URGENT: Cost of living - Edmonton VS Calgary???

Question

I need urgent help/advice. I have been offered a job in Edmonton and Calgary. Now what is the cost of living between the 2 cities?

If someone is offering a salary of 70k (70,000) for Edmonton, is that good? Single mom with a baby.

How much should I negotiate?

Also if the same company offers me a position in Calgary, then is 70k fine or should I negotiate?

Please, please someone help me. I need to take a fast and well-informed decision.

Thank you.

Answer 1

I visit both cities often and never have felt unsafe in either place in day or nite but I am a guy not a single mom.  Downtown Calgary has some rouigh spots as does downtown edmonton.    I think its a toss up in terms of that.  Calgary is the more white collar of the two, (has more head offices than any other Cdn city) is much closer to the mountains and parks and better airline connections in and out.     If I had a choice I'd probably look there... around the glenmore reservoir or further south or on the west side around the University/Alberta Childrens and Foothills Hospital region  or further west are pretty safe, family orientated areas.

Not to disparage edmonton through.  Around the university campus is okay,  St Albert is a really nice town but about 15 minutes drive from edmonton. If I went there and commute was not an issue that'd be my place to look.

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Answer 2

I live in st.albert rite outside of edmonton and 70k is amazing the one thing about edmonton is stay out of bad nieghbourhoods try 124street and Calgary has more people but is a nice place too follow your mothers instinct what is best for you and your baby then you will know both cities can be expensive staying out of bad nieghborhoods can cost more but are safer in the long run in both cities between 20000 and 1000000 for an owned residence depending on what your looking for try mls edmonton dot com and mls calgary dot com for home listings

Answer 3

$70k is an excellent starting wage, although it's hard to say where it falls relative to others in your field.  With this in mind, you may want to think about negotiating benefits rather than wages.

Like others have mentioned, Calgary is a little bigger, and so a little more expensive than Edmonton, but it's also closer to the mountains, so it's easier to drive to places like Jasper and... well... actually I can't think of anywhere else you'd want to drive from either city.  Edmonton's got a bigger mall and a better university.

Answer 4

I believe the cost of living in boht cities have gotten fairly similar.  

In Calgary, you have the advantage of being really close to the mountains.  And because it is Canada's 3rd largest city, there are more flights to other places.  Edmonton can cost more to fly out of, as alot of flight end up connecting through another airport.

I am biased towards Calgary.  I'm sure someone else will chime in with some great features about Edmonton.  They are both lovely cities -- I'm sure it will be fine no matter which you choose.

Answer 5

Calgary sucks, Move to Edmonton. 70K is average for Edmonton, Alberta as a whole is expensive but Calgary is insane.

Answer 6

70K sounds very good. What kind of job is it? A secure one with good long term benefits?

I think Calgary is a slightly more expensive place than Edmonton.