Living in Calgary vs Winnipeg: Which City Should You Move To?

Choosing between living in Calgary and Winnipeg can be a big decision, with both cities offering unique lifestyles. Calgary is known for its proximity to the Rocky Mountains and a strong job market, particularly in energy and tech. Calgary's best neighbourhoods are bustling and wide-ranging, from master-planned communities with new builds to historic areas with pricey luxury homes. Winnipeg, located in the heart of the prairies, offers affordable housing and a vibrant cultural scene. Climate, cost of living, and recreational opportunities vary between these cities, making it essential to weigh your priorities. Understanding the differences between Calgary and Winnipeg helps you decide which city better suits your needs.

Calgary vs. Winnipeg at a Glance

• Population: Calgary has 1.61 million residents, while Winnipeg has 817,000.
• Cost of Living: Calgary’s cost of living is about 19% higher than Winnipeg’s.
• Job Market: Calgary excels in tech and energy industries, while Winnipeg focuses on business, agriculture, and arts.
• Commutes: Calgary has more traffic, but public transit options, including the CTrain, reduce congestion.
• Outdoor Activities: Calgary offers skiing and hiking, while Winnipeg has parks, trails, and water sports.
• Nightlife: Both cities offer diverse nightlife with bars, clubs, and live music venues.
• Industries: Calgary hosts tech giants like Amazon and IBM; Winnipeg leads in aerospace and agriculture.

Calgary Economy vs. Winnipeg Economy

The economy of the place you want to move to plays an essential role in deciding whether or not it's the right place for you. Different major industries, job opportunities, and even the general cost of living can impact your decision on where you want to move and what factors matter the most when making your decisions. Here is a breakdown between the Calgary economy and the Winnipeg economy.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Calgary is approximately 19% higher than Winnipeg's. A single person's living cost in Calgary is around $1,881 per month, while Winnipeg costs around $1,582 a month. For a family, the monthly cost of living is about $4,575/month in Calgary and $3,549/month in Winnipeg. Food expenses per month in Calgary are about $554/month compared to $474 per month in Winnipeg.

After taxes, the average monthly salary in Calgary is $4,161 compared to $2,323 in Winnipeg, which helps to cover some differences in the average cost of living. A one-bedroom apartment in Downtown Calgary costs about $958 a month, while outside of downtown, the cost is about $813/month. In Winnipeg, a downtown apartment costs about $721, and an out-of-town apartment costs $688 monthly. Utility bills between the cities are roughly the same, as are internet expenses and mortgage rates.

Detached homes in Calgary list for an average price in the mid-$600s, while single-family homes in Winnipeg average in the high $300s. On average, condos in Calgary list in the mid-$300s, while Winnipeg's average is in the low $200s.

Job Market

Winnipeg and Calgary both have different appeals for people looking for a job. Calgary's tech industry is a significant driver of the economy and a huge hiring source, attracting many new residents. New, emerging digital technologies provide exciting opportunities alongside Calgary's long-standing energy industry.

On the other hand, Winnipeg's job market is more focused on business and administration jobs, along with natural and applied sciences. The arts scene in Winnipeg also draws in more artistic types, like painters, dancers, and musicians, who come to the city to learn more about their craft and pursue their passion.

Top Industries & Biggest Corporations

Winnipeg has an immense aerospace centre that draws in many scientific professionals. There are also large agricultural industries at work, with life sciences and biology also being a large draw for the city. The business sector offers careers in finance, administration, supply chain management, and more. Employers like Caisse Financial Group, Canada Life Assurance Company, Payworks Inc., and RTDS Technologies are major employers in the Winnipeg area.

In Calgary, the major industries are technology and computer sciences. There are over 700 start-up companies in the area and over 100 corporate head offices, which is more than any other city in Canada per capita. The tech industry has made its home in Calgary's City Centre, making a major impact on the labour market and the supporting industries within the region. Companies like Deloitte, Amazon, KPMG, IBM, and Accenture are all major employers within the Calgary region. The city is also world-famous for its thriving energy, oil, and environment sectors.

Understanding key differences between the economies of different areas helps people understand why their city is unique and what potential job opportunities there are in each region of Canada. It also helps you understand the costs when you move to a new area and what you can do to prepare for an increase or decrease in the average cost of living from where you previously lived.

Calgary Commutes vs. Winnipeg Commutes

Another major factor that people need to know before moving to a new place is how to get where they need to go. Understanding what traffic you can expect during rush hour and what different public transportation options you have can help guide you in your decision-making and prepare you for what you can expect once you've moved to a new city.

Traffic Patterns and What to Expect During Rush Hour

As a major city with a large population, residents can expect traffic when driving in Calgary during the morning or afternoon rush hours. Knowing the most-used roads can help you understand how to get around quickly, and knowing the weather conditions can also impact your driving. Major roads include Highway 2, Highway 201, Alberta Highway 1, and Highway 8. The rush hour is typically between 7:30 and 9:30 a.m. and from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. The average commute time is 27 minutes, which is lower than most major cities in North America.

