The average rent for a 1-bedroom in Calgary is approximately $1,700/month in 2026. Combined with Alberta’s no-PST advantage and strong job market, Calgary offers solid value among major Canadian cities.
Average Rent by Unit Type
| Unit Type | Average Rent | vs. National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,300 | -7% |
| 1-Bedroom | $1,700 | -6% |
| 2-Bedroom | $2,100 | -5% |
| 3-Bedroom | $2,600 | 0% |
Rent by Neighbourhood
| Neighbourhood | 1-BR Avg | 2-BR Avg | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown/Beltline | $1,800 | $2,300 | Urban core, walkable |
| Mission | $1,750 | $2,200 | Trendy, shops |
| Kensington | $1,700 | $2,100 | Central, charming |
| Bridgeland | $1,650 | $2,000 | Up-and-coming |
| NW (University area) | $1,600 | $2,000 | Near U of C |
| NE Calgary | $1,400 | $1,800 | Most affordable |
| SE (Mahogany, Cranston) | $1,600 | $2,000 | New communities |
| SW (Marda Loop) | $1,700 | $2,100 | Family-friendly |
| Airdrie (suburb) | $1,400 | $1,800 | Affordable, growing |
| Cochrane (suburb) | $1,500 | $1,900 | Mountain views |
Income Needed
| Unit Type | Monthly Rent | Gross Income Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,300 | $52,000/year |
| 1-Bedroom | $1,700 | $68,000/year |
| 2-Bedroom | $2,100 | $84,000/year |
| 2-BR (shared) | $1,050/person | $42,000/year each |
The Alberta Advantage
| Benefit | Impact |
|---|---|
| No PST (only 5% GST) | Save ~$1,500–$3,000/year vs. Ontario/BC |
| Lower provincial income tax | Save $1,000–$3,000/year |
| No health insurance premium | Free (unlike BC/Ontario) |
| Lower gas prices | Save $500–$1,000/year |
| Total advantage | $3,000–$10,000/year more in your pocket |
Bottom Line
Calgary offers strong rental affordability at $1,700/month for a 1-bedroom, plus Alberta’s tax advantages put thousands more in your pocket compared to Ontario or BC. With a growing tech sector and proximity to the Rockies, it’s a compelling option for Canadians priced out of Toronto and Vancouver.
See our average rent in Canada or cost of living Calgary for more details.
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