Everything You Must Know Before Moving From Ottawa to Calgary in 2023
Ottawa is Canada’s capital city, with a population of over one million people. It covers an area of 2,790 square kilometres and is renowned for its many iconic landmarks such as the Rideau Canal and Parliament Hill. When visiting or living here, one can appreciate the diverse culture and warm hospitality of its citizens.
Calgary is Alberta’s largest city, with a population of 1.26 million people spread across 825 square kilometres. It has been named one of the world’s cleanest cities for several years in a row due to its commitment to energy efficiency and environmental protection initiatives. The vibrant culture here offers something for everyone - from art galleries and music festivals to outdoor activities like skiing at nearby mountains or exploring the Rocky Mountains National Park just outside the city limits!
Moving to Calgary from Calgary
Moving from Ottawa to Calgary in 2023 can be an exciting but also overwhelming experience. There are many factors to consider, but we have gathered the most essential five for your ease. From cost of living and benefits of moving, to knowing where to live and some pros and cons, right up to the best moving solutions - we have it all covered in our blog post. Read on for more detailed information!
Cost of Living
Calgary is a big city with plenty of attractions and amenities. Moving there can be exciting and a great adventure, but it is also important to keep in mind the expenses which can vary depending on lifestyle choices. To give you an idea of what to expect, below we have listed some of the differences between Ottawa and Calgary costs of living.
| Category | Calgary | Ottawa |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate (Production Home) | $285 / sq ft. | $285/sq ft. |
| Real Estate (Custom-Built Single- Family) | $382/sq ft. | $325 / sq ft. |
| Housing (1 Bedroom) | $1,347 / Month. | $1650 / Month |
| Housing Utilities and Insurance | $200-300 / Month. | $200-$300 / Month. |
| Transportation | $109 / Month for a monthly adult transit pass. | $119.50 / Month for a Presto Pass (unlimited travel on all transit services). |
| Car Insurance | $1,132 / Year. | $1000/Year. |
| Entertainment | $200/month. | $160/month |
| Grocery Cost for 1 Person | $300 / Month | $300 / Month. |
| Communication (Phone and Internet) | $90 / Month. | $90 / Month |
| Health and Fitness | $50/month. | $50-100 / Month |
| Sales Taxes | 5% | 13% |
In Calgary, housing prices are slightly lower than in Ottawa, with one bedroom units costing $1,347 per month compared to $1,650 in Ottawa. Transportation costs are also cheaper in Calgary: a monthly adult transit pass costs $109 in Calgary but $119.50 in Ottawa. For car insurance, Calgary is more affordable at around $1,132 per year versus $1,000 per year in Ottawa. Grocery and communication (phone and internet) costs remain the same between the two cities at around $90 per month and $300 per month respectively. Entertainment is slightly cheaper in Calgary at an estimated cost of $200 a month compared to $160 a month in Ottawa. Lastly, sales tax is lower in Calgary at 5% compared to 13% in Ottawa.
Benefits of Moving to Calgary
The city of Calgary has a few distinct benefits that Ottawa does not. For one, Calgary is known for its stunning mountain views, whereas Ottawa is more of a flatland. This can be especially attractive to people who love the great outdoors and getting away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Moreover, the downtown attractions in Calgary are much more exciting than Ottawa's with its art-filled districts, lively nightlife and vibrant street culture.
Meanwhile, education in Calgary is also much higher quality than that found in Ottawa with top-tier universities offering diverse courses and plenty of opportunities for graduates to find suitable jobs or start their own businesses. Furthermore, the job market offers plentiful options regardless of your background or qualifications as compared to many other parts of Canada - making it a great place for anyone looking to settle down permanently or temporarily.
Best areas to live in Calgary
Choosing a neighbourhood in Calgary can be challenging since there are many factors to consider when moving. To make the job easier for you, here we have assembled a list of the five best neighbourhoods in Calgary to suit your individual needs, from family-friendly locales to areas with great nightlife.
Aspen Woods
The Aspen Woods neighbourhood in Calgary is a dynamic community known for its diversity. With quick access to nearby amenities such as the Calgary Zoo, theatres and shops, there's something for everyone here. Plus, you don't have to go far from the neighbourhood to enjoy views of the Rocky Mountains or downtown skyline. Located close to transit options and other effective infrastructure, living in Aspen Woods offers easy access to all corners of the city. With so much diversity, culture, attractions and convenience all rolled into one- this is sure to be an ideal home base for anyone looking for a great place in Calgary!
