Thinking about relocating to Calgary?
Before you leave Toronto in the rearview mirror, here’s what you need to know before making the move west. From housing affordability to job prospects and taxes (spoiler alert: Alberta is kinder to your wallet), this guide breaks down the pros and cons of swapping the 6ix for the Stampede City.
As one of Canada’s fastest-growing urban hubs, Calgary has carved out a name for itself beyond cowboy hats and oil money. With a stunning natural mountain backdrops, low taxes, and a booming tech and entrepreneurial scene, it’s no wonder more Torontonians are eyeing Calgary as a potential place to settle down.
Looking for more reliable real estate advice? Check out our podcast, The Last Honest Realtor, right here or anywhere you get your podcasts!
Housing: Toronto vs. Calgary – Big Difference in Price Tags
It’s no secret that Toronto’s real estate prices can feel out of reach for many buyers. While prices have cooled slightly in recent years, the average home still hovers above $1M. In contrast, Calgary’s housing market offers significantly more space for your dollar—with detached homes and townhouses still attainable for many first-time buyers.
On average, housing in Calgary is 30%–50% less expensive than in Toronto, depending on the type of property and neighbourhood. Whether you’re buying a house in one of Calgary’s established suburbs or a modern condo near downtown, affordability is one of the city’s biggest draws.
Land Transfer Taxes: A Surprising Win for Calgary
Here’s where things really diverge….In Ontario, buyers in Toronto pay both a provincial and municipal land transfer tax (LTT). Alberta, on the other hand? No land transfer tax at all. Nada. Zero.
Instead, Alberta charges only a nominal land title transfer fee, which is usually under $500 total—no matter the size of your purchase.
Let’s break it down with a $700,000 home:
Toronto (Ontario):
Provincial + Municipal LTT = $20,950
First-Time Buyer Rebate? Yes, but only partial.
Calgary (Alberta):
Land Title & Mortgage Registration = ~$300–$400
Rebate? Not needed. The fees are that low.
If you’re moving from Toronto, this alone can feel like a financial sigh of relief.
What about moving to or from other Canadian cities? Find out what you need to know about Montreal Vs. Toronto right here.
Climate: Colder, Sunnier, Drier
Toronto winters might be milder than Montreal’s, but Calgary’s winters are pretty unique.
Calgary Weather Snapshot:
- Winter: Cold snaps do happen, but Chinooks (warm winds) can raise the temperature by 15°C in a single day.
- Average January low: -13°C, but dry cold feels different from Ontario’s humidity.
- Summer: Warm and dry, with highs around 24°C–28°C.
- Calgary gets more sunshine than any major Canadian city—averaging 333 sunny days a year.
If you hate slushy, grey winters and love the outdoors, Calgary might be your climate soulmate.
Transit & Lifestyle: Car Culture with Mountain Perks
Toronto is a transit-first city with its TTC network, GO Transit, and dense urban layout. Calgary is more car-dependent, although it does offer a light rail system (C-Train) and growing transit infrastructure.
Where Calgary shines is access to nature. The Rocky Mountains are just an hour away. Weekend hikes, skiing in Banff, and biking the Bow River Pathway are just a few of the lifestyle perks Calgary offers that Toronto simply can’t match.
And if you’re into festivals? The Calgary Stampede is a world-famous party—but the city also hosts year-round cultural events, music, theatre, and food scenes that are rapidly evolving alongside its population.
Here at TRG, we specialize in helping people relocate by leveraging specific tools and resources designed to make the process easy. Learn more about our relocating expertise right here.
Cost of Living: A More Manageable Budget
Besides housing, other living costs in Calgary are typically lower:
- No provincial sales tax. Alberta has only 5% GST, compared to Ontario’s 13% HST.
- Utilities and insurance can be cheaper.
- Day-to-day expenses (like parking and dining out) feel noticeably less inflated.
Should I Make the Move?
At Toronto Realty Group, we know our city has its charm—but it’s not for everyone. If you’re looking to cut costs, enjoy more space, and get outdoors more often, Calgary has a lot to offer.
That said, Calgary’s job market still has ties to energy and engineering, though it’s diversifying into tech, health care, and finance. If your career is flexible or you’re looking for new opportunities, it could be a great fit.
Before you go:
- Research Calgary neighbourhoods—they’re as diverse as Toronto’s.
- Factor in car ownership and commuting needs.
- Get pre-approved for a mortgage (you’ll likely qualify for more than you would in Toronto!).
Relocating to a new city can be a stressful experience. If you’re thinking about making a move to Toronto from another province, or even country, here are a few more posts you might find helpful:
- What to Ask Yourself Before Moving to Toronto
- What are the Best Neighbourhoods in Toronto?
- The Ultimate Guide to Moving Across the Country
Final Thoughts:
Toronto might always be the heart of Canadian hustle, but Calgary offers a refreshing change of pace, a more relaxed lifestyle, and far less financial pressure. If you’re craving more breathing room—literally and figuratively—it might be time to trade the CN Tower for the Calgary Tower.
Looking for help relocating to Calgary? Thinking about moving to Toronto from Calgary?
Our team at Toronto Realty Group offers trusted referrals, virtual consultations, and relocation support coast to coast. Let us help you find your next home—even if it’s a few provinces over.
Get in touch with us today by filling out the form on this page, calling us at 416.642.2660, or emailing admin@torontorealtygroup.com.
Ready to Get Started?
It all starts with a conversation. Whether buying or selling, TRG can help you achieve your real estate goals. Get in touch with our team today to start the process.
