Here's how much you need to make to live alone in Calgary
If you’ve been eyeing a place on your own in Calgary, a new report revealed just how much you need to make to live alone in the big city.
According to Numbeo, a website that compares the cost of living and income in cities around the world, the average monthly cost for a single person living in Calgary is $1,509.80, and that’s before rent.
These numbers are accurate as of May 2026 and are based on per-month averages.
Housing
Jeff Whyte/Shutterstock
According to Numbeo, the average cost for a one-bedroom apartment in downtown Calgary is $1,874.21 per month.
If you live outside of the city centre, an average one-bedroom apartment costs $1,541.18 per month.
Basic utilities add another $266.89 per month, and Wi-Fi adds $82.36.
Phone
A good phone plan is absolutely essential, and, according to Numbeo, Calgarians spend an average of $59.77 monthly on their phone bills.
Groceries and household items
Erman Gunes/Shutterstock
When purchased weekly, Numbeo’s average price for essential market items totals $345.96 per month for a single young person on a basic diet.
A basic diet consists of milk, rice, bread, meat, fruits, veggies, and eggs — the staples.
- You might also like:
- These two Alberta cities are seeing the biggest rise in housing inventory
- Calgary named among the 100 happiest cities in the world
- 9 underrated day trips from Calgary to take this summer
Entertainment and dining out
According to Numbeo, the average price for two people dining out at a mid-range restaurant in Calgary is $93.11 for a three-course meal, excluding alcohol. If each person had two alcoholic beverages, it would cost an additional $32.
If you do that two times a month, it adds up to $250.22
Health and Fitness
If you’re looking to stay active and join a gym or fitness group, the average monthly price for a membership in Calgary is $72.10.
Transportation
kylauf/Shutterstock
A monthly transit pass came in at $126 per month according to Numbeo.
Going out
You can expect to pay around $8 for a beer in the city, depending on where and what you’re drinking. Let’s say you go out once a weekend and order two to three drinks, you will spend around $80 per month.
Extras
No matter how much you budget, there is always the chance that unexpected costs will crop up. Whether you’re having to fix a broken piece of technology, replace a part on your bike, or invest in a new pair of work shoes, we’ll average this at $150 per month.
The grand total
So, how does it all add up?
Rent (Outside city centre) and Wi-Fi/utilities: $1,890.43
Phone: $59.77
Transportation: $126
Groceries/household items: $345.96
Dining out: $250.22
Going out: $80
Health and fitness: $72.10
Extras: $150
When it’s all said and done, to live alone in Calgary, it will cost an estimated $2,974.48 in monthly income for expenses, including rent, utilities, and groceries, and if you want to partake in the fun stuff like dining out, grabbing drinks and grabbing that coffee during the workweek from a local cafe.
Numbeo says that the average monthly income in Calgary is $4,258.36.
Better put any extra cash you make away in your savings. But, if you want to check out that concert or take that vacation… we won’t judge.
With files from Allison Stephen