Newcomer Guide to Living in Calgary, Alberta

Why Newcomers Choose Calgary

Calgary is a city of opportunity for newcomers to Canada. It is the third-largest city in Canada by metropolitan area and the economic heart of Alberta. Calgary offers a unique combination that few other Canadian cities can match: strong job markets, affordable housing compared to Vancouver and Toronto, no provincial sales tax, and proximity to the stunning Rocky Mountains.

Calgary has a growing newcomer population, with over 30% of residents born outside Canada. The city has invested in settlement services, public transit, and community programs designed to help newcomers integrate successfully. This guide covers what you need to know about living in Calgary as a newcomer.

Calgary Neighbourhoods: Where to Live

Calgary is a sprawling city divided into four quadrants: NW (Northwest), NE (Northeast), SW (Southwest), and SE (Southeast). Each area has different characteristics and price points.

Northeast Calgary

The NE is the most diverse quadrant and home to large South Asian, Middle Eastern, African, and Filipino communities. Neighbourhoods like Martindale, Taradale, and Saddle Ridge are popular with newcomer families. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,400 to $1,700 per month. The NE has extensive ethnic grocery stores, halal shops, and cultural centres. The Green Line C-Train extension will improve transit here.

Southeast Calgary

The SE includes established neighbourhoods like Dover and Forest Lawn, as well as newer communities like Cranston and Auburn Bay. Forest Lawn has a vibrant multicultural commercial strip along 17th Avenue SE with Vietnamese, Chinese, and South Asian businesses. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,400 to $1,700 per month.

Northwest Calgary

The NW includes the University of Calgary area, upscale neighbourhoods like Tuscany and Hawkwood, and more affordable areas like Beddington. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,500 to $1,900 per month. The Red Line C-Train runs through the NW, making commuting to downtown easy.

Southwest Calgary and Downtown

Downtown Calgary and the surrounding SW neighbourhoods like Beltline and Mission are the most urban areas, with condos, restaurants, and nightlife. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment downtown is approximately $1,600 to $1,900 per month. The SW also includes suburban communities like Shawnessy and Somerset, which are more affordable and family-friendly.

Cost of Living Comparison

Calgary's cost of living is significantly lower than Vancouver and Toronto, especially for housing. Here is a comparison of monthly costs.

Expense	Calgary	Vancouver	Toronto
1-Bedroom Rent	$1,400 - $1,900	$2,100 - $2,800	$1,800 - $2,600
Groceries (family of 2)	$400 - $600	$500 - $800	$500 - $800
Monthly Transit Pass	$112	$110 - $189	$156
Sales Tax on Purchases	5% (GST only)	12% (GST+PST)	13% (HST)

Public Transit: The C-Train and Calgary Transit

Calgary Transit operates the C-Train light rail and bus network. The C-Train has two lines:

• Red Line: Runs north-south from Tuscany in the NW to Somerset-Bridlewood in the south
• Blue Line: Runs from 69 Street in the west to Saddletowne in the NE

Free Fare Zone

The C-Train is free to ride in the downtown core between City Hall station and Westbrook station (7th Avenue). This makes it easy to get around downtown without paying a fare. Outside this zone, an adult single ride costs $3.60, and a monthly pass costs $112.00.

Getting a Calgary Transit Card

Calgary Transit uses the My Fare system for contactless payment. You can load fares onto the My Fare app on your smartphone or purchase passes at C-Train stations and retail locations.

Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)

Alberta's public health insurance is called the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). It covers medically necessary doctor visits, hospital services, and diagnostic tests.

How to Apply

Apply for your Alberta health card through an Alberta Registry Agent office. You will need your immigration documents and proof of Alberta residency. Unlike BC and Ontario, Alberta's health coverage begins on the first day of the third month after you establish residency. Purchase temporary private health insurance to cover the waiting period.

Job Market in Calgary

Calgary's economy has diversified significantly in recent years, though the energy sector remains the foundation.

Top Industries for Newcomers

• Oil and Gas: Calgary is the headquarters of Canada's energy industry. Major companies like Suncor, Canadian Natural Resources, TC Energy, and Enbridge have their head offices here. Roles range from engineering and geology to finance and administration.
• Technology: Calgary's tech sector is growing rapidly, with companies in fintech, agritech, and clean energy. The city offers lower operating costs than Toronto and Vancouver, attracting startups.
• Agriculture and Food Processing: Southern Alberta is a major agricultural region. Food processing, logistics, and agricultural technology jobs are available.
• Healthcare: Alberta Health Services is the largest single employer in the province. Nursing, home care, and allied health roles are in demand.
• Construction and Skilled Trades: Ongoing residential and commercial development means steady demand for electricians, plumbers, welders, and other tradespeople.

