Thinking about getting your own place in the city? A new report has broken down just how pricy it is to live alone in Calgary.
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 $1,538, and that’s before rent.
Housing
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According to the report, a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs around $1,873 per month, while an apartment just outside of the city centre costs $​​1,575 per month.
On top of rent, utilities are an extra $272.73, and Wi-Fi is $85.07 per month in Calgary.
Phone plan
According to Numbeo, a good phone plan in Calgary costs around $59.76 monthly.
Groceries and household items
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Numbeo’s average price for essential market items comes to a total monthly average of $414 for a single young person on a basic diet.
A basic diet consists of milk, rice, bread, meat, fruits, veggies, and eggs — the staples.
Entertainment and dining out
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According to Numbeo, the average price for two people dining out at a mid-range restaurant in Calgary is $95 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 $254.
Health and Fitness
If you’re looking to stay active and join a gym or fitness group, the average price for a membership in Calgary is $71.55.
Transportation
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A monthly transit pass came it at $118 per month according to Numbeo, while gas sits at $1.42 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 sneak 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, what does this all add up to?
Rent (outside the city centre) and Wi-Fi/utilities: $1,847.73
Phone plan: $59.76.
Groceries/household items: $414
Dining out: $32
Health and fitness: $71.55
Transportation: $118
Partying: $80
Extras: $150
Altogether, the total for a single person to live alone in Calgary is around $2,773.04 per month, including the necessities like rent, utilities, and groceries, as well as the fun things like eating out and grabbing drinks.
Numbeo says that the average monthly income in Calgary is $4,157.32, after taxes.
You can view the full report online.
With files from Allison Stephen