Everything You Must Know Before Moving From St. John's to Calgary in 2023
Have you ever thought about moving from St. John's, a city with a population of just over 100,000 people located on the East Coast of Canada, to Calgary in the Canadian Prairies? St. John's is home to many historical sites and buildings which reflect its cultural heritage. People who visit this city often feel like they are transported into a special place with its unique architecture and vibrant culture.
On the other hand, Calgary is one of Canada's most dynamic cities, home to over 1 million people and some of the world's best urban amenities. It also has stunning natural beauty such as parks, rivers, mountains and more! Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or someone who prefers big city living, Calgary provides something for everyone - making it an ideal destination for those looking for a change in scenery.
Relocating to Calgary from St. John's
When preparing for a big move across Canada, there are many factors to consider, but we have gathered the five most important: Cost of Living, Benefits of Moving, Where to Live, Pros and Cons, and Best Moving Solutions. By taking these into account ahead of time, you can ensure a smoother transition upon your arrival in Calgary.
Cost of Living
Moving to Calgary can be a big step—the city sprawls across over 5,000 square kilometres and has one of the highest populations in Canada. Of course, living expenses will vary depending on your lifestyle, but here is a helpful table that compares the cost of living in St. John's and Calgary as you plan your move.
| Category | Calgary | St. John's |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate (Production Home) | $240/sq ft. | $200 / sq ft. |
| Real Estate (Custom-Built Single- Family) | $ 290 / sq ft. | $224 / sq ft. |
| Housing (1 Bedroom) | $1,100 / Month | $950 / Month |
| Housing Utilities and Insurance | $200-$300 / Month | $250 / Month. |
| Transportation | $109 / Month, Calgary Transit Pass. | $58 / month for a Metrobus pass. |
| Car Insurance | $1,132 / Year | $850 / Year |
| Entertainment | $300/month | $50 / Month |
| Grocery Cost for 1 Person | $300 / Month | $300 / Month |
| Communication (Phone and Internet) | $122 / Month | $80 / Month |
| Health and Fitness | $55 / Month | $50 / Month |
| Sales Taxes | 5% / No Provincial Sales Tax | 15\% |
Moving to Calgary from St. John's can be a great decision for those looking for a change in scenery and cost of living. Production homes in Calgary are much more expensive than those in St. John's, with the average price per square foot being $240 compared to $200 in St. John's. Custom-built single-family homes are also pricier in Calgary, at $290 per square foot versus $224 per square foot. Monthly housing costs are higher too, at around $1,100 in Calgary compared to just under $950 in St. John's. However, utilities and insurance tend to be more affordable in Calgary, costing between $200-$300 a month compared to the flat rate of $250 a month for St. John’s. Public transportation is significantly cheaper in St. John’s with a Metrobus pass costing only $58 per month versus the cost of a Calgary Transit Pass at around $109 per month. Car insurance is also cheaper in St. John's at an estimated yearly fee of $850 compared to the yearly fee of over $1,100 charged by insurers in Calgary. Entertainment is much more expensive in Calgary with an average monthly rate of around $300 compared to just over half that figure ($50) for St. John’s residents while grocery costs and fitness/health club fees remain the same regardless of which city you live in - with an average cost of about $300 and around $50 respectively each month for both cities; The only major difference between the two cities is sales taxes: 5% for Calgary but 15% for Newfoundland & Labrador province which includes St. Johns city too .
Benefits of Moving to Calgary
Moving to the cosmopolitan city of Calgary has many advantages that can be hard to come by in St. John's. In Calgary, job opportunities are plentiful and diverse, from high tech businesses to local retail outlets. Moreover, Calgary boasts lower taxes and a wider range of recreational activities compared to St. John's; there are countless outdoor attractions including skiing, snowboarding, hiking and more! Meanwhile, the cultural scene in Calgary is also remarkable with quality healthcare facilities available too. Quality restaurants are prominent throughout the city with unique flavors for all palettes – definitely something you won't find in St. John's!
Best areas to live in Calgary
Choosing the right neighbourhood in Calgary can be a challenging task. With so many communities to choose from, making the best decision is not always easy. When relocating, it's important to research the neighbourhoods that might suit your lifestyle and needs. Below is a list of the five best areas to live in Calgary.
Mount Royal
Mount Royal is an affluent neighbourhood located in Calgary, Alberta. It is named after the triple peaked hill located in the neighbourhood and also holds a significant historical significance in the city. Surrounding it are many historic sites, including downtown Calgary and other attractions such as Eau Claire Market, Prince's Island Park and more. There are many stores and restaurants within walking distance from Mount Royal, making it easy to explore the area at leisure. The closest attractions like Stampede Park, Calgary Zoo and TELUS Spark Science Centre are just a short drive away; public transportation is also available for sightseeing needs. Life at Mount Royal will be busy but exciting; people of all ages can find something that suits their interests - whether its historical gems or outdoor activities - this neighbourhood will provide an unforgettable experience for everyone!
