Is Calgary, Alberta becoming Top choice for Canadians
It is not a secret that many Ontario residents flee the province in search of a more affordable living. Especially young people look for a better alternatives to high housing prices and merger employment opportunities in Ontario. PEI and Alberta have been top choices when it comes to relocation within Canada.
Calgary has the second lowest cost of living in Canadian cities and is more affordable than many large North American cities. We also have the most affordable housing market in North America.
In Alberta, provincial tax, personal income taxes and inheritance taxes are among the lowest in the country. Not only is provincial health care insurance free, but Alberta is also the only province without a sales tax in Canada, with only 5% GST.
In terms of the cost of goods and services, check out Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index to see how Calgary measures up against other Canadian cities:
Annual Consumer Price Index (SOURCE)
READ MORE: Canadian Food Prices to Increase more in 2023
Rent in cities like Toronto and Vancouver continues to balloon, one bedroom apartment in metro downtown areas climb to over $2500 – but in Alberta, the average residential rent sits at $1,266. Ultimately, the availability of job opportunities in Alberta – coupled with good housing at a fraction of the price of hotter markets – means the trend of migration away from Ontario is likely to continue.
“Labour market shortage” is the slogan we hear over and over again! But what jobs are on demand in Ontario?
- Registered Nurse
- Family Physician
- Delivery Truck Driver
- Heavy Equipment Operator
- Software Developer
If you are not trained in one of those positions you might have hard time to find a job in Ontario, despite what the popular slogan you might hear. Manufacturing jobs are in decline since decades, engineering and technical oriented jobs are very scarce. To get job like management and supervision in manufacturing industry is next to impossible!
READ MORE: Consumer spending in Canada shifting for good or worse
One thing that still keeps Ontarian’s employed is construction industry, for now. Interest rates are rising and sales of new and previously owned homes are down, creating a bad feeling for Ontario construction workers at best.
Lower cost of housing, more employment options and lower taxes makes Alberta a desirable solution among Canadians for sure.
