July 2025

Building a home in Alberta is an exciting goal, but it also requires extensive financial planning. Costs can vary widely based on location, design choices, materials, and the current state of the construction market. 

You’ve decided to build in Calgary, Edmonton, or a rural part of the province, but it's important to understand where your money will go—from land and permits to finishes and labour.

Let’s break down what it typically costs to build a house in Alberta, so you can plan with confidence and avoid common surprises. Whether you're aiming for a basic build in the country or something more custom in one of Alberta’s best cities, having a realistic picture of costs will help you make smart decisions every step of the way.

Alberta Home

Living in Calgary is often associated with the Rockies, cold winters, and the Calgary Stampede, but residents have easy access to great beaches, too!

While we may be landlocked, there's an array of fantastic beaches in Calgary, along with many more just a short drive away. From artificial oases to natural lakeshores, there's something for everyone.

Whether you're looking for a kid-friendly spot with playgrounds or a tranquil escape surrounded by mountains, you'll find it near Calgary. So pack your swimsuit, sunscreen, and sense of adventure as we dive into the best beaches near Calgary, Alberta!

Calgary Beaches Cheat Sheet

• Best Sandy Beach: Sikome Lake – Calgary's only true sandy public beach
• Best Free Option: Sandy Beach Park –

Calgary is a city that most people have at least heard of before, even if they don't know exactly what Calgary is known for. People living in Calgary already know about the Olympics, hockey, and impressive views of the Canadian Rockies. But there's more to Calgary than that. It's time to set the record straight on the history and culture that's made Calgary famous.

What Is Calgary Famous For?

1. Calgary Stampede: Known as "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth," this annual rodeo, exhibition, and festival is one of Calgary's most famous events.
2. Calgary Tower: An iconic observation tower offering panoramic views of Downtown Calgary and the Rocky Mountains.
3. The Peace Bridge: A striking architectural landmark spanning the Bow River, designed by

With its stunning mountains and plains, strong job market, and dynamic cities, living in Alberta can be a dream come true. But you might wonder about the price tag of living here. 

Calgary and Edmonton offer promising careers but have higher housing costs than smaller towns. Those smaller towns, however, might not have the jobs or retail and dining options you want. Your budget needs to cover more than just rent; things like groceries, getting around, and keeping the lights on add up fast. 

Let's break down what it costs to live in Alberta.

Quick Facts About Alberta's Cost of Living

• Estimates for the average cost of living in Alberta for a single person range from $2,600–$3,500 per month
• One-bedroom apartments in Calgary cost an

With its stunning natural beauty and proximity to the Canadian Rockies, Calgary offers many opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Among its many treasures are the numerous lakes that dot the landscape, each offering a unique experience for visitors and residents alike.

From kayaking and paddleboarding to swimming and fishing, there's something for everyone. After providing the setting for many of the fun things to do in Calgary, the lakes transform into a magical tapestry of colors at sunset, creating an unforgettable experience.

A Quick Look at Calgary-Area Lakes

• Sikome Lake: Family-friendly artificial lake with a sandy beach, lifeguards, playgrounds, and concessions in Fish Creek Provincial Park.
• Chestermere Lake: Large natural lake

Alberta has become a top choice for Canadians seeking affordability, career opportunities, and a high quality of life. The best places to live in Alberta rival those of any other province, and smaller communities range from towns on the plains to stunning Rocky Mountain villages.

With no provincial sales tax, housing prices significantly lower than in cities like Toronto or Vancouver, and a robust job market spanning industries from energy to technology, Alberta offers a compelling package.

10 Reasons to Love Living in Alberta

• Strong Job Market: Alberta offers abundant employment opportunities in oil and gas, healthcare, agriculture, tech, retail, and transportation, with a minimum wage of $15/hour.
• Lower Cost of Living: Housing prices

Calgary's GlobalFest is a spectacular event that brings the world to Alberta with its vibrant cultural displays and stunning fireworks. This annual festival, one of the top things to do in Calgary every year, showcases international cultures through performances, food, and art. Visitors can enjoy multicultural pavilions, live music, and dance, all celebrating diversity.

The highlight of GlobalFest is the breathtaking fireworks competition, where countries compete to light up the night sky with dazzling displays, but that's just one aspect of this massive 5-day festival that takes place in mid-August. This guide will detail what makes GlobalFest a must-see event, including key attractions, activities, and tips for making the most of your visit.

Thinking about moving to Alberta, but not sure where you can afford to live? Let's look at the province's wealthiest cities and how it stacks up with the housing costs.

Calgary's most expensive neighbourhoods, including Hillhurst and Altadore, grew with the influx of oil and gas money. But Calgary is far from the only wealthy spot in Alberta. Places like Fort McMurray and Canmore have their own appeal—and their own price tags.

Alberta’s Richest Cities: A Quick Look

• Calgary median income hits ~$115,000, making it one of the richest cities in Canada
• Edmonton offers big city living with ~$95,000 median income and affordable homes in the $400s–$500s
• Fort McMurray has the highest paychecks in Alberta (median income ~$150,000+) thanks to

If you're considering buying a home in an Alberta neighbourhood with an HOA, it’s important to understand how these communities work. An HOA (Homeowners Association) sets rules for the neighbourhood and takes care of common areas. Once you buy a home there, you automatically join the HOA. These rules will affect what you can do with your property and how you live in the community.

Quick Tips About Alberta HOAs

• An HOA is different from a Community Association. CAs don’t have mandatory membership or fees.
• An HOA maintains shared spaces (like parks, landscaping, and entrances) using your annual fees, which often range from $100 to $1,500+
• Before buying, read the HOA rules carefully—they control what you can do with your property
• HOA

Your tenant just asked to sublet your townhouse for the last three months of their lease. Should you say yes? Can you say no? Here's everything Calgary landlords need to know about subletting requests, your legal obligations, and how to protect your property.

Quick Landlord Subletting Checklist

• You must respond to subletting requests within 14 days (or it's automatic approval)
• You can only refuse for valid reasons like bad credit or rental history
• Your tenant stays responsible for rent and damage even after subletting
• Get copies of the subletting agreement to know who's living in your property
• Check if your insurance covers subletting situations
• Review condo bylaws if applicable—they might override tenant lease terms

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