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Toronto vs Calgary: Which One Is Better for Living?

Toronto vs Calgary: Which One Is Better for Living?

Which one do you prefer in the battle of Toronto vs Calgary? Given how wonderful both Toronto and Calgary are, it can be difficult to decide between them. Despite having similar high living standards, certain distinctions make one city superior to the other. 

Both cities offer unique advantages, but choosing between them depends on your preferences and lifestyle.  In terms of public transportation, and entertainment, Toronto is superior. For those who like a more laid-back lifestyle, Calgary is a preferable choice. 

In any case, moving to Toronto or Calgary needs reliable information which we have gathered in this article. 

Expenses: Toronto vs Calgary

Calgery vs Toronto cost of living can be a major factor in moving to each one of these cities. When comparing the cost of living in Toronto with Calgary, Toronto is far more expensive. 

Toronto is a vibrant city with lots of interesting things to do, but it costs a lot of money. Although living in Calgary is likewise pricey, you will find greater comfort there. 

In comparison to Toronto, Calgary is more reasonably priced, and salaries are higher to reflect Calgary’s cost of living better. According to Crea, Toronto’s rent is 51.55% more expensive than Calgary’s. Toronto also has 3.18% more costly restaurants than Calgary. In addition, Toronto has 1.79% higher consumer prices.

Source: Calgary, Toronto

Overall, Calgary is a viable option if you’re searching for a modern, reasonably-priced city in Canada. In addition, this city has become one of the most sought-after workplaces in Canada thanks to Alberta’s oil-rich economy. 

You can easily find a job in Toronto due to the stronger economy and greater prospects this city has. On the other hand, Calgary is a superior destination economically due to its lower cost of living. The choice is yours.

Entertainment: Toronto Vs Calgary

There is no Canadian city that can match Toronto’s excitement when it comes to fun and entertainment.  

The eight-million-person metropolis is a hub for Canadian art and culture. Toronto Museums, Toronto landmarks, and agricultural beauties are famous around the world.

In addition, there are countless entertainment alternatives available to Toronto residents, including theaters, cinemas, restaurants, galleries, and Toront’s famous summer activities

Toronto is home to eight major league teams nationwide. We advise you to seize the opportunity if you intend to live in Toronto and tour the city to see great sites such as the CN Tower, make new friends, and so on.

Conversely, Calgary is more of a relaxed city. As a rodeo town, Calgary offers a wide range of entertainment choices. Weekend activities include going to the opera, theaters, philharmonic orchestra, museum, and many more. 

Although it’s not as good as Toronto’s, you can still enjoy this city’s vibrant nightlife, which will undoubtedly make you feel relaxed.

Calgary Vs Toronto Weather

Calgary is located in a plains area with abundant sunlight. This place receives more solar hours than the majority of Canadian cities. Calgary has long, chilly winters despite all of the sunlight receiving. 

Wintertime temperatures can drop as low as -12°C. In Calgary, the winter is sunny and rather warm due to Chinook winds. We might therefore draw the conclusion that Calgary’s weather is unpredictable and subject to sudden changes. 

Toronto on the other hand, has a more stable and moderate condition. Longer and warmer summers are more normal. Toronto experiences more rainfall, but the winters are still frigid but not as cold as Calgary.

Transit Facilities: Toronto Vs Calgary

Living in Calgary vs Toronto can be very different. One of these differences is their transit situation. Calgary is a car-dependent city despite having access to public transportation. In comparison to Toronto’s transit system, its offerings—which include buses, the light rail system, and other options—are insufficient. 

The most convenient way to commute in Calgary is by vehicle. But public transportation gets you to every corner of Toronto. One benefit to Calgary, though, is that there isn’t much traffic, so you can get where you’re going fast. As a result, time can be saved.

Education: Toronto vs Calgary

Although Calgary and Toronto both offer first-rate public and private schools, Toronto has far more expensive school fees than Calgary. 

Resources state that as of 2024, a child’s average annual primary school fee in Calgary is only $20,000, while it is $39,590 in Toronto. The desire of many overseas students to study in Toronto intensifies competition for college funding and university places. 

Toronto students pay $7,342 more than Calgary students for their third-year college tuition, even though the government has set the costs. Therefore, if you want to save money on tuition and guarantee a spot at the university of your choice, it is far preferable and more affordable to study in Calgary.

University of Calgary

On the other hand, the fame and quality of Toronto universities are world-known so there are situations in which this reputation would be much more beneficial.

Outdoor Activities: Toronto vs Calgary

Outdoor enthusiasts can engage in a range of activities in both of these cities. As an example, Toronto water activities are among the finest offered by any city.  

You can go cycling, do beach sports, and enjoy Toronto’s harbourfront, which includes the Waterfront Bike Trail, and gives residents a variety of recreational opportunities. In addition to man-made areas, you can find some of the best parks in Toronto where you and your family can enjoy different events, and concerts, or go jogging in the afternoon.  

On the other hand, being close to the Rocky Mountains makes Calgary a sanctuary for those who enjoy the outdoors. 

The city offers a variety of outdoor activities, from rafting on the Bow River to admiring the stunning waterfront mansions and participating in events at WinSport.

All and all, both of these cities have a lot to say when it comes to outdoor activities and if you enjoy this kind of entertainment, you don’t have to worry about them in both of these cities. 

Healthcare: Toronto vs Calgary

There are public healthcare systems in both cities. The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan, or AHCIP, is the name of Calgary’s public healthcare program that provides hospital stays, doctor visits, and diagnostic tests. People in Calgary may consider purchasing private health insurance or utilizing employer-provided policies as a complement to the AHCIP for more extensive coverage.

There are community health centers and clinics that support Toronto’s healthcare system and offer easily accessible care to city dwellers. These facilities prioritize patient education and preventive care while providing a range of services, from general care to mental health support.

Conclusion

Moving to a new city is a big decision in everyone’s life. You need to know the exact situation in that city and how to react to each one of them. In our discussion about Calgary vs Toronto, we mentioned some of the most important information you need to know. We hope that they can be a small help in fulfilling your goal.

FAQs

here are some of the common questions about our topic that can help you as well in your research:

1. Is Calgary Cheaper Than Toronto?

Yes. Toronto is a metropolis that has a much higher cost of living compared to Calgery which is a smaller and quieter city. However, wages are also higher in Toronto and the balance is being kept so the living quality doesn’t fall too hard. 

2. Which City Is More Beautiful, Calgary or Toronto?

While Toronto’s bustling urban life and diverse culture draw visitors seeking a dynamic city experience, Calgary’s natural beauty and slower lifestyle provide a peaceful backdrop for those seeking serenity.

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