourhoods
• Strong public, private, and charter school options
• One of the best road networks in Canada for a major city
• Full ring road and shorter commute times

 

Calgary also has:

• Over 1,300 km of paved-maintained pathways
• Major parks like Fish Creek Park, Nose Hill Park, and Beaumont, intertwined nature with city life. 
• The Rocky Mountains just one hour away

 

Child Care Costs in Calgary

One of the biggest affordability improvements for families has been child care.

• Government-supported flat-fee system
• Many families pay around $15 per day
• A major reduction from what used to be $900–$1,500 per month

Availability can vary, but cost is no longer the barrier it once was.

Final Answer: Is Calgary Still Affordable in 2026?

Calgary offers amazing quality of life, plus the benefits of a major Canadian city.  That combination makes Calgary one the most desired cities to live, and the most affordable major cities to live across the country. 

• More home for the money
• Lower overall cost of living
• Strong job opportunities
• A family-friendly lifestyle

For many Canadians in 2026, Calgary remains one of the most balanced and affordable major cities in the country.