Calgary is a city in Alberta, Canada, which is in the western hemisphere. It is often called "the heart of the new west." It is located at the intersection of the Elbow and Bow rivers in the highlands of the Rocky Mountains. Because of its central role in the Canadian oil sector, Calgary has quickly become one of the country's most populous and prosperous urban centers.
There are more sunny days in Calgary than in any other major Canadian metropolis, making it a desirable place to live. In Calgary, you can enjoy the vitality of a big city and the friendliness and sense of community of a small town at the same time.
Aside from this, the city is now a center for many industries, not just oil, and farming, which brings people from all over the country. From within Alberta or from further away, there are a few things you should know in 2023 before moving to Calgary. Don't worry though, we will detail everything in this Calgary moving guide.
Moving to Calgary from the US
Do you count yourself among the millions of Americans who are considering making the big move to Canada? That's okay. Thousands of other Americans have thought along the same lines and a lot of them are considering a move to Calgary and it is easy to see why.
There are many groups and businesses in Calgary that are contributing to the city's growth as a global energy hub by developing environmentally friendly technologies and promoting the use of renewable resources. As a result of these big energy companies, a lot of new banks have sprung up. Because of this, Calgary now has one of the highest rates of self-employment and small business start-ups in the world.
Calgary is undeniably one of the best places to live in all of Canada, so anyone considering making it their permanent residence made the right choice. If you're eager to "Be Part of the Energy" in Calgary, as the city's slogan encourages, here's what you need to know:
Is Moving to Calgary a Good Idea?
The short answer to that is—yes! Moving to Calgary has many advantages over relocating to other Canadian cities. For seven years running, The Economist has recognized it as one of the world's most desirable cities due to its high quality of life metrics such as safety, health care, and educational opportunities.
For immigrants, you must prioritize finding employment and developing a long-term professional plan. In addition, you'll have to obtain and secure a suitable location for your residence in Calgary. Locating a suitable place to live in Calgary shouldn't be too challenging. If you aren't quite ready to commit to buying a home, do not worry; temporary housing options like renting are a good immediate solution.
Can an American Move to Calgary?
Yes, U.S. citizens are welcome to make Calgary their permanent residence; however, unless they formally apply for Canadian citizenship, they will continue to be considered American citizens. If you're wondering how, you're in luck. Canada has a wide variety of immigration programs to choose from.
American citizens can remain in Calgary visa-free for up to six months, giving them more than enough time to seek employment. The first step is deciding what you want out of your immigration process (education or employment) and then applying to the appropriate visa program. For those of you who are interested in relocating to this province, the provincial nominee program is an additional alternative to the more well-known express entry program.
Moving to Calgary from Toronto
Despite being a modern city, Calgary maintains a thriving traditional western culture. For example, the Calgary Stampede is a rodeo and festival honoring the city's strong work ethic and rural way of life that takes place every year in July. Many people from across central Canada and the Pacific Northwest come to attend the rodeo.
In addition, your time in Calgary will be eco-friendly and pristine. Even as its population increases, Calgary is expected to maintain a clean environment thanks to the city's many disposal initiatives. Strong penalties for pollution also play a role in encouraging locals and tourists alike to maintain a clean environment.
Calgary's population and economy have grown a lot in the last few decades, making it a popular place for people from Toronto to move to. Moving to Calgary will give you the best of both worlds, allowing you to experience both rural and urban living.
Is it Worth Moving to Calgary from Toronto?
If you're looking for peace and calm and a lower cost of living, making the move from Toronto to Calgary might be the best option for you. To kick things off, let's introduce the metropolis by its alternative moniker: the "Heart of the New West." However, the distance between Toronto and Calgary is 2,718 kilometers, so you need to prepare the move accordingly.
Alberta's thriving oil, agricultural, and retail sectors mean there are plenty of well-paying jobs and chances for professionals of all backgrounds to take advantage of once they settle there. Also, rent and fees are much cheaper in Calgary, giving you more money for other important things or necessities.
Is It Cheaper To Live In Toronto Or Calgary?
One advantage of relocating to Calgary from Toronto is that the cost of living is lower there. Some areas in Calgary, thanks to a competitive real estate market and the lack of provincial taxes, can offer relatively low-priced housing. Aside from this, there is also a broad range of recreational opportunities in Calgary.
Calgary has a higher average wage and a lower unemployment rate than Toronto, which makes it a good place to move. Since long-distance moves can cause a lot of tension, it's best to hire movers from Toronto to Calgary who will efficiently and carefully transport your belongings across the country.
Moving To Calgary From Vancouver
Moving from one city to another can be challenging because of the planning involved. You may find that the availability of goods and services that are comparable to those in your current location is greater in your prospective new destination.
