Living in Calgary vs Toronto: Which City Is Better To Move To?

Calgary and Toronto are two of the biggest Canadian cities, and their growing populations and global recognition are testaments to the experience of living in them. Both are excellent places to live, but deciding between living in Calgary or Toronto can be challenging. Calgary is emerging as a tech center in Western Canada, providing a mix of modern living with natural beauty—plus easy access to the Rocky Mountains. Toronto, on the other hand, offers numerous job opportunities, world-class amenities, and a bustling city life. Discover the key differences between Calgary and Toronto to make an informed choice about where to live.

Calgary Economy vs. Toronto Economy

Some major differences between Calgary and Toronto come from their sizes. Calgary has a population of around 1.61 million, while Toronto has the largest population in Canada, with 2.79 million residents. This massive size difference impacts the types of jobs, the costs of living, and the overall economy in Calgary and Toronto.

Real Estate Prices

One of the most significant differences between living in Calgary vs. Toronto is the average price of buying and renting a home. The average home price in Calgary is typically in the low $500s, while in Toronto, it's closer to $1.1 million. Calgary townhomes typically list from $300,000 to $1.5 million. In Toronto, townhomes usually range in price from the high $500s to $2.5 million.

Condos have even greater price discrepancy between the two cities. Condos in Calgary are usually priced from the high $200s to $2 million, with ultra-luxurious penthouses topping out around $6 million and average prices hovering in the high $300s. Toronto condos also start in the high $200s, but prices regularly reach $10 million, and luxury penthouse units can list for more than $20 million. Condos in Toronto average in the low $700s, almost twice that of Calgary.

As in all major cities in Canada, real estate prices are heavily contingent upon the neighbourhood. Calgary's most expensive neighbourhoods come with a significant price tag, but affordable options exist in all quadrants of the city. Some of the high-priced areas in Calgary include the Roxboro neighbourhood and the Upper Mount Royal community.

In Toronto, the most expensive communities are Bridle Path, Rosedale, Forest Hill South, and Yorkville. West Humber-Clairville is a more affordable option for Toronto residents, while Deer Ridge is an affordable option in Calgary.

Living Expenses

Taxes in Alberta and Ontario are different, so it's essential to consider these factors as you examine each area's overall living expenses. On average, taxes are higher in Alberta than in Ontario, but Alberta is nearly 20% more affordable from a cost of living perspective.

The cost of living in Calgary is about $1,900 for an individual and about $4,600 for a household of four. In Toronto, an individual needs approximately $2,300 per month, while a home of four needs about $5,200. The food costs between the two cities are about the same, but transportation and utility prices are massively different.

Top Industries & Biggest Corporations

Calgary's major industries are energy, technology, and agribusiness. Some of the biggest employers in the area include Deloitte, KPMG, Amazon, Accenture, and IBM, and the rapidly growing technology sector in Calgary is attracting both companies and skilled professionals.

Toronto's aerospace sector is vital, as the city has the second-largest aerospace cluster in Canada. Other top industries include design, the largest in Canada and the third largest in North America; education; and more artistic industries like event planning, fashion, and film. Major Toronto employers include CIBC, Magna International, Telus, Air Canada, and Bombardier Inc.

Calgary Commutes vs. Toronto Commutes

Another vital thing to know about moving to a new area is what to expect with your daily commute. Rush hours, major streets, and public transportation options all impact how quickly one can adjust to living in a new area and how quickly you can travel around your new city. When moving to a new location, consider these factors carefully and plan your move accordingly.

Calgary Rush Hour vs. Toronto Rush Hour

Rush hour occurs between 7:30 and 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. in Calgary. While significant congestion can occur, the average commute time for a Calgary resident—approximately 26 minutes—is significantly lower than in most other major metros in North America. Driving in Calgary is, therefore, typically a great option for getting around.

The busiest time in Toronto is between 8:15 and 9:00 a.m., when all subway lines, traffic lanes, and buses are in service and full. However, Toronto's afternoon rush hour is harder to determine. The busiest roads include DVP, Gardiner, and TCC. When these roads are packed during the morning rush, it can significantly slow down commute times, which average 35 minutes.

Calgary Transit vs. Toronto Transit

The public transit system in Calgary has helped reduce residents' average commute times, making it easier for them to get around the city. Calgary Transit buses and CTrain light rail services help travellers navigate the city and are used by nearly half of the area's commuters. Monthly passes for the light rail are about $112.

