Cost of Living in Calgary, Alberta
Since January 2021, residents of Calgary have faced significant increases in rent, groceries, and everyday expenses. Here's what the data shows.
📍 Calgary at a Glance
- •Fastest-rising rents in Canada — up 52% since 2021
- •No provincial income tax but high rent growth
- •Gasoline up 40% — no provincial carbon levy
Alberta Cost Breakdown
Provincial figures apply across Alberta. City-specific data noted where available.
How Calgary Compares to the National Average
| Category | Calgary / Alberta | Canada (National) |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (2BR) | +52% | +35% |
| Food prices | +26.5% | +26.3% |
| Shelter CPI | — | +33.2% |
| Overall inflation | — | +18.7% |
🏛️ Who's Responsible?
Cost of living is shaped by decisions made at all three levels of government. Housing affordability, taxation, transit, and local services are all within the power of elected and appointed officials.
Have you experienced these cost increases?
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Rate Calgary Public ServantsSource: Statistics Canada, CMHC. Baseline: January 2021. Last updated: July 2026. Figures represent cumulative change Jan 2021–Jul 2026. Provincial averages applied where city-specific data is unavailable. Full methodology →