Everything You Must Know Before Moving From Quebec City to Calgary in 2023
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to move from Quebec City to Calgary in 2023? With its rich history, stunning architecture and lively culture, Quebec City is an incredible city that has something for everyone. From the cobblestone streets of Old Quebec to the iconic Château Frontenac hotel and the breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River, visitors can experience a unique blend of old-world charm and modern amenities. On the other hand, Calgary is a vibrant metropolis full of opportunities for adventure. Home to Canada’s oldest park – Fish Creek Provincial Park – as well as a bustling downtown area filled with shops, restaurants and entertainment venues, Calgary offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for natural beauty or urban vibrancy, this Alberta city won't disappoint!
Moving to Calgary from Calgary
Moving to Calgary can be a big decision. There are many factors to consider when making the move, but we have selected the five most important to keep in mind. From cost of living and benefits, to where you should live and what moving solutions are best suited for your needs - these considerations will help ensure your transition is as smooth as possible. Read on to learn more!
Cost of Living
Calgary is a large and sprawling city, with a variety of neighbourhoods to choose from. Moving between Quebec City and Calgary comes with different expenses depending on lifestyle preferences, which can be seen in the table below.
| Category | Calgary | Quebec City |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate (Production Home) | $260 per sq ft. | $155/sq ft. |
| Real Estate (Custom-Built Single- Family) | $400 / sq ft. | $288 / sq ft. |
| Housing (1 Bedroom) | $1,200 / Month. | $850 / Month |
| Housing Utilities and Insurance | $225 / Month | $200-$300 / Month |
| Transportation | $109.00 / Month for a monthly transit pass (also referred to as a 30-day pass) | $62 / Month for a monthly pass with RTC (Réseau de transport de la Capitale). |
| Car Insurance | $1,132 / Year. | $770 / Year. |
| Entertainment | $300 / Month | $150 / Month |
| Grocery Cost for 1 Person | $250 / Month | $300 / Month |
| Communication (Phone and Internet) | $90 / Month | $70-80 / Month |
| Health and Fitness | $50-80 / Month | Gym membership costs around $40-50 per month. |
| Sales Taxes | 5% / year | 15% / year |
Moving to Calgary from Quebec City can be a great decision financially. Real Estate costs in Calgary are significantly higher with production homes costing $260 per sq ft. compared to $155/sq ft. in Quebec City and custom-built single-family homes costing $400/sq ft. compared to $288/sq ft. in Quebec City. Rent is also more expensive with 1 bedroom apartments costing $1,200/month in Calgary and only $850/month in Quebec City. Utilities and insurance are similarly priced between the two locations, with housing utilities and insurance ranging from $200-$300 per month in Quebec City and $225 per month in Calgary. Transportation costs are also much lower in Quebec City, with a monthly transit pass costing around $62 compared to around $109 for a 30-day pass in Calgary. Car insurance is cheaper in Quebec City as well, at around $770 per year compared to around $1,132 per year in Calgary. Entertainment costs are also much lower, with an average of around $150 per month in Quebec City compared to around $300 per month in Calgary. Grocery costs for 1 person tend to be slightly higher in Quebec City at around $300 per month compared to about $250 per month for the same amount of groceries in Calgary. Communication costs such as phone and internet services tend to be cheaper overall in Quebec City at anywhere between $70-$80 a month compared to an average of around $90 a month for the same services in Calgary. Health and fitness memberships cost between 40-50 dollars a month on average regardless of city, though it may vary depending on location. Lastly, sales taxes are much higher overall in Quebec City at 15% compared to just 5% annually for most items sold In Calgary making it much cheaper overall when shopping or making purchases there than it is In Quebec City
Benefits of Moving to Calgary
Calgary is a bustling city with lots of amenities and attractions to offer. It boasts a strong economy and is home to a vibrant cultural life. Moreover, it is surrounded by stunning mountains that provide magnificent recreational and outdoor opportunities. Meanwhile, Quebec City's economic base is much less robust compared to Calgary's and it lacks the outdoor attractions of its western counterpart. The city also offers great sporting options, while participation in sports may be limited in Quebec City due to less access to certain facilities or equipment. All in all, moving from Quebec City to Calgary brings with it many advantages not found in the former city - making it an ideal place for someone looking for new opportunities or experiences!
Best areas to live in Calgary
Choosing a neighbourhood to live in Calgary can be a challenging task, with so many areas of interest to consider. From neighbourhoods ideal for families, young professionals, and retirees alike; it may take some research and exploration to find the right fit. With this in mind, below are five of the best neighbourhoods in Calgary you could choose from when planning your move.
