Everything You Must Know Before Moving From Toronto to Calgary in 2023
Are you planning to move from Toronto to Calgary in 2023? Making a big move like this is a major life decision and requires careful consideration. Toronto, the capital of Ontario, is the most populous city in Canada with an estimated population of over 2.7 million people and an area of 630 square kilometers. It's a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with world-class art galleries, museums, music festivals, sports events, and nightlife.
Calgary is Alberta’s largest city with an estimated population of over 1.2 million people spread across its 726 square kilometers. It's known for its breathtaking natural scenery including the Rocky Mountains nearby and stunning views along the Bow River valley throughout the city limits. With plenty of shopping opportunities at Chinook Centre Mall or 17 Avenue SW it's easy to stay entertained while living in Calgary!
Moving to Calgary from Calgary
Moving from Toronto to Calgary can be a big step for anyone, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. There are many things to consider when planning such a significant move, but we've identified five key areas that should be top of mind: cost of living, benefits of moving, where to live, pros and cons, and best moving solutions. With the right information and planning in place, you'll be ready to make your move!
Cost of Living
Calgary is the largest city in Alberta and one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in Canada. Moving to this great city involves researching and budgeting your lifestyle choices – expenses can range widely depending on how you plan to live. To help make things easier to understand, let's take a look at the cost of living comparison between Toronto and Calgary below.
| Category | Calgary | Toronto |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate (Production Home) | $310/sq ft. | $400 / sq ft. |
| Real Estate (Custom-Built Single- Family) | $300 / sq ft. | $1000 / sq ft. |
| Housing (1 Bedroom) | $1,200 / Month. | $2500 / Month |
| Housing Utilities and Insurance | $200-300 / Month | $190-$290 / Month |
| Transportation | $109.00 / Month, Monthly Adult Transit Pass. | $156 / Month for a Monthly TTC (Transit) Pass. |
| Car Insurance | $1,132 / Year. | $1500 / Year |
| Entertainment | $150 / Month | $300 / Month |
| Grocery Cost for 1 Person | $300 / Month | $400 / Month |
| Communication (Phone and Internet) | $100 / Month. | $80 - $100 / Month |
| Health and Fitness | $60-80 / Month | $70-100 / Month |
| Sales Taxes | 5% / GST (Goods & Services Tax) | 13% / Year |
Moving to Calgary from Toronto brings significant cost savings. Real estate is much less expensive in Calgary - production homes cost around $310/sq ft. compared to $400/sq ft. in Toronto, while custom-built single family homes cost $300/sq ft. in Calgary and $1000/sq ft. in Toronto. Monthly housing costs are significantly lower too, with a 1 bedroom renting for around $1,200 per month in Calgary as opposed to $2,500 in Toronto. Utilities and insurance also cost less each month, coming in at around $200-$300 compared to the $190-$290 range of Toronto. Transportation is also much cheaper with an adult transit pass costing just $109 per month compared to the monthly TTC pass which costs around $156 per month. Car insurance is cheaper too, at just over a thousand dollars per year compared to the monthly rate of around $1500 for Toronto residents. Entertainment and communication (phone and internet) are also more affordable in Calgary with monthly entertainment costing about 150 dollars a month and phone and internet costing between 100-120 dollars a month compared to 300 dollars for entertainment and 80-100 dollars for communication/internet for Toronto residents. Groceries are slightly cheaper too; about 300 dollars a month compared to 400 per month in Toronto. Finally, health and fitness expenses come in slightly lower as well with costs ranging from 60-80 dollars compared to 70-100 dollars per month in Toronto. Sales taxes are also significantly lower here at 5% GST (Goods & Services Tax) instead of 13% HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) that is paid by Torontonians
Benefits of Moving to Calgary
Calgary is a great city to move to as it offers many benefits that Toronto does not. For starters, Calgary is known for its cleanliness, with low crime rates and vibrant cultural scenes. Moreover, access to outdoor activities and strong economy makes this city a great option for those looking for a change of scenery. Meanwhile, Toronto has seen its share of crime in the recent years and doesn't offer nearly as much outdoor activities as Calgary does. Therefore, moving to Calgary can prove beneficial in many different ways which may be hard to find in Toronto.
Best areas to live in Calgary
Choosing the right neighbourhood in Calgary can be quite challenging. This is due to the fact that the city has a variety of great areas with their own vibrant character. To make your move an enjoyable one, we have compiled a list of neighbourhoods in Calgary that are both attractive and convenient for families and young professionals alike.
