Everything You Must Know Before Moving From Calgary to London in 2023
Have you ever dreamed of moving from Calgary to London? Do you want to know everything about it before you make the move in 2023? Then look no further!
Calgary is a vibrant city located in Alberta, Canada with a population of over 1.3 million people. It is home to some amazing landmarks, such as the world's largest mall - The West Edmonton Mall, and Canada Olympic Park which was used during the 1988 Winter Olympics. Visiting Calgary allows one to experience an incredible combination of nature and urban living while enjoying its renowned hospitality and cultural diversity.
London is situated on the junction of Thames River in Ontario province with a population of nearly 400 thousand people. This historic city has been around since 1826 and has blossomed into an energetic place full of life and culture. Tourists flock here for its stunning architecture, parks like Victoria Park or Covent Garden Market, as well as for its unique art galleries, shops and restaurants that line the streets.
Moving to London from London
Moving to London from Calgary can be a complex process with a lot of factors to take into consideration. We have carefully curated the most important 5 moving considerations - Cost of Living, Benefits of Moving, Where to Live, Pros and Cons and Best Moving Solutions - so that you can have an easier time when planning your journey. Read on for more information!
Cost of Living
With its varying lifestyles and sizes, London is one of the most expensive cities in Canada to move to. Moving from Calgary to London requires being aware of the several differences between these two cities, especially when it comes to expenses, which can drastically vary depending on your specific lifestyle. To get a better understanding of these differences, have a look at the table below.
| Category | London | Calgary |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate (Production Home) | $476/sq ft. | $400 / sq ft. |
| Real Estate (Custom-Built Single- Family) | $405/sq ft. | $388 / sq ft. |
| Housing (1 Bedroom) | $2,100 / Month. | $1,200 / Month. |
| Housing Utilities and Insurance | $300 / Month | $250 - $350 / Month. |
| Transportation | $135.40 / Month for an Oyster card which provides unlimited rides on buses, trams, the underground, and most National Rail services within Zones 1-9. | $109.00 / Month for an Adult Monthly Transit Pass. |
| Car Insurance | $900 / Year | $1,132 / Year |
| Entertainment | $80 / Month | $210 / Month |
| Grocery Cost for 1 Person | $400 / Month | $300 / Month. |
| Communication (Phone and Internet) | $30-70 / Month | $105 / Month |
| Health and Fitness | $80-150 / Month for gym memberships. | $50-80 / Month |
| Sales Taxes | 20% | 5% |
Living in London is more expensive than Calgary in almost every category. Real estate prices are higher, with production homes costing $476/sq ft. compared to Calgary's $400/sq ft., and custom-built single-family homes being $405/sq ft. in London and $388/sq ft. in Calgary. The cost of rent for a 1 bedroom is dramatically higher in London at $2,100/month compared to Calgary's $1,200/month. Additionally, monthly housing utilities and insurance costs are around $300/month in London but range from $250-350/month in Calgary. Monthly transportation costs are also significantly higher in London at $135.40 for an Oyster card compared to $109 for an Adult Monthly Transit Pass in Calgary. Car insurance costs an average of about $900 per year for London whereas it is about $1,132 per year for Calgary drivers. Entertainment expenses tend to be less expensive in London at around $80 per month compared to around $210 per month in Calgary, while grocery costs are slightly less expensive at about $400 per month versus approximately $300 per month respectively. Communication (phone and internet) is much cheaper in London with plans ranging from 30-70$ per month versus around 105$ a month for Calgary residents and health and fitness tend to be more affordable as well with monthly memberships costing between 80-150$ monthly versus 50-80$. Lastly, sales taxes are much lower in Calgary at 5% compared to 20% in London.
Benefits of Moving to London
Moving from Calgary to London can provide a range of advantages that one cannot find in Calgary. Firstly, the cultural diversity in London is remarkable and there are countless ways to engage with different cultures, compared to Calgary's limited options. Moreover, London offers world-class entertainment such as theatres, concerts and other forms of live performances. Meanwhile, public transport is easily accessible and the city is well-connected by an extensive transportation network whereas one might spend more money on private transport in Calgary. Last but not least, job opportunities abound in London while they may be scarce back in Calgary. Therefore moving to London definitely has its merits when considering various aspects of life!
Best areas to live in London
Selecting a neighbourhood in the sprawling city of London can be an intimidating and challenging task. There are hundreds of vibrant and diverse areas to choose from, making it difficult for potential movers to determine which part of the city would be most suitable for their needs. To make the process easier, here is a list of five neighbourhoods that could offer an ideal home for those relocating from Calgary to London in 2023.
