Cost of Living in Alberta (2025)
The cost of living in Alberta is 95% of the national average (Canada average = 100). Housing, utilities, food, transportation, and healthcare costs all contribute to the overall cost of living index.
Quick Answer
The cost of living in Alberta is 95% of the Canada average. Housing costs 92% of the national average, utilities 100%, food 98%, transportation 98%, and healthcare 92%.
Key Takeaways
- The cost of living in Alberta is 5% lower than the Canada national average (index: 95 vs. 100).
- Housing in Alberta is 8% less expensive than the national average.
- A salary of C$65,000 in Alberta has the purchasing power of about C$68,421 in an average-cost Canada area.
Cost of Living Breakdown
| Category | Alberta Index | Canada Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 95 | 100 | -5% |
| Housing | 92 | 100 | -8% |
| Utilities | 100 | 100 | 0% |
| Food | 98 | 100 | -2% |
| Transportation | 98 | 100 | -2% |
| Healthcare | 92 | 100 | -8% |
Base: Canada average = 100. Values above 100 indicate above-average costs.
Calculate Your Budget in Alberta
Use our free calculators to estimate your salary, mortgage, and taxes in Alberta.
Alberta Cost of Living Overview
The cost of living in Alberta is 95% of the national average, meaning residents pay approximately 5% lower for goods and services compared to the typical Canada household.
For context, a household earning the Alberta average salary of C$65,000 per year has an effective purchasing power of about C$68,421 when adjusted for national cost differences.
Housing Costs in Alberta
Housing is typically the largest expense for households, and in Alberta it is 8% below the national average (index: 92).
Use our mortgage calculator to estimate monthly payments based on current interest rates and home prices in Alberta.
Utilities, Food, and Transportation in Alberta
Beyond housing, the main cost categories in Alberta are:
Utilities (index: 100): Below the national average by 0%. Food (index: 98): 2% below the national average. Transportation (index: 98): 2% below the national average. Healthcare (index: 92): 8% below the national average.
Salary vs. Cost of Living in Alberta
The relationship between salary and cost of living is essential for financial planning. The average salary in Alberta is C$65,000 per year. When adjusted for the cost of living index of 95, this salary provides a standard of living equivalent to earning approximately C$68,421 in a typical Canada city.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Alberta?
The cost of living in Alberta is 95% of the Canada average, meaning expenses are 5% lower than the typical household.
How much does housing cost in Alberta?
Housing in Alberta has a cost index of 92 (national average: 100), making it 8% less expensive than the national average.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Alberta?
Based on the cost of living index of 95, you would need approximately C$68,421 in Alberta to maintain the same standard of living as the national average salary.
How does Alberta cost of living compare to other regions?
Alberta's cost of living index of 95 places it lower than the Canada national average.
Sources
- Government statistics, Canada
- Cost of living research data, Canada
- National real estate data, Canada
Last updated: June 2026