Why More Vancouverites Are Moving to Calgary in 2025

(A eal Estate Reality Check That Might Just Save Your Wallet)

1. The View Is Lovely — But the Cost? Not So Much

Picture this: it's a crisp spring morning in Vancouver. You're sipping coffee, watching clouds slide past the North Shore mountains. Stunning, right? Then the weight of your mortgage sinks in. Again.

You’re not imagining it—living in Vancouver has become a financial grind. And more and more people are quietly asking the same question:
“Is it time to move to Calgary?”

Turns out, a lot of folks already are.

2. Vancouver's Housing Prices Are Pushing People Out

Vancouver's real estate prices are among the highest in North America. As of this year, the average detached home in the region sits around $1.3 million, with even modest townhouses selling for over $850,000.

Meanwhile, in Calgary? The average price of a single-family home is about $680,000—a significant increase from past years, yes, but still almost half of Vancouver’s cost.

Condo and townhome options in Calgary also remain more accessible, often starting around $280,000–$450,000.

More than just sticker shock, this shift is showing up in the numbers. RBC’s Housing Affordability Report notes that Vancouverites are spending nearly 99% of their income on housing, while Calgarians spend around 36.7%.

So if you're feeling squeezed in B.C.? You're not alone. And you're not wrong to start looking east.

3. What You Get in Calgary: Space, Sunshine, and Sanity

In Calgary, that down payment you scraped together for a one-bedroom condo in Kitsilano could land you a detached four-bedroom home with a yard, garage, and a finished basement.

The lifestyle changes are just as big:

More space to raise kids or work from home
Quiet neighbourhoods with actual parking
No strata meetings or elevator wait times

And with over 330 days of sunshine per year, Calgary offers a surprisingly bright climate. It’s not tropical—but it’s far from gloomy.

Want to see what your dollar can get you today? Check out the current Calgary real estate listings.

4. Calgary’s Evolving Economy Is Attracting Talent

Gone are the days of Calgary being a single-industry city. While energy is still important, tech, film, healthcare, and finance are growing quickly.

In fact, Calgary now has one of the fastest-growing tech job markets in Canada. Start-ups, remote work options, and public-private partnerships are driving serious momentum.

Add to that a median household income of $104,000 and a lower tax burden, and it's easy to see why economic migrants from B.C. are making the switch.

Need proof? Just look at the traffic increase on Calgary real estate market statistics—the interest is real, and it's growing.

5. Real People Are Making the Move (And Not Looking Back)

Reddit, Facebook groups, and real estate forums are full of testimonials like:

“We went from renting a 2-bed in East Van to owning a 4-bed home near Fish Creek Park—for less than we paid in rent.”

“Calgary has sun, parks, trails, and people say hello. I didn’t know I missed that until I had it again.”

Others mention affordable childcare, easier commutes, and more time with family—not just more money in their pocket.

6. Downsides? Sure. But the Trade-Off is Clear.

No place is perfect, and Calgary’s winters can be a shock if you’re used to Vancouver’s temperate rain. Yes, there’s snow. And yes, you’ll need winter tires.

Other differences include:

Higher car insurance and utility costs
Less cultural diversity in certain areas (though that’s changing fast)
No ocean views or West Coast chill vibe

But ask most who’ve moved, and they’ll tell you: “It’s worth it.”
The math, the lifestyle, the sense of breathing again—it all adds up.

7. Calgary Isn’t Boring Anymore

Calgary is still finding itself culturally—but it’s come a long way. Today, you’ll find:

A booming craft beer and food scene
World-class festivals (Calgary Folk Fest, Sled Island, Beakerhead)
Year-round outdoor events and night markets

The Stampede might get the headlines, but the real heart of Calgary is in its vibrant local communities.

8. Ready to Explore the Move? Start Here:

Browse the Market: Use Calgary real estate listings to monitor homes in your budget.
Study the Stats: Get a feel for the trends via Calgary real estate market statistics.
Pick Your Neighbourhood: Try Beltline for urban living, Mahogany for family-friendly, or Bridgeland for charm + convenience.
Budget the Whole Move: Movers from Vancouver cost about $5,000–$9,000 depending on size. Don’t forget transfer taxes, lawyer fees, and setup costs.
Visit First: Rent for a month or book a short stay to test-drive Calgary life.
Connect with Locals: Facebook groups, neighbourhood associations, and even your future city councillor can help you settle in.

9. Calgary Might Be Your Financial Reset

Thousands of Vancouverites have already made the move to Calgary in the last two years—and not out of desperation, but out of clarity.

They wanted to own a home.
They wanted more time, more money, and a better balance.
They wanted a shot at something sustainable.

Calgary gave them that. And it could do the same for you.

FAQ: Moving from Vancouver to Calgary in 2025

Q1: How much more affordable is Calgary than Vancouver?
Average detached homes in Calgary are ~$680,000 vs. ~$1.3M in Vancouver. Monthly mortgage and living costs are about 40–60% lower, depending on neighbourhood.

Q2: What are the most popular neighbourhoods in Calgary for newcomers?

Families love Mahogany, Evanston, and Auburn Bay.
Young professionals choose Beltline, East Village, or Bridgeland.
Retirees often prefer Tuscany or Signal Hill for their pace and access to amenities.

Q3: How bad are Calgary winters?
They're colder, sure—but they’re also sunnier. Chinooks bring warm snaps, and Calgary’s snow-clearing infrastructure is excellent. With proper prep, most people adjust quickly.

Q4: Is there enough work in Calgary for someone relocating?
Yes. Calgary’s job market is expanding in health care, tech, education, trades, and film. It’s also a hotbed for remote workers with lower costs and strong infrastructure.

Q5: What’s the best way to start the move?
Rent for a few months before buying. Test out neighbourhoods. Then monitor listings and trends using Calgary-based platforms.

The Bottom Line

Calgary isn’t the Vancouver you’re used to—but it might be the version of home you’ve been hoping for:
Affordable. Comfortable. Sustainable.

If you’re ready to make a smart real estate decision—whether you're buying your first home, upgrading your lifestyle, or simply looking for breathing room—Calgary should be on your radar.

Posted by Kerri Demski - PREC on June 15th, 2025

North Shore Realty Blog