Why Alberta / Affordability

Affordable living and a high quality of life

Build wealth and enjoy your community.

There’s a reason why the province is one of the most affordable places in Canada. Albertans enjoy high average wages; the lowest income tax brackets in the country; and low housing prices in its two major cities, Edmonton and Calgary. Plus, there’s public healthcare and a quality public education system so we ensure you only have to spend your money on what matters to you.

Add that all together and its clear why Alberta has the highest Human Development Index (HDI) in Canada.

Bragg Creek, Alberta

Photo Credit: © Travel Alberta by Roam Creative

Low cost of living

In Alberta, there is no provincial sales tax (PST), payroll tax or health premium and a low personal income tax. While residents of every other province pay up to 10%, Albertans only pay the 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) paid by all Canadians.

The province provides health coverage — giving Albertans access to hospitals, clinics, physicians, and other services. Albertans also have access to a quality, internationally ranked public school system.

Higher incomes

On average, Albertans enjoy the highest weekly earnings and a higher family income than in other parts of the country. In 2020, Albertans earned $1,251 weekly and Alberta families had the highest median after-tax income in Canada at $104,000 compared to the national median of $66,800.

Housing affordability

Alberta is one of the few places in Canada where it’s affordable to own a house in a major city. In fact, both Calgary and Edmonton rank among the top 10 most affordable housing markets in the world. The average home price is $455,050 and $596,000 for a single-family detached home in Edmonton and Calgary respectively.

Unlike other Canadian cities which have seen home prices surge, Edmonton and Calgary are experiencing steady growth — indicating a balanced housing market.

Access to affordable, quality office space

Not only is it affordable to live in Alberta, but commercial real estate is very reasonably priced. Alberta’s major cities have lots of high-quality commercial space available and the lowest downtown office Class A rental rates in the country.