Calgary Tops Canada’s Best Places to Live

Calgary, AB earned the top 2026 ranking for combining affordability, quality of life, and career opportunities into one well-rounded place to live and work.
The ranking described living costs as moderate, with avg. monthly expenses for one person, excluding rent, near $1.5K, a major draw in Calgary.
Calgary's biggest employers included business services, international trade, hospitality, construction, natural resources, and manufacturing, while avg. yearly salary sat near $63.7K locally.
The same ranking highlighted excellent healthcare, low crime, low taxes, and one of Canada's best education systems as key livability strengths for residents.
Proximity to the Rocky Mountains, plus a warm, friendly atmosphere that welcomed expats, helped Calgary stand out for recreation and everyday lifestyle.