Affording Life in Alberta: Tips for Managing Cost of Living and Housing Expenses
Thinking of moving to Alberta soon? We’re not going to lie—that’s a fantastic choice.
Living in Alberta offers a compelling combination of affordable living costs and abundant job opportunities, particularly in industries like energy and technology. Additionally, its stunning natural landscapes provide endless opportunities for outdoor activities, from hiking in the Rockies to exploring vast national parks.
But before you pack your bags, you’ll want to know all about the cost of living in Alberta and have some clear answers to the question “How much to build a house in Alberta?”
Keep reading to discover everything you need to know!
Table of Contents | Affording Life in Alberta: Tips for Managing Cost of Living and Housing Expenses
Cost of Living Alberta
- Tips for Managing Alberta Cost of Living Expenses
Your Dream Home in Alberta: How Much to Build A House
- Tips for Managing Expenses When Building a Home
Meet The Finest Builders of Homes For Sale in Chestermere Alberta
- Our Quick Possession Homes Chestermere Alberta
- Houses for Sale in Chestermere: Discover Kinniburgh South
Build the Home of Your Dreams with The Best Chestermere Home Builders
Cost of Living Alberta
The average Alberta cost of living spans from a modest C$1,500 to a comfortable C$5,000, making it one of Canada’s more affordable provinces, ranking 5th out of 12. Whether you’re drawn to the bustling city life or prefer the serene countryside, Alberta offers a range of living options to suit your lifestyle and preferences. With its blend of affordability and diverse living environments, Alberta is a compelling choice for those seeking both value and quality of life.
| Category | Average Total Living Costs |
| Single Person | $1,574.80 |
| Family of 2 | $2,091.00 |
| Family of 3 | $3,419.00 |
| Family of 4 | $5,561.60 |
Source: https://getgis.org/blog/cost-of-living-in-alberta
| A Closer Look: Breakdown of Average Costs | |
| Housing Type | Average Costs |
| Studio Apartment | $900 to $1,300 per month |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment | $1,100 to $1,400 per month |
| 2 Bedroom Apartment | $1,300 to $1,800 per month |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment | $1,800 to $2,500 per month |
| Single Detached House | $2,000 to $3,500 per month |
| Transportation | Average Costs |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | $4.50 |
| One-way Ticket | $3.65 |
| Monthly Pass | $115.00 |
| Gasoline (1 litre) | $1.41 |
Source: https://getgis.org/blog/cost-of-living-in-alberta
| Grocery Item | Average Costs |
| Milk (1 litre) | $2.53 |
| White Bread (500g) | $3.26 |
| Rice (1 kg) | $5.12 |
| Eggs (1 Dozen) | $4.94 |
| Chicken (1 kg) | $17.12 |
| Fruits (Apple, Bananas, Oranges) | $13.90 |
| Vegetables (Potato, Onion, Lettuce) | $10.00 |
| Water (1.5 litres) | $2.38 |
| Bottle of Wine | $19.00 |
Source: https://getgis.org/blog/cost-of-living-in-alberta
| Additional Expenses | Average Costs |
| Internet and Phone | $80 – $150 (monthly) |
| Health Insurance | $75 – $150 (monthly) |
| Entertainment and Dining Out | $150 – $300 (monthly) |
| Miscellaneous (Clothing, Personal Care) | $100 – $200 (monthly) |
Tips for Managing Alberta Cost of Living Expenses
- Budget Brilliance: Keep your finances in check by crafting a savvy budget to uncover hidden savings.
- Smart Housing Choices: Opt for affordable homes in charming suburbs to keep your housing costs under control.
- Transit Tactics: Save big by embracing public transit or carpooling to ease your transportation expenses.
- Grocery Savvy: Score big savings at the checkout by buying in bulk, using coupons, and hunting for deals.
- Energy Efficiency Wins: Use energy-saving appliances and adopt energy-saving habits at home to watch your utility bills shrink effortlessly.
Your Dream Home in Alberta: How Much to Build A House
What if renting isn’t quite your cup of tea and you prefer to live in this province as a homeowner?
Let’s answer the question “How much does it cost to build a house in Alberta?” Here’s an idea of what to expect for basic, mid-range, and high-end custom houses when you work with Calgary home builders or builders in other areas of the province.
| How Much to Build a House in Alberta | ||
| Type of Home | Average Cost per Square Metre | Description |
| Basic Home | $1,200 – $1,800 | Essential features and standard finishes. Focus is on affordability with standard-grade materials and minimal customisation. |
| Mid-range Home | $1,800 – $2,500 | Balance between cost and quality.Higher-quality materials, more customisation options, and additional features. |
| High-end Custom Home | $2,500 – $3,500+ | Premium materials and finishes. Extensive customisation, unique architectural designs, and luxury amenities. |
*These figures are only rough estimates based on 2024 market conditions.
Tips for Managing Expenses When Building a Home
- Smart Design Choices: Opt for a simple, efficient design to keep construction costs in check.
- Budget-Friendly Materials: Choose cost-effective materials that don’t compromise on quality or style.
