Are you considering relocating to Calgary? Well, you are not alone! There are many good things that make Calgary a great place to move to, including its proximity to the Rocky Mountains and the yearly Stampede. Calgary is Canada’s fourth most populated city, with over 1.6 million citizens, and it is increasing year after year. It is no wonder why so many people want to live in Calgary as the local economy is rather stable and provides multiple opportunities to its residents.
Should You Move to Calgary? Things You’ll Love
There are several reasons to apply for an AAIP Alberta and enjoy living in Calgary, including a dynamic real estate market, a strong economy, and outstanding health care. Cowtown, as it is frequently referred to, is rich in Western culture, which any John Wayne or Sam Elliott enthusiast would enjoy. If you’re searching for a new home, come discover what it’s like to live in Calgary.
#1 — Low Cost of Living
Did you know that Alberta has a cheaper cost of living and greater salaries? At the same time, the province has the highest median after-tax income in Canada. Calgary’s consumer costs, including rent, are 12.95% cheaper than Toronto’s and 16.35% lower than Vancouver’s. This allows you to plan your budget better.
#2 — Low Sales Tax
Another financial advantage of living in Calgary is that Alberta does not impose a provincial sales tax. That’s correct — if you relocate to the province, you’ll just have to pay a 5% Federal Goods and Services Tax, putting more money in your pocket than in other provinces! Just for reference, other jurisdictions, such as Ontario, Quebec, and the Atlantic provinces, charge sales taxes of up to 15% (combined federal and provincial rates).
#3 — Pocket-Friendly Real Estate & Rental Prices
Calgary provides excellent value for those wanting to buy or rent a house. In general, costs are much cheaper than in other big cities such as Toronto and Vancouver. On average, purchasing a condo or house in Toronto would cost 154% more than in Calgary. When compared to Calgary, Vancouver condos cost 172% more and homes cost 241% more.
At the same time, renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center would set you back about $1,711 per month. This is $784.00 less than the typical one-bedroom rental in Toronto and $942.00 less in Vancouver. The prices will help you save more in the long run and use your budget with the maximum benefit for you.
#4 — Great Place to Work
Calgary has plenty of career options! It is home to 118 of Canada’s biggest company offices, a dynamic film industry, and the heart of Canada’s oil and gas sector. Calgary also draws individuals with a strong entrepreneurial spirit and has one of the highest self-employment percentages in Canada. Another interesting fact about Calgary is that it has the highest per capita concentration of millionaires in Canada.
While you may be aware of Calgary’s oil and gas connections, the city has lately switched to being considered a tech powerhouse, receiving major companies such as Google, Amazon, and IBM. In the future years, it is expected that $7.5 billion will be spent on online transformation technologies such as cloud, big data, blockchain, and others. These funds will be distributed across aerospace, agriculture, creative industries, energy and the environment, financial services, interactive digital media, life sciences, technology, and transportation and logistics.
#5 — Excellent Health Care
In 2018, Alberta Health Services was named one of the top five most integrated systems in the world. The province offers an outstanding healthcare plan called the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP), which is free to citizens. It includes a list of essential medical and health care services, such as home care! You qualify for this coverage if you meet the below requirements.
To be eligible for permanent residency in Alberta, you must be legally entitled to be in Canada and make your permanent home there. You must also be physically present in Alberta for at least 183 days per year and not claim residency or receive benefits in another province, territory, or country. Additionally, you must not be a tourist, transient, or visitor to Alberta, as determined by the regulations. If you are not insured by AHCIP, Alberta has a wide range of private health insurance choices that may be evaluated upon arrival.
Are You Ready to Move to Calgary?
Within the four quadrants and 14 wards, Calgary’s top communities actually have something for everyone. This city has gone a long way from its modest origins as a homesteading paradise, becoming an important hub for energy and other sectors. Every season in this city has something to offer, whether it’s picnicking or skiing in one of the many lovely parks. Calgary is definitely a place that everyone can call home, with its strong economy, pocket-friendly prices, and unlimited employment opportunities.