Living in Edmonton vs. Calgary: Pros & Cons

Choosing between Edmonton and Calgary can be a difficult option, especially if you’re new to Alberta and unfamiliar with the differences between the two cities. Both cities have advantages and disadvantages, and recognizing these distinctions is critical in making an informed decision about where to live.

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Weather

When considering living in Edmonton vs Calgary, it’s essential to understand the differences in weather patterns between the two cities.

Edmonton

Edmonton’s winters are colder than Calgary’s, with typical January temperatures at -12°C. With an average of 122 days of precipitation per year, the city has more snowfall and higher precipitation levels.

Calgary

Calgary’s winters are warmer than most because of the city’s warm, dry Chinook breezes. Calgary’s average January temperature is -7°C. With an average of 111 days of precipitation per year, the city experiences less snowfall and lower precipitation levels.

Key takeaway

If you prefer milder winters and less snow, the better choice would be living in Calgary vs Edmonton. However, if you don’t mind colder temperatures and more snowfall, Edmonton might be more suitable.

Demographics

Here’s some information about the demographics of both cities:

Edmonton

Edmonton, Alberta’s capital city, has a population of 1,061,793 people and serves as the province’s political and industrial hub. The city is known for its welcoming, small-town community atmosphere, making it an appealing option for families wishing to settle down. The median age of the population is 36.6 years, and the city’s population increased by 24.1% between 2010 and 2020.

Calgary

Calgary’s winters are warmer than most because of the city’s warm, dry Chinook breezes. Calgary’s average January temperature is -7°C. With an average of 111 days of precipitation per year, the city experiences less snowfall and lower precipitation levels.

Key takeaway

If you prefer milder winters and less snow, the better choice would be living in Calgary vs Edmonton. However, if you don’t mind colder temperatures and more snowfall, Edmonton might be more suitable.

Demographics

Here’s some information about the demographics of both cities:

Edmonton

Edmonton, Alberta’s capital city, has a population of 1,061,793 people and serves as the province’s political and industrial hub. The city is known for its welcoming, small-town community atmosphere, making it an appealing option for families wishing to settle down. The median age of the population is 36.6 years, and the city’s population increased by 24.1% between 2010 and 2020.

Calgary

Because of its closeness to the Rocky Mountains, Calgary is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. In the summer, the city center is less than an hour’s drive from four downhill ski slopes and offers a plethora of hiking and biking activities.

Key takeaway

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast looking for easy access to the mountains and a variety of outdoor activities, Calgary is the clear winner. However, if you prefer urban parklands and better access to lakes, Edmonton might be the better choice.

Transportation

Here’s some useful information about the modes of transportation available in both cities:

Airports

Both of these cities have international airports, albeit Calgary’s is larger and serves more international destinations. Calgary Airport had 17,203,118 passengers in 2019, while Edmonton Airport had 7,892,679 passengers.

Inter-city rail transport

When it comes to rail transportation inside Canada, Edmonton has an advantage because it is located on the Toronto-Vancouver train line. This line serves a number of locations, including Halifax, Churchill, and the United States. Outside of the city, Calgary has no train service.

Public transit

Both cities have outstanding public transportation systems, with the C-Train in Calgary and the light rail system in Edmonton serving as the backbone of their respective networks. In addition to their train systems, both cities have large bus networks.

Enclosed walkway systems

The Plus 15 Skywalk in Calgary is an 18-kilometer network of walkways within the city region. The Pedwalk in Edmonton is a 13-kilometer-long network of skywalks and tunnels connecting 40 downtown destinations. Both pedestrian networks provide easy and convenient access to many city destinations.

Key takeaway

When it comes to transportation, both cities have their advantages, with Edmonton offering better rail connectivity and Calgary having a larger airport. Public transit systems in both cities are excellent, making daily commutes relatively easy.

Safety

Here’s some useful information about the safety in both cities:

Edmonton

Edmonton has the highest crime severity index in Canada, after only Calgary. However, because most criminal activity is gang and drug-related, it rarely affects the broader populace.

Calgary

Calgary’s crime severity score is lower than Edmonton’s, making it a safer city overall. The city’s cosmopolitan atmosphere and clean reputation add to its status as a safe place to live.

Key takeaway

If safety is a primary concern, Calgary may be the better choice due to its lower crime severity index. However, it’s important to note that most criminal activity in Edmonton does not typically affect the general public.

Housing Costs

Housing costs are a significant factor when comparing the cost of living in Edmonton vs Calgary, as they directly impact the cost of living in each city.

Edmonton

Edmonton’s average real estate cost was $336,600 in December 2021, making it more affordable than Calgary. The city’s reduced cost of living in comparison to pay is an appealing quality for prospective inhabitants.

Calgary

Calgary’s average real estate cost was $451,200 in December 2021, making it more costly than Edmonton. However, Calgary’s housing stock is substantially newer, which may be contributing to the higher pricing.

Key takeaway

If housing costs are a primary concern, it’s more recommended to be living in Edmonton vs Calgary as it may be a more affordable choice.

However, if you prefer newer housing stock, Calgary might be worth the higher price tag.

Conclusion

The choice between living in Edmonton vs Calgary is ultimately determined by your unique interests and priorities.

Both cities have distinct advantages and disadvantages must all be carefully considered. You may make an informed selection and choose the city that best fits your lifestyle and needs by balancing these variables and selecting what is most important to you.