- DIY Where Possible: Tackle smaller projects yourself, like painting or landscaping, to save on labour costs.
- Energy Efficiency: Invest in energy-efficient systems and appliances that will reduce long-term utility costs.
- Plan Thoroughly: Work closely with your Calgary home builders or a builder in other cities to avoid costly changes and delays by having a clear plan from the start.
Meet The Finest Builders of Homes For Sale in Chestermere Alberta
Since 2002, Golden Triangle Group has been shaping southern Alberta with award-winning buildings. In 2018, we embarked on a new journey, giving rise to Golden Homes.
Our vision? To craft spaces where you can host unforgettable gatherings, savour delightful meals, unwind, and truly live life to the fullest, wherever you are in our magnificent province.
From your front door to your backyard, and throughout your community, every home built by Golden Homes radiates superior design, innovative thinking, and exceptional craftsmanship. Discover the difference with us.
Our Quick Possession Homes Chestermere Alberta
Not keen on going through the entire home building process from scratch? Then it’s time to discover Kinniburgh South, where you’ll find top-tier detached homes for sale Chestermere that you can move into stat. With Alberta being well-known for having more affordable housing options compared to other provinces, why not take advantage of this incredible perk?
Houses for Sale in Chestermere: Discover Kinniburgh South
Welcome to Kinniburgh South, an enchanting 86-acre semi-estate community nestled in southeast Chestermere Alberta. Experience the best of both worlds with its small-town charm and big-city amenities, just minutes from downtown Calgary. Embrace serene lakeside living in this premier neighbourhood, which will boast over 350 exquisite homes upon completion.
Enjoy endless recreational activities at Chestermere Lake, from fishing and skating to skiing and sledding, right at your doorstep. With parks, playgrounds, trails, and open spaces, there’s something for everyone. Families will appreciate the nearby K-6 school and retail hub, making Kinniburgh South the perfect blend of tranquillity and convenience. Discover your dream lifestyle today!
Browse through our available properties in Kinniburgh South—crafted by the top builders of homes for sale in Chestermere Alberta:
Hilton Model at 203 Kinniburgh Loop
| Feature | Details |
| Model | Hilton |
| Location | 203 Kinniburgh Loop |
| Price | $829,000.00 |
| Size | 2312 sq. ft. |
| Bedrooms | 4 |
| Bathrooms | 3 |
| Status | Move-In Ready |
Sierra Model at 487 Kinniburgh Loop
| Feature | Details |
| Model | Sierra |
| Location | 487 Kinniburgh Loop |
| Price | $665,000.00 |
| Size | 1783 SQ. FT. |
| Bedrooms | 3 |
| Bathrooms | 2.5 |
| Status | Possession March 2025 |
Sierra II Model at 491 Kinniburgh Loop
| Feature | Details |
| Model | Sierra II |
| Location | 491 Kinniburgh Loop |
| Price | $675,000.00 |
| Size | 1839 SQ. FT. |
| Bedrooms | 3 |
| Bathrooms | 2.5 |
| Status | Possession March 2025 |
Fairmont II at 455 Kinniburgh Loop
| Feature | Details |
| Model | Fairmont II |
| Location | 455 Kinniburgh Loop |
| Price | $690,000.00 |
| Size | 2139 SQ. FT. |
| Bedrooms | 3 |
| Bathrooms | 2.5 |
| Status | Possession May 2025 |
Fairmont II Model at 459 Kinniburgh Loop
| Feature | Details |
| Model | Fairmont II |
| Location | 459 Kinniburgh Loop |
| Price | $690,000.00 |
| Size | 2139 SQ. FT. |
| Bedrooms | 3 |
| Bathrooms | 2.5 |
| Status | Possession May 2025 |
Prescott II Model at 423 Kinniburgh Loop
| Feature | Details |
| Model | Prescott II |
| Location | 423 Kinniburgh Loop |
| Price | $699,000.00 |
| Size | 2073 SQ. FT. |
| Bedrooms | 4 |
| Bathrooms | 3 |
| Status | Possession June 2025 |
Prescott II Model at 271 Kinniburgh Loop
| Feature | Details |
| Model | Prescott II |
| Location | 271 Kinniburgh Loop |
| Price | $789,000.00 |
| Size | 2084 SQ. FT. |
| Bedrooms | 4 |
| Bathrooms | 3 |
| Status | Possession June 2025 |
Build the Home of Your Dreams with The Best Chestermere Home Builders
Want to know more about “How much to build a house” in Alberta? Or do you want a closer look at the most sought after homes for sale in Chestermere?
Don’t hesitate to contact Golden Homes—we’re here to answer all your questions and guide you through the process.
Looking for more helpful tips on building a home, living in Alberta, and the Kinniburgh community? We’ve got you covered. Start exploring our other guides below:
- Discovering Golden Homes Properties: An Overview of Homes for Sale
- Best Builders in Calgary: Finding Your Ideal Single Family Home
- Understanding the True Cost of Building a House in Alberta: A Chestermere Perspective
- Common Mistakes to Avoid as a First Time Home Buyer
- The Ultimate Guide to New Construction Homes in Chestermere