Mount Royal
Mount Royal is one of Calgary's most sought-after neighbourhoods. It is a beautiful residential area with tree-lined streets, stunning city views and plenty of green space. There are numerous nearby attractions, including the iconic Calgary Tower, Glenbow Museum and vibrant 17th Avenue District. With a range of activities on its doorstep, Mount Royal offers easy access to great shopping and dining options as well as an array of outdoor activities such as biking, running and hiking trails. Residents can enjoy all the city has to offer while still experiencing a peaceful atmosphere right outside their doorways. Living in Mount Royal truly provides the best of both worlds—the bustling city life without sacrificing peace and quiet.
Roxboro
Roxboro is a thriving neighborhood located in northwest Calgary. Here, you can find a diverse population that embraces culture, art, and music. The area is close to local attractions such as the Calgary Zoo and Fort Calgary Park, while still offering an escape from city life with nearby parks like Bowness Park. For those commuting to downtown or airport, the C-Train line has easy access from Roxboro Station. If you're looking for an exciting place to live with plenty of nearby entertainment options and green space, Roxboro may be the perfect spot for your new home!
Elbow Park
Moving to Elbow Park in Calgary is an exciting prospect for many. The area is known for its beautiful tree-lined streets and cozy houses. It's also conveniently located near popular attractions like the Calgary Zoo, Heritage Park, and Fish Creek Provincial Park. Residents here will find themselves conveniently close to entertainment options like restaurants, bars, and shopping malls as well. Living in Elbow Park offers a unique combination of peacefulness and proximity to some of Calgary's best sights - all at once!
Britannia
Britannia, located in Calgary, Alberta is one of the most diverse and dynamic neighbourhoods in Canada. It boasts a population of 20,000 people which has embraced many different cultures. The neighbourhood has many attractions nearby such as the Chinook Centre shopping mall and Heritage Park Historical Village. The area also offers access to outdoor activities such as fishing and camping at Fish Creek Provincial Park as well as winter sports like skiing at Mount Norquay ski resort. Living in Britannia one can enjoy the convenience of stylish restaurants and cafes, convenient transportation links and a vibrant community atmosphere . With its many recreational activities, great public facilities and friendly neighbours this neighborhood is an ideal place to call home.
Aspen Woods
Aspen Woods is a vibrant Calgary neighbourhood, known for its tall trees, lush green parks and outdoor activities. Located just to the northwest of downtown Calgary, this community has something for everyone with plenty of amenities within a walking distance or even biking distance. Boasting plenty of shops, dining options and retail stores, Aspen Woods provides easy access to city attractions like Prince's Island Park and the Calgary Zoo without sacrificing peace and privacy. The community also offers excellent schools nearby as well as numerous recreational facilities like golf courses or extensive trails that make it a great place to move in 2023. Living in Aspen Woods means having an active lifestyle surrounded by beautiful nature while still being close enough to enjoy all the advantages that a big city can offer.
Pros
- The lower cost of living in Calgary compared to Toronto is a huge advantage for those considering a move.
- The advantage of moving from Toronto to Calgary is that you will have easy access to the majestic Rocky Mountains.
- The warmer summers in Calgary compared to Toronto can make the transitioning easier and more pleasant.
Cons
- The harsh winters in Calgary make every season more difficult than Toronto's milder climate.
- A downside of making the move from Toronto to Calgary in 2023 is that some industries may offer fewer job opportunities.
- Moving to Calgary from Toronto may mean a decrease in cultural and social diversity, as the population is not nearly as varied.
What Are the Best Moving Solutions in Moving From Toronto to Calgary?
Moving from one city to another is an exciting yet challenging venture. With the right combination of planning and preparation, relocating from Toronto to Calgary can be a seamless journey. Therefore, it is crucial to find the best moving solutions that cater to one's needs.
Most companies offer comprehensive service packages including packing, loading and transport services, as well as storage solutions during transit. Hercules Moving Company is just one example of the many options available in the market when it comes to moving home or business items across Canada. Meanwhile, some companies may provide additional services such as pet relocation and car shipping options for an extra fee.
To ensure a smooth and successful move, remember to always check for references online regarding any company's reputation along with its Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) registration status. This will help towards making an informed decision about which company can give quality service that suits individual requirements at mark-worthy prices.
Conclusion
Moving to Calgary from Toronto is a great life decision thanks to the big cost savings; cleanliness, low crime rates and vibrant cultural scenes; access to outdoor activities and strong economy. There are many moving companies in Calgary, it's important to choose the right one. To explore all factors of moving you should consider good neighbourhoods, pros and cons and best moving solutions before planning a move.
