Calgary tops list of best places to live in Canada in 2026
Calgary just topped a list of the best places to live in Canada, according to a new report that ranked the country’s top cities.
The ranking, which comes from Global Citizen Solutions, says Calgary’s mix of affordable living, high quality of life, and career opportunities helped it secure first place.
“Calgary is one of the best places to work and live in 2026, with good incomes, opportunities for career growth, and a high quality of life.”
According to the report, living costs are moderate, with average monthly expenses for a single person, excluding rent, sitting around $1,508, which was a big draw to the city.
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For career opportunities, business services, international trade, hospitality, construction, natural resources, and manufacturing are the biggest employers. The report says the average salary in Calgary sits at $63,700 per year, while the average home price is $665,695.
As for livability, “Excellent healthcare, low crime rates, and low taxes contribute to the overall high livability,” the report says. It also notes that Calgary has one of the best education systems in the country.
Outdoor recreation also helped Calgary secure the top spot, due to its proximity to the Rocky Mountains, where activities like hiking, snowboarding, and skiing are highly accessible.
The city was also touted for its vibe. “The city has a warm, friendly atmosphere that makes it easy for expats to feel welcome.”
Ottawa came in second, and Edmonton secured third place. You can read the full list of the best Canadian cities online.