Relocation guide

Moving to
Calgary.
Everything you need.

Calgary is one of Canada's fastest-growing cities — and one of the most underappreciated. Whether you're relocating from Vancouver, Toronto, or internationally, this guide gives you an honest picture of life in Calgary and how to find your place in it.

Shanna has helped many families relocate to Calgary — in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese.

How Calgary compares

Calgary vs. Vancouver vs. Toronto.

Factor

Calgary

Vancouver

Toronto

Avg. detached price

$747,800

$1,800,000+

$1,500,000+

Land transfer tax

$0 (none)

$13,000+

$11,000+

Provincial income tax

None (Alberta)

Yes

Mountains

1 hr to Banff

1–2 hrs (Whistler)

5+ hrs

Avg. commute

24 min

42 min

54 min

Sunshine days/yr

333 days

164 days

215 days

Foreign buyer tax

None

20%+

25%

Crime index

Lower than national avg

Moderate

Find your community

Shanna's featured communities for newcomers.

All six communities have established international communities, excellent schools, and strong resale values. Click any community for the full profile.

SW Calgary

West Springs

Avg. $913K · All types

Walkable villageTop schools

SW Calgary

Cougar Ridge

Avg. $860K · Detached

Ranked #9Downtown 15 min

Avg. $808K · Detached

Newer buildsRavines

NW Calgary

Nolan Hill / Sage Hill

Avg. $625K / $485K

Best valueModern builds

When you arrive

Your Calgary arrival checklist.

First 30 days

Get an Alberta driver's licence — required within 90 days

Apply for Alberta Health Care (AHCIP) — 3-month wait for new residents

Open a Canadian bank account if you don't have one

Get a Canadian SIN if applicable

Update your address with CRA

Set up Alberta utilities: ATCO (gas), ENMAX or Direct Energy (electricity)

Building credit in Canada

A Canadian credit history is important for mortgage qualification. Start building it as soon as you arrive:

Open a Canadian credit card — secured card if necessary

Set up a utility or phone bill in your name

Pay all balances in full monthly

Don't close old accounts — length of history matters

Ask your bank about newcomer credit programs

Shanna can connect you with mortgage brokers who specialize in newcomer financing — including options for those without Canadian credit history

Relocating to Calgary?

Shanna has helped many families relocate to Calgary from BC, Ontario, and internationally. She can walk you through every step — in English, Mandarin, or Cantonese.

Talk to Shanna Explore communities

Moving toCalgary.Everything you need.

Calgary vs. Vancouver vs. Toronto.

Shanna's featured communities for newcomers.

Your Calgary arrival checklist.

Relocating to Calgary?

Stay one step aheadof the market.

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Moving to
Calgary.
Everything you need.

Stay one step ahead
of the market.