There are many pitfalls along the road when moving from Vancouver to Calgary, Alberta, so careful planning is essential before making the move. The good thing, however, is that when relocating from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Calgary, Alberta, for local, household, or business reasons, many professional movers in Calgary can assist you with all of your shipping, packing, moving, and transit needs.
Is It Worth Moving To Calgary From Vancouver?
Moving from Vancouver to Calgary is truly worth it. For starters, cost of living in Calgary is lower than in Vancouver and more job opportunities. Calgary is a good option if you're interested in working in the oil and gas industry, the computer sector, or the healthcare industry. There are many opportunities in these and other areas thanks to the city's thriving job market.
One of the benefits of considering Alberta your permanent residence, beyond those already stated, is the absence of a provincial sales tax. If you relocate to Calgary, you will only be required to pay the 5% government Goods and Services Tax. Hence, moving from Vancouver to Calgary is a wise move.
Is it Cheaper to Live in Calgary Than in Vancouver?
To answer your question, living expenses in Calgary are lower than in Vancouver. Living costs in Calgary are up to 30 percent cheaper than in Vancouver, making it among the most affordable Canadian cities. Calgary offers much cheaper housing, as well as cheaper food and transit.
No matter how much money you have, the cost of living in Vancouver is definitely higher than in Calgary. But the cost of living in Vancouver is very different depending on where you choose to live, what kind of lifestyle you choose, and how much money you have. So, Calgary is definitely a fantastic option for both youthful families and those on a tight budget.
Moving from Edmonton to Calgary
When relocating from Edmonton to Calgary, Alberta, be sure to put sufficient time and effort into planning. Keep in mind that the availability of goods and services comparable to those you'll miss in your new location may be higher in your current city. Moving to a new location like Calgary can open up a whole new world of possibilities, from new places to visit and new services that simply aren't available where you currently live.
Calgary ranks among Canada's wealthiest and cleanest metropolitan areas. It also has a thriving employment market and still has relatively low housing costs in comparison to larger cities like Toronto and Vancouver, making it an attractive option for both young professionals and families.
Is it Better to Live in Calgary or Edmonton?
Residents of both cities have a high standard of living because they have easy access to a wide range of services and recreational activities. Even though Calgary is a little bit bigger than Edmonton, both cities still make it easy to get a wide range of services. They're also both very close to the Rocky Mountains, which makes for excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation.
There is no denying that each city has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, and what you need from a community is highly dependent on your specific needs. Edmonton is a fantastic option if you're looking for a sizable metropolis with a wide range of services. Calgary is a better choice if you're searching for a relatively small city with milder weather.
Is it Cheaper to Live in Calgary or Edmonton?
Edmonton has a lower cost of living than Calgary, but both cities are relatively inexpensive. While housing is more affordable here than in many other big Canadian cities, so are groceries and other necessities. However, transportation expenses, especially gas, are typically higher in Calgary than in Edmonton.
In terms of median home value, Calgary outperforms Edmonton. In Q4 2022, the typical home price in Calgary will be about $610,000, while in Edmonton it will be about $470,000.
What Should I Know Before Moving to Calgary?
Calgary's local focus is a fascinating aspect of the city and society that sets it apart from other Canadian and many American metropolises. In Calgary, brand names are often overlooked in favor of smaller, local businesses.
Aspiring business owners can take advantage of a wide variety of available resources. For this reason, Calgary is an excellent location for a startup company if you intend to start your own business. However, if you're used to shopping for well-known brands, you may be surprised to find some subtle variations.
Trusted Long Distance Movers Calgary
Calgary is a large metropolis, and getting around it can be a challenge. Can you picture uprooting your life and relocating across Alberta or even Canada? This seems like a very difficult and stressful job. However, you need not be concerned, as the following is a list of reputable long-distance moving firms that can facilitate a simple and stress-free relocation across provinces or even countries.
Calgary Pro Movers
Calgary Expert Movers offers packing and moving services for local and long-distance moves, such as those from Calgary to Strathmore and High River to Toronto. Because they tailor their services to each individual customer, you can confidently plan your move weeks in advance while giving the movers plenty of time to prepare.
In addition to helping people move to Calgary, they also offer temporary storage and warehousing, packing and unpacking services, and the removal of junk. They are adaptable, so if your timeline undergoes a shift, they can roll with it.
Services: Piano moving, residential moving, office moving, junk removal services, senior moving, student moving, long-distance moves, storage services, delivery service, damage insurance, and packing services.
Location: Calgary, AB
Calgary Pro Movers -- 918 16 Ave NW #320, Calgary, AB T2M 0K3, Canada
Opens 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. | Landline +1 403 397 6524
Paramount Moving
Long-distance moving company Paramount Moving has some of the best prices without sacrificing quality. They will provide you with a fixed price estimate after reviewing your packing list and delivery address.
