No fee everyday banking
Set up direct deposit and skip the monthly fee. Free to open, and the Easy plan has no monthly fee. Worth doing if you will actually move your pay or your CRA deposits over, not if the card sits unused. Code BREMO2026.
Complete cost of living comparison — housing, taxes, lifestyle, and which city wins for your budget
The Vancouver vs Calgary debate is Canada's most common city comparison — and for good reason. Vancouver offers mild winters, mountains, ocean, and world-class livability; Calgary offers far more affordable housing, lower taxes (no provincial income tax advantage and no Land Transfer Tax), and a booming economy. In 2025, with remote work normalizing, more Canadians are making the move. This guide breaks down every major cost factor.
| Property Type | Vancouver (2025) | Calgary (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Detached home (average) | $1.65M | $640,000 |
| Condo (average) | $790,000 | $340,000 |
| Townhouse (average) | $1.1M | $440,000 |
| Average rent (2BR) | $3,200/month | $2,200/month |
| Property Transfer / Land Transfer Tax on $600K home | $8,000 PTT | $0 — no LTT in Alberta |
Alberta has no provincial Land Transfer Tax. BC's PTT on a $600,000 home is approximately $8,000. On a $1.65M home it exceeds $27,000.
| Tax Type | BC / Vancouver | Alberta / Calgary |
|---|---|---|
| Provincial income tax (top rate) | 20.5% (highest in Canada) | 15% flat (lowest in Canada) |
| Provincial sales tax | 7% PST | No PST |
| Land Transfer Tax | BC PTT (1%–5%) | None |
| Carbon tax (2025) | Federal carbon pricing | Federal carbon pricing |
| Property tax (est. annual on $600K home) | ~$3,000–$4,500 | ~$3,500–$5,000 |
A Calgary resident earning $150,000 pays approximately $12,000–$15,000 less in provincial income tax and PST annually than a Vancouver resident at the same income.
With a $1 million budget in Vancouver, you can typically afford a modest 1–2 bedroom condo in a central neighbourhood, or a small detached home in the outer suburbs.
With a $1 million budget in Calgary, you can buy a large detached home (4+ bedrooms, double garage) in a desirable inner-city neighbourhood like Killarney, Mount Pleasant, or Altadore — with money to spare for renovations.
The lifestyle premium you pay for Vancouver is real — and measurable. For many buyers, especially families, Calgary's value proposition in 2025 is compelling.
Enter a purchase price to see how much you save buying in Alberta vs BC
Wherever you live, KOHO works — no monthly fees, up to 5% cash back, and competitive savings. A great way to offset higher costs in Vancouver or maximize savings in Calgary.
Referral code BREMO2026 unlocks a welcome bonus.
Get KOHO Free