Register with Alberta Works for free employment services including career planning, resume help, and skills training.

Winter Driving in Calgary

If you plan to drive in Calgary, understanding winter driving is essential. Calgary winters bring snow, ice, and temperatures that can drop to minus 20 to minus 30 degrees Celsius.

Winter Driving Tips

1. Winter tires are strongly recommended. While not legally required in Calgary city limits, they significantly improve safety on icy roads. Budget approximately $600 to $1,200 for a set of four winter tires.
2. Plug in your car. Most Calgary homes and many apartments have block heater outlets. In extreme cold, plugging in your car's block heater for 2 to 3 hours before driving ensures it starts reliably.
3. Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle: blanket, flashlight, snacks, phone charger, small shovel, and windshield washer fluid rated for minus 40 degrees.
4. Slow down. Stopping distances on ice can be 4 to 10 times longer than on dry pavement. Leave extra space between vehicles.

If you need a driver's licence, read our guide to getting a driver's licence for general Canadian driving information. Alberta has its own licensing process through Alberta Registry Agents.

Weather and Chinooks

Calgary has cold winters but also receives over 300 days of sunshine per year, making it one of the sunniest cities in Canada. A unique Calgary weather feature is the Chinook, a warm, dry wind that can raise temperatures by 15 to 20 degrees Celsius in just a few hours during winter. It is not unusual for Calgary to go from minus 15 degrees to plus 10 degrees in a single day during a Chinook.

• Summer (June to August): Warm and dry, with temperatures from 15 to 28 degrees Celsius. Long daylight hours.
• Fall (September to November): Cooling temperatures, occasional early snow. First snowfall often arrives in October.
• Winter (December to February): Cold, with averages from minus 10 to minus 15 degrees Celsius. Extreme cold snaps can reach minus 30 degrees. Chinook breaks provide warm relief.
• Spring (March to May): Variable. Snow can fall into May, but warm days become more frequent.

Settlement Agencies in Calgary

Calgary has several settlement agencies that provide free services to newcomers.

Key Settlement Agencies

• Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS): One of the largest settlement agencies in Alberta. Provides settlement counselling, language training, employment programs, family support, and refugee resettlement. Serves all newcomers regardless of religion. Main office: 403-262-2006.
• Centre for Newcomers: Offers employment programs, settlement services, language training, and community connections. Main office: 403-569-3325.
• Calgary Immigrant Women's Association (CIWA): Provides services specifically for immigrant and refugee women, including employment, language, family support, and mental health services. Main office: 403-263-4414.
• Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth: Focuses on newcomer children and youth with tutoring, mentoring, and cultural programs. Main office: 403-230-7079.

Things to Do in Calgary

Calgary offers a unique blend of urban culture and outdoor adventure, with the Rocky Mountains just an hour's drive west.

• Banff National Park: Only 90 minutes west of Calgary. World-class hiking, skiing, and stunning mountain scenery. A Parks Canada Discovery Pass costs $72.25 per adult per year.
• Calgary Stampede: The "Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth" takes place every July. Ten days of rodeo, concerts, food, and western culture. Some events are free.
• Prince's Island Park: A downtown urban park on the Bow River, perfect for walking, festivals, and picnics
• Calgary Public Library: The award-winning Central Library and 21 branches offer free programs, language learning, computer access, and newcomer resources
• Pathway system: Calgary has over 950 km of multi-use pathways for walking, running, and cycling along the Bow and Elbow rivers

Getting Started in Calgary

Calgary offers newcomers something rare in Canada: a strong job market, affordable housing, and no provincial sales tax, all in a city with stunning natural beauty. Connect with CCIS or the Centre for Newcomers early in your settlement journey, and take advantage of the many free programs available.

WelcomeAide supports newcomers across Canada with free settlement guidance. Our AI Newcomer Navigator can answer your questions about Calgary, Alberta health coverage, and more in your preferred language. Learn more about our mission, see our impact, or explore more newcomer guides on our blog. For essential first steps when arriving in Canada, read our guide to your first weeks.