Citizens Economy Reportโ€บCitiesโ€บEdmonton
Cost of Living Report ยท 2026

Cost of Living in Edmonton, Alberta

Since January 2021, residents of Edmonton have faced significant increases in rent, groceries, and everyday expenses. Here's what the data shows.

Rent increase since 2021
+52%
~$1,280 โ†’ ~$1,950/mo (2BR)
Food prices since 2021
+26.5%
Groceries, restaurants combined
National inflation (CPI)
+18.7%
Jan 2021 โ€“ Jul 2026

๐Ÿ“ Edmonton at a Glance

  • โ€ขCapital of Alberta โ€” rent up ~52% province-wide
  • โ€ขNo provincial income tax or carbon levy
  • โ€ขFastest job growth among Canadian cities 2022โ€“2025

Alberta Cost Breakdown

Average 2-bedroom rent
Calgary avg ~$1,400 (2021) โ†’ ~$2,130+ (2025) โ€” fastest increase in Canada
+52%
Food prices (AB)
+26.5%
Gasoline (Calgary)
No provincial carbon levy after AB opt-out
+40%

Provincial figures apply across Alberta. City-specific data noted where available.

How Edmonton Compares to the National Average

CategoryEdmonton / AlbertaCanada (National)
Rent (2BR)+52%+35%
Food prices+26.5%+26.3%
Shelter CPIโ€”+33.2%
Overall inflationโ€”+18.7%

๐Ÿ›๏ธ 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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Source: Statistics Canada, CMHC. Baseline: January 2021. Last updated: July 2026. Figures represent cumulative change Jan 2021โ€“Jul 2026. Provincial averages applied where city-specific data is unavailable. Full methodology โ†’