Which city is better to live, Edmonton or Calgary?

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June S

I understand you don't have a car from asking the same type of question in the Calgary forum. I can tell you that for a person who doesn't have a car Edmonton is a lot more accessible. The bus and Light Rapid Train (LRT) will get you into almost every corner of the city - something you may want to consider when comparing the two cities.

Rents in Edmonton are still more reasonable than in Calgary even though Edmonton's is on the rise too. The possibility of finding accommodation in Edmonton is at least a possibility unlike Calgary where apartments are so scarce people are living in campgrounds.

The weather in both places is comparable - Calgary has a few more milder days maybe than Edmonton but is also more prone to bigger storms especially in the summer. It is not unheard of to have torrential rains in Calgary or hail the size of golf balls creating havoc.

The road system in Edmonton is by far easier to maneuver as we are on a grid system using numbered streets and avenues which run N - S and W-E - looking at the street signs and you really can't get lost. Calgary's streets are all named except for a few - try to figure out where to go - no thanks - I get lost every time.

The traffic comparison is another thing - Calgary is by far more congested - the main arteries are bumper to bumper and if there's an accident there is usually a secondary way go to miss it. Edmonton road system is pretty easy - the only place it's difficult to get off of if there's an accident is the Whitemud freeway - everywhere else you can manage to find a secondary route.

Both cities are beautiful in the own way - Calgary has the DISTANT mountains but Edmonton has miles upon miles of river valleys with biking and walking trails. Both cities have every major brand store for shopping - no real difference there.

Calgary has the stampede and Edmonton has the EX. Edmonton to be fair has way more festivals and events than Calgary - Fringe, Works, Heritage Days, etc, etc. For someone younger Whyte Ave is THE place to be with it's funky shops, clubs, pubs just to name a few.

Edmonton has the University of Alberta, The Provincial Legislature building and grounds that are beautiful and tons of people hang out there in the summer - Edmonton has West Edmonton Mall - can't beat it! July has the Grand Pix race - it's awesome.

I would definitely choose Edmonton over Calgary even if only for economic reasons but do consider the university, the easy of getting around the city and the cheaper rents.

When I moved from Ontario to the West and visited Calgary first but decided on Edmonton. It's a great place to lay your head.

Good Luck.

travellerlcy

Calgary

It is a beautiful city and you can see the mountains

Caroline J

It depends on your job and the lifestyle you like. Calgary is considered 'white collar', Edmonton 'blue collar'. Even though the provincial capital is Edmonton, Calgary is the center of finance. In appearance, Calgary is more refined; Edmonton is a bit rough. Edmonton has the University of Alberta, and the train goes directly to it.

I, myself, prefer Edmonton, and lived there for years.

Lydia

Both are really pricey to live in right now, but Edmonton is a better bet. Calgary has gotten way out of control with their growth.

Megan P

My cousins live in Red Deer. They have visited both places numourously and seem to have a far better opinion of Calgary.
However a good friend of mine went to school in Edmonton last year and enjoyed it there.
According to the source listed below, Calgary is a better city to live in as well.

sel_bos

Both cities are so cold in wintertime. I've already moving down south to the states.

Smartybbq knows u!!

edmonton the west edmonton mall is da shizzle

royaleug

I think Calgary becauce is not so much oil!!!

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