Everything from fragile artifacts to bulky exercise equipment can be safely packed by Paramount Moving, relieving you of the burden of packing.
Services: Residential moving, apartment moving, long-distance moving, commercial moving, furniture moving, appliance moving, interprovincial moving, student moving, senior moving, library moving, furniture removal, manpower, piano moving, last minute moving, and warehouse moving services.
Location: Calgary, AB
Paramount Moving -- 118 Waterfront Ct SW #606, Calgary, AB T2P 1K8, Canada
Opens 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. | Landline +1 403 618 5182
Easy Moving Calgary
Easy Moving Calgary takes great pride in being able to provide expert long-distance moving services for residents of Calgary and the nearby areas to anywhere in the United States or the rest of the world. When compared to other long-distance moving businesses, their track record speaks for itself.
To keep being the best long-distance movers in Calgary, they work hard to improve their services and, ultimately, the quality of their door-to-door moves.
Services: Residential moving, office moving, local moving, and long-distance moving services.
Location: Calgary, AB
Easy Moving Calgary South -- Legacy Grove SE #50, Calgary, AB T2X 2E3, Canada
Opens 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. | Landline +1 587 3213 321
Get A Move On
Get A Move On Moving Services is a small, owner-operated business that has been providing moving services for over 20 years in Calgary and the surrounding areas. The company has remained small so they can continue providing the same personalized services they have become known for.
This modest moving company relies on an 85% referral-based network and this is how they keep their rates cost-effective by cutting back on advertising expenses.
Services: Residential and office relocation, fully-equipped clean trucks, professional movers and packers, padding of all furniture throughout transport, covering of all major walkways in new and previous home / railing protection, 100% insurance coverage, local and Western Canada relocation, packing service and supplies available with free delivery, specializing in service to seniors at a 10% discount rate, rates starting at $145 per hour for two men and a five ton truck, and delivery service available.
Location: Calgary, AB and the surrounding areas.
Get A Move On Moving Services -- 4812 35a St SE Bay 150, Calgary, AB T2B 3M8, Canada
Opens 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Landline +1 403 541 0546
GOTZ2GO
Moving from one location to another can be a very stressful situation, especially if you have to juggle your time between work and preparing your things for the move. If you want to get things done in less time, GOTZ2GO will take care of everything for you. They offer affordable, stress-free moving services throughout Alberta.
No matter what you require, whether it be relocating from one location to another, or if you require hauling or junk removal services to take care of your belongings that you want to be rid of, this moving company will help you get things done. They are committed to providing their clients with a high-quality moving experience at competitive rates.
Services: Local moving, long-distance moving, hauling sevices, residential moving, commercial moving, junk removal services, and scrap metal buying.
Location: Alberta, CA
GOTZ2GO -- #290129, Crossfield, AB T0M 0S0, Canada
Opens 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Landline +1 587 830 5109
Best Residential Moving Companies Calgary
Moving locally can seem less challenging than moving long distances, particularly if it is your first time doing so. When you do everything yourself, however, there's a chance you'll waste time and energy or neglect something important, increasing the complexity of the situation.
So, it's best to hire a residential moving company that has done many moves like yours before and knows how to make the whole process safe and less stressful. This will help you avoid any possible problems and get a good result.
Best Moves Calgary
Best Moves Calgary is a well-known and professional residential moving company in Calgary that can help you move to your new home with as little trouble as possible. Just give them some background information and a detailed explanation of what you need, and their experienced staff will take it from there.
Their professional residential movers are trained and have the right tools to move your things safely from A to B. They will take the time to pack, load, and unload your items and will even reassemble any furniture that needs it.
Services: Residential moving, delivery services, senior moving, packing services, office moving, long-distance moving services, and storage services.
Location: Calgary, AB
Best Moves Calgary -- 600 Crowfoot Crescent NW, Calgary, AB T3G 0B4, Canada
Opens 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. | Landline +1 587 578 7719
Move It Now Moving Solutions
Move It Now Moving Solutions is a family-owned business based in Calgary, Alberta, established in 2008. They are a leading full-service moving company in Canada and supply packing materials to their clients. They have partnered with various social agencies to provide low-cost moving services to those less fortunate in their community.
What's great about this moving company is that, in addition to their low moving costs, they also offer a limited quantity of free packing materials on a first-come, first-served basis. Furthermore, they not only offer moving services, but they have also networked with renowned carpet cleaners and reliable house cleaners for their moving-out cleaning service.
Their team of experienced and dedicated movers work hard to give their customers the best customer service experience. They are efficient, friendly, and reliable, and that's why they are confident they only provide top-quality moving services to their clients, both old and new.