Elbow Park
Moving to Calgary's Elbow Park Neighborhood gives you plenty of opportunities. Located near the Bow River, Elbow Park is a lush neighborhood with beautiful parks and gardens, stylish architecture and close proximity to all of downtown Calgary's attractions. Within walking distance from the nearby restaurants and pubs, movie theaters and entertainment venues, Elbow Park offers its residents easy access to the city without sacrificing comfort or convenience. With a range of housing options for all budgets, there is something for every taste here – making it an ideal place for those looking for an urban living experience in one of Canada’s most vibrant cities.
Britannia
Britannia is an old neighbourhood in Calgary that dates back to the late 1800s. Its residents are a mix of young professionals, students and families with generations of history in the area. Britannia has been recently revitalized, attracting new business and residents alike. With a local shopping centre nearby, the shops and restaurants of downtown Calgary just minutes away, and plenty of outdoor activities such as Bow Habitat Station or Weaselhead Park nearby, Britannia is ideal for those looking to experience city life within easy reach of nature. Moving to Britannia gives you quick access to all that Calgary has to offer while still being part of a vibrant community with a rich cultural history.
Mount Royal
Mount Royal is one of Calgary’s renowned neighborhoods, boasting a variety of activities and beautiful views. Situated between the popular Calgary Tower and the Elbow River, it is conveniently close to many attractions. The area also offers a quick commute to downtown, with the option for leisurely walks along the Bow River pathways. Residents are never too far from culture, with numerous art installations, galleries and music venues in close proximity. Living in Mount Royal promises an exciting mix of city life blended with access to nature - ideal for those looking for an urban adventure!
Eagle Ridge
Moving to Calgary in 2023? You'll want to experience the vibrant community of Eagle Ridge! Located in the north east section of the city, Eagle Ridge is a community bursting with energy and life. With local shops, restaurants, and parks just minutes away by car — and Canada's Rockies mere hours away — you won't ever be short on things to do here. Residents of Eagle Ridge enjoy a close-knit community with plenty of amenities and attractions within reach. Enjoy a peaceful suburban lifestyle while still having easy access to all that modern-day Calgary has to offer!
Pros
- The milder climate in Calgary is a welcome reprieve from the frigid winters of Ottawa.
- The lower unemployment rate in Calgary compared to Ottawa makes moving there an attractive prospect.
- A major advantage when moving from Ottawa to Calgary is its lower overall cost of living.
Cons
- Moving to Calgary from Ottawa can be a turn-off for some, as the city is notoriously known to have higher levels of pollution.
- Moving to Calgary, while offering more career opportunities, usually brings longer commute times than in Ottawa.
- Moving to Calgary from Ottawa in 2023 may bring its own set of challenges, such as a higher crime rate than the former city.
What Are the Best Moving Solutions in Moving From Ottawa to Calgary?
Moving from Ottawa to Calgary can seem a time-consuming and complicated process. Fortunately, many professional moving companies are available to help make the transition as smooth as possible. Moving companies like Hercules Moving Company provide door-to-door services that take care of packing, loading, transport, and unpacking. They can also handle extra large items such as pianos or art pieces depending on the company's capacity. Meanwhile, if customers only need help with loading or unloading their own truck for an Ottawa to Calgary move; there are options for that too! There is a plethora of providers in this field so it is important to do research on which ones offer the best service at the most cost effective rate. Moreover, customers should always check that their mover is registered with Canadian Association of Movers (CAM), ensuring industry standards are being met for quality assurance and safety compliance.
Conclusion
Moving to Calgary from Ottawa in 2023 can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience, but with the right guidance, you can make it a smooth transition. With its stunning mountain views and lively nightlife, Calgary has plenty to offer for people of all ages and backgrounds. In addition to its vibrant culture, the city also boasts a variety of top-tier universities that offer diverse courses and plentiful job opportunities. Depending on your budget and lifestyle choices, housing costs in Calgary are slightly lower than in Ottawa. You should carefully choose the area you want to live in; whether it's family friendly or nightlife centric - there is something for everyone! Lastly, when making such a big move make sure to hire the best moving solutions like Hercules Moving Company that specializes in door-to-door services for Ottawa - Calgary moves.
