Calgary and Edmonton are two of the largest cities in Canada. They both offer a range of attractions, amenities, and opportunities that make them desirable places to live. But when it comes to choosing between Calgary vs Edmonton for new immigrants, which is the better option?
Calgary and Edmonton are two of the most vibrant and exciting cities in Canada, each with its own unique character and charm. Both cities are located in the province of Alberta and offer a high standard of living, with a relatively low cost of living compared to other major Canadian cities.
However, they differ in many ways that make them appealing to different people, let’s take a look at some of the key differences between these two great cities.
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Calgary overview
Calgary is a city in the province of Alberta, Canada. It is located in the southern part of the province and is the third-largest city in Canada by population. The city is situated in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and camping.
Calgary is known for its strong economy, which is primarily driven by the oil and gas industry. The city is home to many major energy companies and is a major center for the Canadian oil and gas industry. Other key industries in the city include finance, technology, and healthcare.
The city is home to the University of Calgary, which is known for its research in fields such as energy, environmental science, and health. The city also has a strong cultural scene, with many museums, galleries, and theatres. The annual Calgary Stampede is a major event in the city, celebrating its western heritage.
Calgary is also known for its high standard of living, with a relatively low cost of living compared to other major Canadian cities. The city has a diverse population and offers a variety of amenities, making it a popular place to live and work.
Edmonton overview
Edmonton is the capital city of the Canadian province of Alberta, located in the central region of the province. It is the second-largest city in Alberta and the fifth-largest city in Canada by population.
Edmonton is known for its strong economy, which is diversified across several industries, including technology, healthcare, and education. The city is home to the University of Alberta, one of Canada’s top research universities, and is also a major center for medical research and healthcare.
Edmonton is also known for its vibrant arts and cultural scene, with many museums, galleries, and theatres. The Edmonton International Fringe Theater Festival, the second-largest fringe festival in the world, is held annually in the city and attracts thousands of visitors. Edmonton is internationally renowned as Canada’s “Festival City,” with a staggering 50+ festivals held each year. The city also has a strong sports culture, with the Edmonton Oilers (hockey) and Edmonton Eskimos (football) being popular local teams.
Edmonton is also known for its high standard of living, with a relatively low cost of living compared to other major Canadian cities. The city has a diverse population and offers a variety of amenities, making it a popular place to live and work. The city also has easy access to the great outdoors, with Elk Island National Park, the North Saskatchewan River and many other places to explore just a short drive from the city center.
Calgary vs Edmonton economic comparison
Calgary and Edmonton offer different economic opportunities to their residents. These can include the cost of living, job markets, and house prices. Let's take a look at how they differ in these areas so that you can make an informed decision when deciding which city is right for you.
Cost of living
Calgary
Calgary is great for those looking to save money on their cost of living. The cost of living in Calgary is lower than in Edmonton, with the average rent being substantially lower. Housing in Calgary is also much more affordable; while prices have been steadily increasing over the past few years, they remain significantly lower than in many other major cities.
Edmonton
Edmonton is slightly more expensive when it comes to living costs. The average rent is higher than in Calgary, as well as being on par with prices for comparable cities such as Vancouver and Toronto. However, housing prices are still relatively affordable in Edmonton, and the city offers more competitive wages than Calgary.
Job market
Calgary
Calgary is known for its oil and gas industry, which has been historically strong. The city also boasts a vibrant tech sector, with many startups flocking to the area to take advantage of the business-friendly environment. Furthermore, there are plenty of other industries in the area, including finance, manufacturing, construction, and more.
Edmonton
Edmonton is also known for its oil and gas industry, though it has been struggling due to a downturn in recent years. The city does have an emerging tech sector and is home to many startups. Additionally, there are plenty of other industries in the area, including finance, healthcare, and manufacturing.
Housing market
Calgary
The housing market in Calgary is one of the most affordable in Canada, making it an attractive option for those looking to purchase a home. The average sale price for a single-family dwelling in Calgary was just over $500,000 in 2020, significantly lower than comparable cities such as Vancouver and Toronto. The city also has a wide range of housing options, ranging from apartments and condos to single-family homes in various Calgary neighbourhoods.
Edmonton
The housing market in Edmonton is slightly more expensive than in Calgary, with the average sale price for a single-family home being just over $380,000 in 2020. However, there are still many affordable housing options available in the city, from apartments and condos to single-family homes.