Services: Residential moving, local and long-distance moving, packing and unpacking services, home and office removal, move-out cleaning, secure goods storage, and house decluttering services.
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Move It Now Moving Solutions -- 137 Martinridge Crescent NE, Calgary, AB T3J 3M3, Canada
Opens 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Landline +1 403 971 5865
Country Wide Moving and Storage
When it comes to moving, no one does it better or more efficiently than Country Wide Moving and Storage. Whether you are moving from a studio or a mansion, their domestic movers will treat your belongings with the same care and consideration.
The movers at Country Wide Moving and Storage can also help you find storage space for your belongings if you need it. They will also happily send in a crew of expert domestic movers to assist you with the packing and unpacking process if you need it.
Services: Residential moving, local moving, long-distance moving, eastern Canada moving, international moving, piano moving, corporate relocation, commercial moving, office moving, and medical equipment moving.
Location: Saskatoon, AB
Country Wide Moving & Storage -- 419 48 St E, Saskatoon, SK S7K 6M4, Canada
Opens 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Landline +1 587 578 7719
Shaan Movers
The residential moving crew from Shaan Calgary is highly trained, dedicated, and competent. They have the manpower necessary and are also capable of transporting unique things like pianos, cars, and boats. They'll also be able to schedule your relocation in advance.
They want you to relax while they load, transport, and unpack all of your belongings at your new home. Unlike many other movers, they don't add additional fees to cover the costs of dealing with bad weather. Even if something breaks, you can rest assured that you will be compensated for your loss thanks to the included insurance.
Services: Packing and unpacking, residential moving, office moving, and garbage removal services.
Location: Calgary, AB
Country Wide Moving & Storage -- #236, 55 Westwinds Cres N.E. Calgary, AB, T3J 5H2
Opens 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. | Landline +1 587 435 6630
Moving to Calgary FAQs
Many people from all over the world, as well as those looking to leave their current Canadian homes, have their sights set on making the journey west to settle in Calgary. So, to help you get ready for your move to Calgary, Alberta, we've put together answers to some of the most common questions about moving.
How Much Money Do You Need to Live Comfortably in Calgary?
Even though the cost of living in Calgary is lower than in both Toronto and Vancouver, it is still considered one of Canada's major urban centres. The city has a high cost of living, and its sprawling layout makes it difficult to find cheap housing with ample room anywhere in the city proper.
The median price of a house in the downtown area is $788,000, while the price of a home in the suburbs can range from $380,000 to $811,200. Many people are interested in relocating to the area because of its proximity to the Rocky Mountains and other natural attractions.
Is Calgary a Good Place to Live for Immigrants?
If you're looking for a multicultural environment, you'll find it in Calgary. It is a place where people from all over the globe can feel at home. A wide range of services and initiatives are available to immigrants in the area to ease their transition. Help is available for relocation, securing housing, getting employment, learning a new language, and much more.
As of the year 2021, there will be approximately 1,581,100 residents in the Calgary CMA. The city proper and its surrounding suburbs are all part of the CMA's geographic scope. The Calgary metropolitan area has more than 400 thousand immigrants living there, which makes it the third-highest percentage of immigrants among major Canadian cities. With this data, immigrants make up nearly a third of the population in the Calgary metro region.
Is It Better to Live in Vancouver or Calgary?
Both cities have pros and cons, though, so your choice will mostly depend on what you like and dislike. Anyone who prefers a laid-back urban experience will love Vancouver. As a city, Vancouver is known for being eco-friendly, hip, forward-thinking, a little bit artistic, and laid-back. In contrast to the urban vibe of Vancouver, the country atmosphere of Calgary is more prevalent. Calgary is progressive, lively, and goal-oriented, with an upbeat, can-do spirit.
The living expenses in Calgary are significantly lower than in Vancouver. Calgary has a higher minimum wage, reduced taxes, and much more affordable rental housing. Nonetheless, Vancouver is among the world's most expensive cities to reside in. However, this "life tax" is worthwhile for some people.
Is Moving to Calgary a Good Idea?
Moving to Calgary is a good idea because it is one of the best places to live in Canada and is great for young professionals and families alike. Calgary is a great place to call home if you enjoy spending time in the great outdoors. You can go skiing, snowshoeing, and ice hockey in the winter, and then in the summer, you can go hiking, mountain biking, swimming, and fishing.
In addition to top-notch medical facilities, Calgary also provides superb healthcare. Calgary's higher doctor-to-population ratio means better access to treatment for the whole family. One of the many attractive features of Calgary is the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan. Henceforth, Calgary is a wonderful place to live if you have persistent health problems or if you simply want the security of having quick access to quality medical care.
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