Britannia
Moving to the Britannia neighbourhood of Calgary in 2023 is a great option for anyone looking to start fresh and find a place with plenty of opportunity. Situated on the north side of Calgary, Britannia is an up-and-coming area full of character and charm surrounded by parks, schools and a range of outdoor activities. The downtown core is only 6 km away, making it easy for residents to access all the amenities that this major city has to offer. Living in Britannia also means being able to enjoy numerous different cultures within walking distance from your home – from Vietnamese restaurants to Latin American bakeries – creating an exciting multi-cultural atmosphere full of entertainment options. The vibrant energy brought by these businesses combined with convenient access points make Britannia an ideal location for those looking for an energetic living atmosphere just outside the hustle and bustle of downtown life!
Elbow Park
Located on the Elbow River near downtown Calgary, Elbow Park is a serene neighbourhood known for its wide streets and beautiful green spaces. It is surrounded by numerous popular attractions such as the Calgary Zoo, The Glencoe Club, Repsol Sport Centre and Royal Canadian Legion Park. The quickest way to reach these attractions is to walk or cycle - approximately 10-15 minutes away. An ideal neighbourhood for those who seek a tranquil atmosphere with plenty of outdoor activities just around the corner, Elbow Park offers an opportunity to experience life in one of Canada's most diverse cities while embracing both nature and culture.
Eagle Ridge
Calgary's Eagle Ridge neighbourhood is an exclusive area of town, with some of the highest property values in the city. It's surrounded by parks and nearby recreational sites, along with easy access to downtown Calgary via public transit. Attractions like Calaway Park and Canada Olympic Park are all within a ten-minute drive from Eagle Ridge, while convenient shopping and dining spots can be found just moments away. Living in Eagle Ridge offers a unique combination of urban convenience, suburban comfort and outdoor recreation - perfect for those seeking a quieter way of life without having to sacrifice on attractions or amenities.
Aspen Woods
Aspen Woods is a vibrant neighbourhood in Calgary, Alberta and one of the most affluent areas in the city. It's surrounded by verdant parks and greenspaces with top-notch amenities within walking distance. In Aspen Woods, you are only moments away from downtown Calgary and a short drive will take you to some of the city's main attractions such as Prince’s Island Park, Chinatown or East Village. Living in this area provides a mix of urban convenience with quick access to outdoor activities, nearby shopping centers and entertainment venues. For those looking for change without leaving their comfort zone behind, Aspen Woods is an ideal destination for relocation!
Pros
- The move from St. John's to Calgary is an excellent chance to take advantage of all the diverse opportunities available in a big city.
- The lower unemployment rate in Calgary compared to St. John's makes it an advantage when moving from one city to the other.
- The proximity to the Rocky Mountains offers an advantage to those moving from St. John's to Calgary in 2023, providing a stunning backdrop for exploring the great outdoors.
Cons
- The high cost of living in Calgary can put a strain on your budget compared to St. John's.
- The cold winters in Calgary can be a challange to acclimatise to compared to the moderate climate of St. John's.
- Moving from the coastal city of St. John's to Calgary, far from the ocean, can feel like a disconnect for some.
What Are the Best Moving Solutions in Moving From St. John's to Calgary?
After researching about the moving process from St. John's to Calgary, it becomes evident that there are several moving solutions available for individuals looking to relocate. Moving companies provide a wide range of services such as packing, loading and unloading the truck, transport of heavy furniture and careful handling of delicate items. Hercules Moving Company is just one example of a reputable company offering these services with quick turnaround times and competitive prices. Furthermore, there are plenty of other local companies in the region that offer great deals on both residential and commercial moves. Meanwhile, it is important to remember to check out any potential company’s reputation online and make sure they are registered with Canadian Association of Movers (CAM). With this information in hand you can be sure you will have a stress-free move from St. John's to Calgary in 2023!
Conclusion
Relocating to Calgary from St. John's offers many benefits, with lower taxes and a wider range of recreational activities compared to St. John's being two major factors that make this move attractive. There are countless neighbourhoods to explore, each offering different amenities, culture and atmosphere suitable for every lifestyle need. When planning the move it is important to consider all the pros and cons, as well as research all available moving solutions such as hiring a reliable moving company or doing the move yourself. By taking all these factors into consideration, one can ensure a successful relocation from St. John's to Calgary in 2023!
