Moving From Toronto to Calgary: 10 Differences Between Life Calgary vs Toronto

When comparing Calgary and Toronto, key differences emerge. These differences include everyday essentials like rent, commute times, and overall climate. Both cities boast vibrant cultural scenes, outdoor activities, and quality education and healthcare systems. Before moving to Calgary or planting your roots in Toronto, discover more nuances of living in the two cities. 

Calgary vs. Toronto: Quick Tips

• Calgary offers more affordable housing options and lower living costs compared to Toronto.
• Toronto provides a more extensive public transport system with slightly higher average salaries.
• Calgary boasts a shorter average commute time and a lower unemployment rate.
• Toronto features a more diverse cultural scene and a higher GDP.
• Calgary has proximity to the Rocky Mountains for outdoor activities.

Housing Affordability & Real Estate Market

The real estate market in Calgary is significantly more affordable than in Toronto. The average price for a home in Calgary is in the mid- to high $500s, while in Toronto, it's nearly double at $1.1 million. This substantial price difference in housing makes Calgary a more attractive option for potential homebuyers looking for affordable homes in Canada.

Condos in Calgary typically list from the $100s to the $600s, while the average price for condos in Toronto is nearly $700,000. Moreover, Calgary doesn't impose a separate land transfer tax like Toronto, which further reduces the overall cost of purchasing a home in the city. This financial advantage can make a significant difference for those looking to invest in property without the added burden of additional taxes.

For renters, Calgary also proves to be a more budget-friendly choice. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Calgary is around $1,800, compared to Toronto's average of approximately $2,400. This disparity in rental costs makes Calgary a more accessible option for those seeking affordable housing solutions.

Calgary’s real estate market showcases stability, with single, detached homes typically staying on the market for an average of 15 days. In contrast, homes in Toronto tend to sell faster, usually within 13 days. This slight difference suggests both real estate markets are robust and provide ample opportunity for buyers and sellers.

Commuting & Transportation Options

Comparing commuting and public transportation options in Calgary and Toronto reveals notable differences in average commute times and affordability.

• Calgary boasts a shorter average commute time of around 26 minutes, while Toronto's commute averages 35 minutes, partly due to its higher population density impacting traffic congestion.
• Toronto offers an extensive public transport system, including buses, subways, and streetcars, providing residents with various commuting options.
• Calgary provides a more affordable monthly public transport ticket, contributing to its lower cost of living versus Toronto.
• Calgary experiences peak rush hour between 7:30 and 9:30 a.m., aligning with typical North American commuting patterns, while Toronto's congestion can cause longer commutes during peak hours.

When considering commuting and transportation, Calgary's shorter commute times and affordable public transport options present advantages for residents compared to Toronto.

Climate & Weather Variances

Calgary and Toronto exhibit distinct seasonal patterns and temperature ranges. Calgary experiences cold winters with temperatures dropping to around -10°C, while Toronto tends to have milder winters. Toronto's warm season typically lasts approximately 3.5 months, slightly longer than Calgary's 3.3 months.

Calgary's climate is classified as semi-arid and is influenced by Chinook winds, which provide relief during the winter months by bringing sudden warm spells. In contrast, Toronto has a continental climate influenced by the Great Lakes, resulting in more stable weather conditions throughout the year.

Entertainment & Cultural Scene

Exploring the entertainment and cultural scene of these two dynamic cities allows one to immerse oneself in artistic and recreational offerings. Toronto stands out for hosting prestigious events like the Toronto International Film Festival, attracting film enthusiasts worldwide. Additionally, culinary events like Winterlicious showcase the city's vibrant food culture.

Calgary’s festivals, in particular the Calgary Stampede and GlobalFest, are world-renowned. The Stampede is a celebration of Western heritage that includes rodeo events and live music. Cultural events like GlobalFest further enhance Calgary's appeal, providing a platform for showcasing diverse global traditions. Calgary provides a laid-back vibe for nightlife activities, focusing on local talent and community events that foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie.

Both cities boast a rich arts scene, featuring museums, galleries, and theatres that cater to varied interests. Toronto shines with its eight major league sports teams, offering sports enthusiasts entertainment options throughout the year.

Whether you prefer attending film festivals and culinary showcases or immersing yourself in Western heritage and community events, Toronto and Calgary offer an enriching blend of entertainment and cultural experiences for residents and visitors alike.

Outdoor Activities & Natural Attractions

When comparing Calgary and Toronto regarding outdoor activities and natural attractions, Calgary offers proximity to the Rocky Mountains, making it a haven for hiking, camping, and mountain biking enthusiasts. The pristine lakes near Calgary, many located in the Rocky Mountains, provide great opportunities for fishing and water recreation. On the other hand, Toronto boasts a beautiful waterfront along Lake Ontario, providing residents with access to activities by the water and in urban parks.

Each city showcases unique natural beauty and recreational opportunities, catering to different outdoor preferences and interests.