Mayfair
The vibrant and bustling neighbourhood of Mayfair is situated in the heart of London and is home to some of the city's most exclusive shops, restaurants and galleries. Surrounded by bustling streets, green parks, high-end boutiques and charming cafes, Mayfair offers residents a variety of activities within walking distance. With Hyde Park just five minutes away and popular attractions like Buckingham Palace nearby, no trip to London would be complete without a visit to this area. Living in Mayfair provides its residents with plenty to explore - there’s something for everyone! From outdoor markets to the art galleries around Regent Street or simply relaxing with a cup of tea in one of the many cafes - there’s always something interesting happening here.
Knightsbridge
Knightsbridge is an affluent London neighborhood located in the borough of Kensington and Chelsea. It's home to a variety of luxury boutiques, upscale restaurants and several world-renowned attractions. The neighborhood is surrounded by parks such as Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens and Brompton Cemetery, providing peaceful natural retreats for locals and visitors alike. From Knightsbridge, popular attractions like Buckingham Palace and Piccadilly Circus are just a short walk away; alternatively, one can travel further afield via nearby tube stations or on one of the area's iconic double Decker buses. Living in this vibrant area provides locals with easy access to all the joys that London has to offer while still offering its own unique culture bursting with history and modern splendor.
Belgravia
Belgravia is one of the most affluent residential areas in London, home to some of Britain's wealthiest families. It is surrounded by parks and gardens, contemporary art galleries and museums, as well as many shops, pubs, and fine-dining restaurants. The area is conveniently located near Hyde Park Corner and Victoria Station with easy access to transportation. Living in Belgravia gives you the feeling of being part of a tight-knit community while also being close to all the hustle and bustle that Central London has to offer. Enjoy walks around well-manicured gardens during your morning commute or unwind after work at a local pub before coming home for a peaceful night's rest.
Chelsea
Chelsea is the second largest neighbourhood in London and is home to a diverse population of over 35,000 people. The area has numerous transportation links and is surrounded by parks and amenities such as theatres, restaurants, bars, shops and galleries. The closest attractions are just a few minutes' walk away from the neighbourhood's boundaries. Chelsea provides an exciting lifestyle for those looking for an active urban adventure - perfect for young professionals wanting to live close to the action.
Notting Hill
Notting Hill is a classic neighborhood in London, England known for its colourful buildings, boutique shopping and vibrant lifestyle. It's conveniently located right next to Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens — perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors! The West End entertainment district is just a short stroll away as well, so you'll have easy access to all the great restaurants, theatres and nightlife this city has to offer. Plus, Notting Hill Gate Station is only minutes away from your doorstep — making it simple get around town or explore further afield. Moving to Notting Hill means that you'll be living in the heart of one of London’s most iconic neighborhoods – surrounded by an abundance of culture, history, green space and plenty of places to relax after a long day. It's truly an unforgettable experience!
Pros
- In London, the cultural variety and diversity is much greater than in Calgary, enabling those who move there to experience a new environment and explore different cultures.
- With its extensive and reliable public transportation system, London is a much better choice for people moving from Calgary who want to commute conveniently.
- The history and architecture of London make it an ideal destination for those looking to experience something different from what they could find in Calgary.
Cons
- The higher cost of living when moving from Calgary to London can make settling into the new city an expensive endeavor.
- The weather in London is less consistent than that in Calgary, making it a more unpredictable place to live.
- Moving to London from Calgary means being further away from family and friends, making it difficult to maintain relationships.
What Are the Best Moving Solutions in Moving From Calgary to London?
Moving from Calgary to London can be a great adventure, but it doesn't have to be intimidating. Most professional moving companies in Canada offer a wide range of services including packing, loading, unloading and transporting your belongings. Hercules Moving Company is among the most popular providers of residential and corporate relocation services and provides all these options in an efficient and reliable manner.
Meanwhile, when searching for the right moving solution for your needs, it’s important to keep in mind that reputable movers should always register with the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) before they start operations. Therefore, make sure you verify this information before signing any contracts to ensure that you get quality service at competitive prices.
Conclusion
Summary: Moving to London from Calgary is an attractive option for many, with its stunning architecture and culture, access to high-end boutiques and restaurants and variety of job opportunities. It's important to consider the cost of living differences between these two cities, along with tips on best areas to live in London. For a smooth transition from one city to another, it is advisable to use the services of a professional moving company such as Hercules Moving Company.