TCC is Toronto's public transit system, which utilizes buses and subways that connect different areas of Greater Toronto. Subway passes are about $156 per month.

Best Areas in Each City for Short Downtown Commutes

Calgary has many local neighbourhoods and suburbs close to its downtown, one of the closest being the Haysboro neighbourhood. This quiet residential area is about 15 minutes from downtown Calgary and connects to the CTrain.

Vaughn offers many schools and residential activities for those wanting to get out of the immediate Toronto area. It's about 45 minutes from downtown Toronto, which helps it avoid some significant traffic caused by the Greater Toronto Area. While driving takes about 45 minutes from Vaughn to Toronto, public transportation has a direct route for less than a 30-minute commute.

Calgary Climate vs. Toronto Climate

Calgary is in the prairie region of Canada in Alberta. It experiences hot summers and cold winters, which means more sunlight for those who want to soak up the sun and enjoy the natural benefits of sunny days. There is also less rainfall as the climate is relatively dry.

Toronto's weather is more steady, with less fluctuation for warm and cold periods. Summers are typically warm, with 26°C temperatures and winters averaging about -9°C. Toronto also gets more rain than the prairie region, with regular rainfall throughout the year. Residents and visitors typically consider autumn the best time to be in Toronto.

What to Do in Calgary vs. What to Do in Toronto

Both Calgary and Toronto offer many activities and entertainment options. As two of the largest Canadian cities, there is an abundance of things to do to keep any new residents busy and ensure they can enjoy themselves and integrate with the local community.

Outdoor Activities

When it comes to the outdoors, Calgary is hard to beat. The city is close to the Rocky Mountains for campers and hikers, and there are tons of great parks in Calgary to explore. Some of the best parks in Cowtown include:

• Nose Hill Park
• Prince's Island Park
• Fish Creek Provincial Park
• Pearce Estate Park

The winter months are also packed with outdoor activities like skiing, dog sledding, and snowshoeing. Depending on where in Calgary you're located, a 90-minute drive can get you to Banff National Park; one of the most beautiful places in the world, visitors can enjoy soaring mountain peaks, thousands of acres of untouched wilderness, and glacial lakes with emerald green waters.

Toronto also has beautiful outdoor vistas, with nearby Lake Ontario providing water access and Niagara Falls, one of the most stunning waterfalls in the world. Many public parks within the Toronto area offer green spaces, sports fields, picnic areas, and walking trails.

While Toronto's surrounding area can't compete with the abundance of beautiful open spaces near Calgary, there's still plenty of natural Canadian beauty to experience. Algonquin Provincial Park, a 3-hour drive north of Toronto, may be a bit too far away for a day trip, but it's worth setting aside a weekend to explore. Furthermore, proximity to three of the Great Lakes—Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, and Lake Huron—and the beautiful Georgian Bay and Lake Simcoe makes for endless water recreation.

Sports

Calgary has many sports teams, including the Calgary Stampeders for the CFL, the Calgary Flames for the NHL, and the Calgary Surge basketball team. Other sports in the area include cycling, professional wrestling, and a major pro rodeo center near the city centre for bull riding competitions. The Calgary Stampede, which is the largest outdoor rodeo in the world, is a huge 10-day event that takes place every year in the Victoria Park neighbourhood near the city centre.

Toronto's major sports teams include the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs NHL, the NBA's Toronto Raptors, and the MLB's Toronto Blue Jays. Other teams include the Argonauts for the CFL and Toronto FC for MLS.

Nightlife

Calgary and Toronto have major nightlife centers to keep you entertained all night long. Residents and visitors will find everything from wine bars to dance clubs and everything in between.

Calgary's 17th Avenue, the Beltline neighbourhood, and International Avenue are major nightlife centers with something for everyone. In Toronto, Bambi's, Lob, The Drake Hotel, and El Convento Rico are all popular nightlife hotspots offering drinks, dancing, and more.

Live Your Best Life in the City Meant for You

Choosing between Calgary and Toronto depends on your preferences and lifestyle needs. The fun things to do in Calgary revolve around the stunning natural surroundings, including the Rocky Mountains, and outdoor adventures here are abundant. Toronto provides diverse cultural experiences, ample job opportunities, and extensive amenities. Both cities have unique attractions and benefits, making each appealing in different ways. Ultimately, understanding these distinctions ensures you make an informed decision about where to call home.