As Winnipeg is smaller, the traffic tends to be less intense, though there's still congestion during rush hours. However, it is important to note that there are no urban freeway networks throughout the city, so people need to use suburban roads to travel around. Traffic builds up during typical rush hours: 7:30–9:30 a.m. and 3:30–5:30 p.m.

Public Transportation

Calgary's public transportation system helps to lower traffic congestion and reduce commute times. The Calgary Transit and Access Calgary systems help people get around the city by train and bus. There is a light rail transit system called the CTrain and around 170 bus routes. Access Calgary offers a special service for people with disabilities to help them get where they need to go. Nearly 50% of the workforce uses Calgary Transit each day.

On the other hand, Winnipeg has no light rail transit system, and most residents have their own vehicles. There is a bus system called Winnipeg Transit that can be used, and Downtown Spirit provides free transportation between different areas in downtown Winnipeg. Residents can also use ride-share apps and taxi services to help them get to their final destinations.

Best Suburbs in Each City for Short Downtown Commutes

Finding a suburb near the major cities and downtown areas is a great way to reduce commute times and the travel you need to take to get home or to work. The city of Chestermere is one of the best suburbs for short commutes to Downtown Calgary. Prospective residents can also consider homes in Airdrie or the Okotoks community for easy commutes.

In Winnipeg, the Headingley suburb provides the closest connections to downtown Winnipeg, which helps residents quickly travel to where they need to go and avoid the complicated street system that can slow down the average commute and take time to get to their final destination.

When you move to a new area, one of the most confusing factors is the traffic and transportation. Without this knowledge, it can be challenging for new residents to find their way around and feel at home in a new city. Understanding this information allows you to easily transition into your new region and get where you need to go.

Things to Do in Calgary vs. Winnipeg

There's an abundance of things to do in Calgary, from its vibrant culture to the wide-ranging outdoor recreational opportunities. Winnipeg, on the other hand, has its own unique set of attractions and activities. These different activities impact where you want to move and what types of activities you can expect to find once you reach a new area. When you have something to do in a new city, you can adjust to the area quickly and become a part of the community.

Outdoor Activities

Calgary's outdoor activities take place throughout every season. Things like skiing and snowboarding are popular during winter, with many ski resorts near Calgary catering to residents and visitors alike. Dog sledding is another unique activity to the area that you won't find in every city. You can watch races or learn how to mush on your own.

In the summer, Calgary's hiking and biking trails are huge draws, as are paddle sports on the Bow River. Nose Hill Park, Fish Creek Provincial Park in South Calgary, and Prince's Island Park in the Eau Claire neighbourhood are popular options for outdoor spaces.

Winnipeg has many outdoor green spaces and parks to wander around and explore. There are paved trails for running, biking, and water sports like kayaking and canoeing. There are also different zoos to keep you busy and some of the oldest forests in the Manitoba province to walk through and admire. While Winnipeg is in a flat region that doesn't enable downhill skiing, cross-country skiing is a popular activity that can be enjoyed in countless areas around the city.

Sports

Sports lovers in Calgary will find no shortage of great teams, from the NHL's Calgary Flames to the Calgary Football Club and the CFL's Calgary Stampeders. The Flames play at the Scotiabank Saddledome, which is located in the Victoria Park neighbourhood just outside of downtown. The Stampeders, on the other hand, play at McMahon Stadium in Northwest Calgary. There are also many minor leagues and recreational sports leagues that sports fanatics can join.

The NHL's Winnipeg Jets are the biggest team in the city. They also have various recreational leagues for football, basketball, and winter sports for residents who want to get out and put it all on the field.

Nightlife

As a major city, Calgary has plenty of nightlife opportunities to provide vibrancy and excitement for residents. Nightlife in Calgary's Beltline neighbourhood is among the best in the city and includes restaurants, bars, clubs, and other options to entertain residents year-round.

In Winnipeg, places like Bar Italia, Cargo Bar, Club 200, The Good Will Social Club, and more entertain residents throughout the year with great drinks, fantastic food, and fun dancing and live music opportunities.

Arts & Culture

Calgary and Winnipeg both offer vibrant arts and culture scenes with unique opportunities to explore. Institutions like the Glenbow Museum and the Alberta Ballet showcase visual arts, history, and dance in Calgary. The city also hosts the annual Calgary Stampede, the world's largest outdoor rodeo. For music enthusiasts, the Calgary Folk Music Festival is held annually in Prince's Island Park, one of Calgary's best parks.

Winnipeg is home to the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Manitoba Museum, and Canadian Museum for Human Rights, offering rich artistic and educational experiences. Festivals like Folklorama celebrate the city’s multicultural heritage through performances and exhibits. Both cities are cultural hubs with dynamic art scenes.

Is Calgary or Winnipeg Right For You?

No matter where you choose to move, there are always changes you need to expect and prepare for to feel fully at home once you've reached your new city. Moving to Calgary could be the right choice if you're looking for a larger urban area with tech jobs and proximity to the Rockies. If you value a lower cost of living and more wide-open spaces, Winnipeg may be for you. Whether you join the tech center in Calgary or the aerospace scene in Winnipeg, there will always be a place that works best for your wants and needs.