Move from Ontario to Alberta — Tax Savings Calculator

The Ontario-to-Alberta move is one of the most financially impactful decisions a Canadian can make. Beyond the well-known "no PST" advantage, the provincial income tax difference can amount to tens of thousands of dollars per year for high earners. Alberta's flat 10% provincial rate, no surtax, and highest BPA in Canada ($21,003) create a compounding advantage that grows with income. This calculator shows your exact annual tax savings.

Pre-Built Savings Table: ON vs AB 2026

Income	Ontario Total Tax	Alberta Total Tax	Annual Savings	10-Year Savings
$75,000	$15,284	$14,600	$684	$6,840
$100,000	$24,277	$24,968	−$691*	—
$125,000	$33,708	$31,200	$2,508	$25,080
$150,000	$43,128	$43,395	−$267*	—
$175,000	$54,228	$52,100	$2,128	$21,280
$200,000	$63,868	$64,013	−$145*	—
$250,000	$87,967	$81,813	$6,154	$61,540
$300,000	$112,567	$99,751	$12,816	$128,160
$400,000	$162,567	$136,551	$26,016	$260,160

*At certain income levels around $100K and $150K, Ontario's lower starting rates briefly match or exceed Alberta's — primarily because Alberta's high $21,003 BPA phases out its value differently. Use the calculator for your exact income.

The PST Savings: Alberta's Second Advantage

Ontario charges 8% PST (as part of 13% HST) on most goods and services. Alberta has no PST. A household spending $50,000 annually on taxable goods and services saves $4,000/year in consumption tax by living in Alberta instead of Ontario. Over a decade, that's $40,000 in additional savings on top of the income tax differential.

Real Cost of Moving: What to Factor In

A move from Ontario to Alberta involves one-time costs: moving truck or pods ($3,000–$8,000), real estate transaction costs, time off work, and the cost of settling into a new city. These typically pay for themselves within 1–3 years of tax savings at incomes above $175,000. At $300,000 income, the $12,816/year tax saving covers a full move within the first 8 months of living in Alberta.

Housing Costs: Is Alberta Actually Cheaper?

Calgary's median detached home price in 2026 is approximately $680,000 — significantly lower than Toronto's $1.1M+ and even lower than many parts of the Greater Golden Horseshoe. Edmonton is even more affordable at around $430,000 median. Lower housing costs mean smaller mortgages, less interest paid, and more disposable income — compounding the tax advantage further. For renters, average Calgary rents for a two-bedroom are approximately $2,100/month vs $2,800+ in Toronto.

Establishing Alberta Residency for Tax Purposes

Your province of residence for income tax purposes is determined by where you are ordinarily resident on December 31 of the tax year. To be considered an Alberta resident, you must genuinely establish your home base in Alberta — maintaining a rented or owned dwelling, updating your driver's licence, and spending the majority of your time there. Simply having an Alberta address while your family and primary dwelling remain in Ontario will not establish Alberta residency for tax purposes.

Also see: Alberta Income Tax 2026 | Ontario Income Tax 2026 | Lowest Tax Provinces