Moving From Toronto to Calgary: 10 Differences Between Life in 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 the nuances of living in both 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 $600s, 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 seeking affordable housing 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 is 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 affordable option for those seeking affordable housing.

Calgary’s real estate market is stable, with single, detached homes typically staying on the market for an average of 35 days. Homes in Toronto tend to sell slightly faster, usually within 26 days. This slight difference suggests that both real estate markets are robust and offer ample opportunities 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 average is 35 minutes, partly due to its higher population density, which impacts traffic congestion.
• Toronto offers an extensive public transport system, including buses, subways, and streetcars, providing residents with a variety of commuting options.
• Calgary provides a more affordable monthly public transport ticket, contributing to its lower cost of living compared to 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 semi-arid and is influenced by Chinook winds, which bring sudden warm spells during the winter months. In contrast, Toronto has a continental climate influenced by the Great Lakes, resulting in more stable weather conditions year-round.

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 by providing a platform to showcase diverse global traditions. Calgary offers 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 year-round.

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 in terms of outdoor activities and natural attractions, Calgary offers proximity to the Rocky Mountains, making it a haven for hiking, camping, and mountain biking. The pristine lakes near Calgary, many of which are located in the Rocky Mountains, offer great opportunities for fishing and water recreation. On the other hand, Toronto boasts a beautiful waterfront along Lake Ontario, providing residents with access to water-based activities and 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 offer a peaceful escape with beaches and bike trails, making them 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 offers ample outdoor recreation areas for relaxation and scenic views. 

On the other hand, Toronto showcases its natural beauty along Lake Ontario, offering activities such as waterfront recreation and urban park exploration. Toronto boasts more than 1,400 parks, allowing residents to enjoy outdoor activities and access attractions such as 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.

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 offer great options for graduates of 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 program, supplemented by 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, aiming 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.

Job Market Comparison

Home to Canada’s largest economic hub, Toronto employs thousands of professionals in the financial, technology, and life sciences sectors. Other key industries include film and TV production and food and beverage.

Some of the biggest, internationally recognized companies in Toronto include Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, PayPal, and IBM, attracting a wide range of employees with diverse backgrounds and skillsets.

Workers earn an average hourly wage of $31.33; higher than in Calgary's average hourly wage ($28.00), which is in line with its higher cost of living. 

With its diverse economy, Calgary attracts many professionals throughout a range of industries, most notably, professional and business services. The landscape is supported by trade, transportation, leisure, hospitality, education, health, and, to a lesser extent, finance and manufacturing.

Three of Calgary’s highest-revenue companies are Cenovus Energy, Imperial Oil Ltd., and Suncor Energy Inc., each producing roughly $50 billion in revenue. Other major companies are Alberta Health Services and the University of Calgary.

Economic 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.

Calgary’s unemployment rate is 6.8%, and Toronto’s is 8.9%. Toronto offers an average monthly salary of around $3,800, while jobs in Calgary pay an average salary of $3,600 per month.

Moreover, Toronto's GDP is $450 billion, compared to Calgary's $54.4 billion, indicating Toronto’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 than Toronto.

Overall Quality of Life Comparison

As Canada’s largest city, Toronto’s abundant offerings, from museums and galleries to entertainment venues, mean there’s no shortage of 24/7 year-round activities. It also has an extensive transit system, ensuring convenient travel throughout the city to its various landmarks and vibrant neighbourhoods, such as downtown Toronto.

By comparison, Calgary also has lots to offer residents, but its smaller size and more laid-back vibe make it a better choice for those who still want urban amenities but at a slightly slower pace of life. Where Calgary does outperform Canada, however, is in its robust outdoor and sports culture and its access to the Rocky Mountains. Another plus is its reputation as one of the world’s cleanest cities. 

Calgary & Toronto Offer Unique Advantages

Overall, comparing Calgary and Toronto shows 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 contribute to 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.