Affordable living and
a high quality of life
Build wealth and enjoy a high quality of life.
High average wages combined with a low cost of living makes Alberta a great place to live.
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 as well as low utilities costs 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 make sure 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 in Canada. (A measurement of the quality of life that considers average life expectancy, education and gross income.)
Bragg Creek, Alberta
© Travel Alberta Photo by Roam Creative
Access to affordable, quality office space
Not only is it affordable to live in Alberta, but commercial real estate is also 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.
Commercial Real Estate Net Rental Rates Across Canada
Low cost of living
In Alberta, there is no provincial sales tax 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 a variety of other services. Albertans also have access to a quality public school system with international rankings (PISA, 2018).
Higher incomes
On average, Albertans enjoy a higher family income than in other parts of the country. In 2019, the median household income in Alberta was $99,400 after tax — compared to the national median $86,700.
Housing affordability
Alberta is one of the few places in Canada where it is affordable to own a house in a major city. Edmonton and Calgary have the most affordable housing markets of any major Canadian city. The average home price is $404,000 and $495,000 for a single-family detached home in Edmonton and Calgary respectively.
Unlike other Canadian cities which have seen home prices surge, Edmonton and Calgary’s are experiencing steady growth — indicating a balanced housing market.
Current Benchmark Resale Housing Prices Across Canada
Stats
$99,400
Median after-tax household income in Alberta — the highest in the country
31.30%
Share of household income needed to cover home ownership costs in Edmonton
$404,000
Average single-detached home price in Edmonton
0%
No provincial sales tax
Get more information
Please contact us for investment-related inquiries.
Aerial view of the Calgary Folk Festival and Bow River in downtown Calgary at sunset.
© Travel Alberta. Photo by Tourism Calgary