Why Calgary is one of Canada's best cities to live in

With a population surpassing 1.6 million, Calgary has become a favourite destination to settle and build a life in. It has also been ranked among the best cities to live in North America and the world—multiple times. Here are some reasons why:

Affordability

With lower home prices and a lower cost of living, Calgary is one of the most affordable major cities in Canada.

As of March 2026, the benchmark price in Toronto for a detached home was $1,007,796, while in Vancouver the price sits at $1,854,800. In Calgary, the benchmark price for a detached home is $565,600.

In addition, with the lowest provincial tax rate nationally and the absence of a Provincial Sales Tax or Land Transfer Tax, Calgarians are able to stretch their savings for the future further.

The Rocky Mountains

People from all over the world travel thousands of miles to visit the Rocky Mountains every year. However, for Calgarians, the Rockies are only a drive away.
Whether it’s hiking, skiing, snowboarding or camping, the closure to the mountains allows for numerous opportunities to unplug from urban life and reconnect with nature.

Banff, Canada's first national park, is only 90 minutes away from the city. Living in Calgary, this world-renowned ski and hiking area is the perfect destination for a day trip or a weekend retreat.

Beyond Banff, here are other attractions within a half-hour drive from Calgary.

Opportunities

According to Statistics Canada, Calgary has the highest labour force participation rate of major cities in Canada, making it a great place to build a life and a career.

Major industry sectors make Calgary their home base, such as agribusiness, aerospace, energy and environment, as well as digital media and entertainment, life sciences, fintech, technology, transportation and logistics.

Arts & Culture

Calgary is home to the Calgary Stampede—“The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth”—which combines an annual rodeo, exhibition and festival that attract over a million visitors per year and is held every July.

With an entertaining parade, a high-energy midway, stage shows, concerts, agricultural competitions, chuckwagon racing and Indigenous exhibitions, the Calgary Stampede is a celebration of Western Heritage.

In downtown Calgary, you can find Studio Bell, the home of the National Music Centre, and enjoy year-round festivals that include the International Jazz Day festival, the Calgary Folk Music Festival, and the Calgary International Film Festival.

It’s also worth noting that Calgary is the third most diverse major city in Canada with 240 different ethnic origins and 165 languages spoken here.
These communities gather in social groups, numerous sports clubs, and newcomer groups.

Calgarians also come together to host and attend festivals such as Fiesta Filipino, CariFest, Expo Latino, the Calgary Japanese Festival, and more.

A growing city

Calgary is the third largest city in Canada and the largest city in Alberta. As our population increases and suburban areas continue to be the location of choice for new housing, new communities have emerged so Calgary can meet the demands of a growing population in the coming decades.

Click here to learn more about new communities in Calgary and surrounding areas.

Sources:
• Calgary Economic Development
• Toronto Regional Real Estate Board
• Greater Vancouver REALTORS^®

Tagged: Calgary