Your heart will lead you to your perfect home in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³», with so many neighbourhoods and styles of homes to choose from.
From sky-high condos to lake community homes, centuries-old houses by the river to modern inner-city infills, you can build a vibrant life in a home you love – in one of the top 10 most livable cities in the world.
Affordability of Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» homes
Compared to other big cities across Canada and the world, the cost of living is lower in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³». In a global index comparing cost of living among major cities, Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» has the lowest cost of living compared to the five Canadian cities – Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver – included in the index (Mercer 2023 Cost of Living City Ranking).
Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» affordabilityAverage rental prices in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»
Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» is still one of the most affordable rental markets in Canada. Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» remains more affordable than Vancouver or Toronto with the average monthly rental price of $1,736 for a one-bedroom in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³», as of May 2024.
Home purchase prices in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»
You can purchase your dream home in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³», because your money goes further here. Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» has the second-lowest average home purchase price compared to other major Canadian cities, making it a great city for young professionals and families to purchase a first home.
The benchmark home purchase price in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» as of May 2024 was $577,100. The purchase price for a home in Vancouver or Toronto was more than double the price of a home in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³».
Ready to take the next step? Jump to our Buying a home in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» section.
Did you know?
Canadian experts recommend spending no more than 30 per cent of your income on housing costs: either renting or mortgage payments.
Choose your community in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»
Before you look to buy or rent a home in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³», you may want to consider which community makes the most sense for your lifestyle! The city offers a wide variety of housing choices at different price points, and each community has its own unique vibe.
Understanding Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»â€™s four quadrants
The four quadrants in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» each have something unique to offer. It may help to narrow down the quadrant you and your family are interested in, before selecting your top communities of choice.
Renting in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»
Whether you’re looking for a condo, townhome or home to rent, there are a few ways to search rental properties in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³».
Local tip:
and are the most popular sites for finding a rental, however locals may also recommend checking Facebook Marketplace and connecting directly with buildings you’re interested in.
Alberta has a Residential Tenancies Act that sets rights and responsibilities that apply to tenants. It’s helpful to be familiar with the Act to prevent misunderstandings and potential disagreements.
What to consider when renting a home in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»:
Rental Agreement
Before choosing a home, understand which utilities are included (electrical, water, wifi), which utilities need to be set up in your name, if pets are allowed, if there are rental increase provisions, if you are allowed to make minor alterations to the space (painting, hanging pictures, etc.), if parking is included and if it has an additional cost, how to access mail, how garbage, compost and recycling is dealt with, who is responsible for repairs and maintenance, and who is responsible for property taxes.
Terms
Make sure you understand your rental terms. Consider your term length, security deposit and what it takes to get your deposit back.
Insurance
Once you secure your rental, get Tenant Insurance to insure your items. Some rentals may require you to show proof of Tenant Insurance.
For condos
If you’re renting a condo, make sure to ask if condo fees are included in the rent or if they are extra. Ask to review the Condominium Documents - specifically the Bylaws - so you understand the rules and regulations you’re required to abide by.
Buying a home in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»
Buying a home is a big decision for you and your family, and a milestone to be celebrated. Realtor.ca features all homes available for purchase in the city and surrounding area. When home is where the heart is, find your heart in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³».
Does this sound like you?
If you are looking to make the move, we are ready to welcome you to Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» and connect you with the resources you need to build a life here.
Settle in to Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»