Calgary vs Edmonton quality of life comparison
Calgary and Edmonton both offer excellent quality of life for their residents, though there are some differences to be aware of. Let's take a look at how these two cities differ when it comes to transportation options, safety, and more.
Safety
Calgary
Calgary is known as one of the safest cities in Canada, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. The city also has plenty of community initiatives to help keep residents safe, such as neighbourhood watch programs and emergency response teams.
Edmonton
Edmonton is also generally considered to be a safe city, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. The city has many programs in place to help keep residents safe, such as neighbourhood watch programs and emergency response teams.
Weather
Calgary
Calgary has a generally pleasant climate, with warm summers and mild winters. The city does have its occasional snowstorms, however, which can make transportation difficult at times.
Edmonton
Calgary has a generally pleasant climate, with warm summers and mild winters. The city does have its occasional snowstorms, however, which can make transportation difficult at times.
Amenities
Calgary
Calgary city has a variety of amenities that cater to the needs and interests of its residents. Some of the key amenities in the city include:
Calgary has a number of parks and green spaces throughout the city, including Fish Creek Provincial Park, which is the second largest urban park in Canada. The city is also home to the Bow River and the Elbow River, which offer great opportunities for hiking, biking, and fishing as well as visits to the Calgary Zoo. It is also known for its iconic Calgary Tower.
Take a look at our 15 free things to do in Calgary post.
Calgary has a number of shopping centers, including Chinook Centre, which is one of the largest malls in Western Canada. The city also has a number of unique boutiques, specialty shops, and farmers’ markets.
The city has a number of sports and recreational facilities, including the Scotiabank Saddledome (home of the Calgary Flames National Hockey League team), the McMahon Stadium (home of the Calgary Stampeders Canadian Football team), and the Calgary Olympic Park.
Calgary has a thriving arts and culture scene, with a number of theatres, museums, and galleries. The city is also home to the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and the Alberta Ballet.
Calgary has a diverse culinary scene, with a number of restaurants, bars and cafes that serve a variety of cuisines. The city is also known for its craft breweries and distilleries.
The city has several hospitals and health clinics that provide quality healthcare services to its residents.
Calgary Transit has a well-developed transportation infrastructure, with numerous roads, highways, and public transportation options.
Edmonton
Edmonton, the capital city of Alberta, offers a variety of amenities that cater to the needs and interests of its residents. Some of the key amenities in the city include:
Edmonton has a large park system, with over 160 parks and natural areas throughout the city. The city is also home to the North Saskatchewan River, which offers great opportunities for hiking, biking, and fishing. River Valley is the largest urban park in Canada, comprising more than 160 kilometres of maintained pathways and 20 major parks.
Edmonton has a number of shopping centers, including West Edmonton Mall, which is the largest mall in North America. The city also has a number of unique boutiques, specialty shops, and farmers’ markets.
The city has a number of sports and recreational facilities, including Rogers Place (home of the Edmonton Oilers National Hockey League team), the Commonwealth Stadium (home of the Edmonton Elks Canadian Football team), and the Victoria Golf Course.
Edmonton has a thriving arts and culture scene, with a number of theatres, museums, and galleries. The city is also home to the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and the Edmonton Opera.
Edmonton has a diverse culinary scene, with a number of restaurants, bars, and cafes that serve a variety of cuisines. The city is also known for its craft breweries and distilleries.
The city has several hospitals and health clinics that provide quality healthcare services to its residents.
Edmonton has a well-developed transportation infrastructure, with a number of roads, highways, and public transportation options, including buses, light rail trains and a bike-sharing system.
Edmonton is known for its festivals and events, such as the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival, the Edmonton Folk Music Festival, and the Edmonton Heritage Festival.
Conclusion
Both Edmonton and Calgary offer a great quality of life for their respective residents. Calgary has a strong economy and is home to many industries, while Edmonton has an emerging tech sector and plenty of educational opportunities. Both cities also offer excellent entertainment and dining options, as well as reliable transportation networks. When it comes to safety, both cities boast low crime rates and have initiatives in place to help keep residents safe. In the end, either city would make a great choice for those looking to settle down and enjoy the best that Canada has to offer.
When it comes to choosing between Calgary vs Edmonton for new immigrants, each city offers its unique features that should be taken into consideration. Calgary is home to a strong economy and provides plenty of opportunities for educational advancement, while Edmonton boasts an emerging tech sector and vibrant entertainment scene. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and lifestyle considerations, as both cities offer an excellent quality of life for their residents.
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