Calgary Parks

Calgary's vast expanse of green space and numerous parks offer a wide array of outdoor activities and natural attractions for residents and visitors. With over 8,500 hectares of parkland, Calgary's best parks provide ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. The stunning views of the Rocky Mountains from Calgary's parks make them ideal for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying nature.

Residents and visitors can partake in river rafting on the Bow River or explore the extensive network of trails and pathways that wind through the parks. Whether it's biking, birdwatching, or simply taking a stroll, Calgary's parks provide a peaceful escape from urban life, inviting individuals to immerse themselves in the beauty of the natural surroundings.

Toronto Waterfront

The Toronto waterfront offers outdoor activities and natural attractions for visitors and residents alike. You can enjoy sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding along the waterfront. Accessible by ferry, the Toronto Islands provide a peaceful escape with beaches and bike trails, offering a perfect retreat from the city hustle.

The Harbourfront Centre is a cultural hub that hosts events, concerts, and markets, adding vibrancy to the waterfront scene. The Waterfront Trail, stretching along Lake Ontario, is ideal for a stroll, jog, or bike ride.

The stunning views of the city skyline and the iconic CN Tower make the Toronto waterfront a picturesque destination for all. Whether you seek relaxation, adventure, or cultural experiences, the Toronto waterfront has something to offer every visitor.

Outdoor Adventures

Calgary's hiking trails, the Rocky Mountains, and plentiful open spaces great for camping make for tremendous outdoor activity potential. Additionally, Calgary provides ample outdoor recreation space for relaxation while enjoying scenic views. 

On the other hand, Toronto showcases its natural beauty near Lake Ontario, offering activities like waterfront leisure and urban park exploration. Toronto boasts more than 1,400 parks, allowing residents to partake in outdoor activities and access attractions like Niagara Falls.

Calgary's best golf courses, proximity to the Rockies, and vast parkland provide significant outdoor appeal. Toronto provides diverse outdoor activities near Lake Ontario and numerous urban parks. Both cities offer natural beauty and recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to appreciate.

Calgary vs. Toronto: Education & Healthcare Systems

If you're moving to Calgary from Toronto, you'll find top-ranked universities and excellent learning opportunities in both cities. Access to healthcare services differs between Calgary's AHCIP public system and Toronto's leading hospitals and community health centers. Evaluating education quality and healthcare accessibility will provide insight into the strengths of each city's systems.

Education Comparison

Comparing the education quality between Calgary and Toronto reveals significant differences in their respective systems and opportunities. The University of Calgary, located in Northwest Calgary, and Mount Royal University, located adjacent to the Altadore neighbourhood, are recognized throughout the nation. They provide great options for those graduating from the city’s robust K–12 education system. 

Most K–12 schools in Calgary are administered by the Calgary Board of Education, which is the public school board, and the Calgary Catholic School District. There’s also a smaller French language school board, The Southern Francophone Education Region No. 4. 

On the other hand, Toronto features prestigious universities, diverse school choices, and a multicultural learning environment. The Toronto District School Board serves the city and provides various educational opportunities. 

Healthcare Accessibility Evaluation

Exploring the healthcare accessibility in both Calgary and Toronto sheds light on the differences and strengths of their respective systems and services.

Calgary's healthcare system features the AHCIP public healthcare system, supplemented by the option for private health insurance. The city has made strides in enhancing the availability of family doctors and ensuring quality healthcare services for its residents.

On the other hand, Toronto stands out for its leading hospitals, research institutions, and community health centers, providing accessible healthcare to its population. Toronto's healthcare system emphasizes preventive care and patient education and aims to promote overall well-being and disease prevention.

Both cities offer a diverse range of healthcare options tailored to meet the varied needs of their residents, contributing to their communities' overall health and wellness.

Overall Quality of Life Comparison

Several key factors affect the overall quality of life between Calgary and Toronto.These include employment rates, average salaries, cost of living, and economic output.

Both Calgary and Toronto have unemployment rates of around 7%. Toronto offers an average salary of around $3,800 per month, while jobs in Calgary offer an average salary of $3,600.

Moreover, Toronto's GDP is $450 billion compared to Calgary's $54.4 billion, indicating the city’s larger economic output. Despite Toronto's economic prowess, Calgary's cost of living is approximately 18% lower than Toronto's, offering residents a more affordable lifestyle overall.

When considering these factors collectively, Calgary presents a compelling case for a better quality of life with stable employment, affordable living costs, and a more balanced economic environment compared to Toronto.

Calgary & Toronto Offer Unique Advantages

Overall, when comparing Calgary and Toronto, it's clear that both cities offer unique advantages and opportunities for residents. Factors such as housing affordability, transportation options, climate, entertainment, outdoor activities, education, and healthcare all play a role in determining the overall quality of life in each city.

Ultimately, the decision between Calgary and Toronto will depend on individual preferences and priorities, as both cities have distinct appeals.

If you're interested in Calgary real estate, contact Justin Havre Real Estate Team with eXp Realty with Calgary Homes at (403) 217-0003 to get in touch with a local real estate agent who can help you find your Calgary dream home today.