The cityâs public transit system (Calgary Transit â buses + CTrain) is widely used. (Tourism Calgary)
Fares (2025): Single adult ride = CADâŻ$3.80. (calgarytransit.com) Monthly adult pass = CADâŻ$118. Youth monthly pass (for 13â17) = about CADâŻ$86 from September 2025. (transit-prd.calgary.ca)
For a student, living near campus with reliable transit access helps reduce travel costs significantly.
Tip: If you also drive (or plan to), factor in fuel, parking, insurance (which tends to be higher for younger/firstâtime drivers) and winter maintenance.
đ˝ Food & Grocery
Grocery cost: A recent guide lists a single person spending about CADâŻ$350â500/month on groceries in Calgary depending on diet and habits. (The Small Success)
Chicken fillets (1âŻkg) â CADâŻ$13 (varies). (The Small Success)
If you cook most meals at home, live modestly, and shop smart, you can aim for the lower end (~CADâŻ$300â350/month) especially as a student.
Tip: Choose stores with student discounts, bulk buy nonâperishables, and cook at home more often rather than eating out frequently.
đ° Overall Living Costs & Student Budget
According to one university (University of Calgary) exchangeâstudent cost table: Food ~ CADâŻ$275â375/month. (University of Calgary in Alberta)
Onâaverage monthly living (excluding tuition) for a single person in Calgary typically falls in the ballpark of CADâŻ$2,000â3,000 depending on housing, lifestyle etc. (Easycostliving)
As a student: Key cost buckets to track: rent/accommodation, utilities & internet, groceries, transit, personal needs (books, supplies, recreation).
Tip: Have a âfirstâ3âmonths bufferâ because when you move from Ontario, youâll have initial setup costs (furniture, kitchenware, winter gear, transit card, etc.)
đ Specific Tips for You Coming from Ontario
Because youâre coming from Ontario, you may be used to certain cost levels; Calgary may feel reasonably affordable in transit/groceries, but housing may still be significant.
Weather: Calgary has cold winters, and if youâre from Ontario youâll want to budget for good winter clothing (jackets, boots, gloves) which is an upfront cost.
Student discounts: Be sure to check if your college offers a student transit pass (sometimes included in student fees) which could reduce your transit cost significantly.
Choose your housing location wisely: Offâcampus housing slightly further out may cost less, but ensure good transit connectivity so youâre not losing time or spending more on transport.
Food habits: If you usually eat out a lot in Ontario, youâll save by cooking at home in Calgary. But if you continue frequent eatingâout, the cost will jump.
Budgeting: Create a simple monthly budget spreadsheet: rent + utilities + groceries + transit + personal. Then revisit every 2â3 months and adjust as you see actual costs.