Here's how much you need to make to live alone in Calgary | Daily Hive

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Looking to live alone in Calgary? A new report just gave some insight into just how much you need to make to fly solo 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 $1,522.20… and that’s before rent.

These numbers are accurate as of March 2026 and are based on per-month averages.

Housing

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According to Numbeo, the average cost for a one-bedroom apartment in downtown Calgary is $1,900.62 per month.

If you live outside of the city centre, an average one-bedroom apartment costs $1,526.67 per month.

Utilities add another $253.81 per month, and Wi-Fi adds $87.55.

Phone

A good phone plan is absolutely essential, and, according to Numbeo, Calgarians spend an average of $58.91 monthly on their phone bills.

Groceries and household items

Two Safeway stores in Calgary being converted to FreshCo

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Numbeo’s average price for essential market items totals $407.24 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.

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Entertainment and dining out

According to Numbeo, the average price for two people dining out at a mid-range restaurant in Calgary is $90 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 $244.

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 $70.

Transportation

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A monthly transit pass came it at $118 per month according to Numbeo, while gas sits at $1.33 per litre.

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: $1,868.03
Phone: $58.91
Transportation: $118
Groceries/household items: $407.24
Dining out:$244
Going out: $80
Health and fitness: $70
Extras: $150

When it’s all said and done, living alone in Calgary requires an estimated $2,996.18 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 $4,317.53

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.

If you’re wondering how much it costs to live a little bit north of Calgary, we also calculated how much it costs to live alone in Edmonton.

With files from Allison Stephen