Pros and Cons of Living in Calgary
Last updated on Mar 01, 2025
Summary: The pros of living in Calgary, Canada include its vibrant culture, diverse population, and abundance of outdoor activities. Calgary is also known for its low cost of living, making it an attractive option for those looking to save money. Additionally, the city is home to a number of universities and colleges, making it a great place to pursue higher education. The cons of living in Calgary include its cold winters and the fact that it can be difficult to find affordable housing. Additionally, the city is prone to flooding due to its location near the Bow and Elbow Rivers. Furthermore, Calgary is a car-dependent city, so those without a vehicle may find it difficult to get around.
What are the pros and cons of living in Calgary?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Calgary responded:
"Expats and digital nomads living in Calgary appreciate the city's vibrant culture, diverse population, and abundance of outdoor activities. They also enjoy the city's low cost of living, which makes it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the cold winter months and lack of public transportation to be drawbacks," said one expat in living in Calgary, Canada.
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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
William RussellWilliam Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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What do expats in Calgary appreciate most about the local culture?
"Expatriates in Calgary appreciate the city's friendly and welcoming atmosphere. They also enjoy the city's vibrant cultural scene, with its many festivals, events, and attractions. The city's diverse population and its proximity to the Rocky Mountains also make it an attractive destination for expats. Additionally, the city's low cost of living and its strong economy make it an ideal place to live and work," said one person in Calgary.
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
What do expats find most challenging?
"Expats in Calgary often find it challenging to adjust to the local culture due to the city's relatively small size and the fact that it is not as diverse as other major cities. Additionally, the cold weather and long winters can be difficult to adjust to for those coming from warmer climates. Furthermore, the cost of living in Calgary is relatively high, making it difficult for expats to find affordable housing and other necessities. Finally, the local culture can be quite conservative, which can be difficult for those coming from more liberal backgrounds," explained one expat.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.