Essential Things to Know Before Moving to Calgary

Quick answer: Before moving to Calgary, know that Alberta has no provincial sales tax (just 5% GST) and no land transfer tax, winters are cold but broken up by warm Chinook winds, the city is laid out in four quadrants (NW, NE, SW, SE), and the Rocky Mountains are about an hour and a half away. Housing is generally more affordable than  Vancouver or Toronto, but prices vary a lot by community and home type.

I'm George Brown, a Calgary REALTOR® with LPT Realty. These are the things I tell everyone who's thinking about moving here.

1. Money: taxes and buying costs

• No provincial sales tax. You pay only the 5% federal GST on most purchases.
• No land transfer tax. Unlike Ontario or B.C., Alberta charges only modest Land Titles registration fees when you buy, which can save buyers thousands.
• Property taxes are set by the City of Calgary based on each property's annual assessment.
• Condo fees vary widely. If you're buying a condo or townhouse, review the condo documents, reserve fund study and recent meeting minutes before you commit.

2. Weather: Chinooks, sunshine and hail

• Calgary is one of the sunniest major cities in Canada.
• Winters can get very cold, but Chinook winds can raise temperatures dramatically in a few hours.
• Summer brings hail season. When buying, ask about the age and type of roof and siding, and check your home insurance coverage.
• Snow removal: homeowners are responsible for clearing the public sidewalk next to their property within 24 hours after a snowfall ends.

3. Getting around

• The city is divided into four quadrants, and every address includes one (for example, 17 Ave SW). Avenues generally run east-west and streets run north-south.
• The CTrain light rail (Red and Blue lines) connects downtown with many communities, but most Calgarians still drive, so check your commute at rush hour.
• Major routes include Deerfoot Trail and Stoney Trail, a ring road around much of the city.

4. Lifestyle

• Banff and the Rockies are roughly 90 minutes away for skiing, hiking and weekend trips.
• Calgary has one of the largest urban pathway networks in North America, along the Bow and Elbow Rivers.
• The Calgary Stampede takes over the city for ten days every July.

5. Choosing where to live

Inner-city communities like the Beltline, Kensington and Inglewood are walkable and condo-heavy, while suburbs like Mahogany, Auburn Bay and Tuscany offer more space for families. Read my guide to the most popular areas to live in Calgary for more detail.

6. Moving checklist for newcomers to Alberta

1. Get pre-approved for a mortgage before you start viewing homes.
2. Register for the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) soon after you arrive.
3. Exchange your out-of-province driver's licence at an Alberta registry agent.
4. Book movers early if you're arriving in summer, the busiest moving season.
5. Line up a local REALTOR® who can do virtual showings if you're buying from out of town.

Frequently asked questions

Is Calgary a good place to move to?

Many people move to Calgary for its lower taxes, relatively affordable housing compared to other large Canadian cities, job opportunities and quick access to the Rocky Mountains.

Does Alberta have a land transfer tax?

No. Alberta does not have a land transfer tax. Buyers pay Land Titles registration fees, which are much lower than land transfer taxes in provinces like Ontario and British Columbia.

How cold does Calgary get in winter?

Calgary winters can bring stretches of very cold weather, but Chinook winds regularly bring warm spells, and the city gets plenty of sunshine year-round.

Can I buy a home in Calgary before I move?

Yes. Many buyers purchase from out of province using virtual tours, video walkthroughs and a local agent who views homes on their behalf.

Moving to Calgary? Let's talk

I help people relocate to Calgary and Cochrane with straight, no-pressure answers. Call or text George Brown at (403) 616-6309, send me a message, or browse Calgary homes for sale.

Planning your move?

Tell me where you're moving from and what you need, and I'll personally send you a rundown of the Calgary neighbourhoods, prices and timelines that fit you. Get your free Calgary relocation rundown or call me at (403) 616-6309.