Mount Royal
Mount Royal is a vibrant, culturally diverse neighbourhood in Calgary located near the downtown core. The area is surrounded by historic sites, parks, and some of the trendiest restaurants and shops. The Mount Royal University and nearby Chinook Mall are both within a fifteen minute drive. Living in this area will offer something for everyone; whether it's taking in an outdoor concert at Olympic Plaza or simply exploring local eateries along 17th avenue. You're sure to find what you're looking for when you move to Mount Royal!
Eagle Ridge
With Eagle Ridge's beautiful parks, trails, and family activities, it is no wonder that this neighbourhood is one of Calgary's most popular. It is conveniently located close to downtown Calgary and the iconic Saddledome arena. The lively area boasts plenty of eateries, shopping options and even a movie theatre. In Eagle Ridge you will find yourself surrounded by lush nature, mesmerizing views of the mountain range and quick access to endless entertainment options to choose from! Living in Eagle Ridge means having the best of both worlds – a peaceful home life combined with bustling city life just minutes away!
Aspen Woods
Lying on the western edge of Calgary, Aspen Woods offers a desirable combination of urban amenities and natural beauty. With nearby parks that boast hiking trails and scenic views as well as cosmopolitan restaurants and nightlife just a short drive away, living in Aspen Woods offers something for everyone. With downtown Calgary just 20 minutes away by car, Winter Park ski resort 40 minutes away by car, and Banff National Park an hour-long drive north through Kananaskis Country, life in the neighbourhood can be immensely rewarding – whatever your outdoor interests are! Not to mention its friendly atmosphere due to its diverse demographics makes it one of the most desirable neighbourhoods in Calgary – perfect for those who seek tranquillity or adventure.
Britannia
Britannia, in Calgary, is well-known for its family-friendly atmosphere and diverse culture. The neighbourhood is surrounded by lush green parks and the nearby Elbow River, making it an ideal spot to live outdoorsy lifestyles. Britannia boasts a variety of amenities within a 10 minute drive - from groceries stores to shopping malls, restaurants and cafes. Those looking to live close to nature will find plenty of activities such as boating, biking and walking trails nearby. The area also provides easy access to public transit allowing residents of Britannia the convenience of getting around town quickly when needed. Above all else life in Britannia offers residents easy access to all the city has to offer while still maintaining a small town feel with its own unique character and charm.
Elbow Park
Elbow Park, one of Calgary's most prestigious residential areas, is an enclave of single-family homes located on the western bank of the Elbow River. It features a mix of old and new houses and has been home to some of Calgary's most prominent residents. There are several parks, schools, restaurants and shopping areas located within walking distance from the neighbourhood. The city centre is only a few minutes away by car and many attractions such as Canada Olympic Park, Inglewood and East Village are within a few kilometres away. From cozy coffee shops to trails along the river, Elbow Park provides a variety of amenities in one idyllic setting - perfect for those looking for a charming suburban lifestyle with all the benefits that come with living in an urban center like Calgary.
Pros
- The job market in Calgary is far more prosperous than in Quebec City, providing job seekers with increased opportunity for success.
- The taxes in Calgary are significantly lower than those in Quebec City, an advantage for those looking to move there.
- The milder climate in Calgary makes it a great choice for those looking to escape the harsh cold of Quebec City.
Cons
- Moving to Calgary may come with a steep price tag, as the cost of living is significantly higher than in Quebec City.
- Moving from Quebec City to Calgary in 2023 could mean being further away from the family and friends of your past.
- Moving to Calgary presents a stark contrast to Quebec City, as it has much less European culture.
What Are the Best Moving Solutions in Moving From Quebec City to Calgary?
The process of moving from Quebec City to Calgary can be quite overwhelming; nevertheless, there are plenty of solutions designed to alleviate this strain. Moving companies across Canada offer a range of moving services, from packing and loading to transportation and even storage. Hercules Moving Company is just one example, offering their clients personalized solutions tailored to their specific needs. There are many other great companies out there that could provide excellent moving services for those making the move from Quebec City to Calgary in 2023.
Meanwhile, it's important for customers to remember that they should conduct proper research on a company before signing any contracts. Checking the company's online reviews and whether or not they're registered with Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) are both essential steps in finding the right mover who will meet your needs and budget.
Conclusion
Summary: Moving from Quebec City to Calgary in 2023 can be an excellent decision financially. From increased real estate costs to entertainment, transportation and even grocery costs - the cost of living is lower overall in Calgary than Quebec City. Additionally, the city offers its residents a broad range of outdoor activities and opportunities, as well as attractions such as Fish Creek Provincial Park and a bustling downtown core. When making the move, it's important to pick the right neighbourhood according to lifestyle preferences while selecting a trusted moving company with good reviews is essential for helping make the transition as smooth as possible.
