Four Cities You Should Consider Living In As An Expat

Xpatulator.com's Cost of Living Rankings always highlight the most expensive cities to live in as an expat, but what about the cheaper cities, the ones that will curl your toes, that are less costly, more interesting and offer great opportunities.  

Read more about four of the most overlooked cities where the cost of living is relatively low.

1. Dalian - The Back Door to China

China’s two largest cities - Shanghai and Beijing have been steadily climbing up the global cost of living rankings.

Shanghai breaking into the top twenty in 17th position, according to Xpatulator.com’s 2014 Q1 report. 

Beijing coming in at 28th spot. Why? Rising housing costs have made the biggest jump while everything from transportation to groceries has also been climbing.

However it is the little known Dalian that has a long history of foreign workers.

Dalian ranks 227th in the cost of living rankings of 780 locations. Compared to Shanghai, a luxury 3-bedroom suburban apartment will cost roughly half at $1271 USD per month in Dalian compared to $2371 in Shanghai. Taxi fares are also around 20% cheaper.  

In 2006 China Daily News ranked Dalian as China’s most livable city. For western workers, companies like Dell and Intel both have manufacturing and administrative offices here.

2. Budapest - The Unsung European Capital

Capital cities in Europe such as Stockholm, Paris and Oslo were near the top of the rankings, Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is the bargain city to be looking at. Budapest placed 536th out of the over 700 cities.

In a pub in Budapest you can expect to pay the equivalent of 89 U.S. pennies for a half liter bottle of domestic beer, while a local brew in Geneva, runs up to $2.54, nearly three times more. A four star hotel in Budapest averages $204 USD a night while in Geneva, expect to pay around $540.

The purchasing power parity (PPP) of the average Budapest wage earner is 147% of the average for the European Union as a whole. With nearly 400,000 companies operating in the city there are excellent opportunities in virtually every industry.

3. Cape Town - From Supply Stop to Global Center

This former colony has become a major international center. As the home of the South African Parliament, it also ranks as the manufacturing and business center for the southern part of the country. Almost every major international company has their manufacturing and operations headquartered here, including Johnson & Johnson, Levis Strauss and Adidas.

Despite its position as a global city, Cape Town ranks 550th on the Xpatulator.com global cost of living. Comparing costs it’s not hard to see why Cape Town is attracting attention among foreign workers. A Big Mac, can cost the equivalent of $4.18 USD, while the cost of private schooling - yearly tuition at an international school in Cape Town averages $8,320.

Cape Town is also actively promoting itself as a destination for foreign workers in key professions where it sees a skills gap. While unemployment in rural areas of South Africa is as high as 70% due to a large number of unskilled workers; teachers, engineers, medical and IT workers are in high demand and are eligible for special work permits through the S.A. Department of Home Affairs.

4. Calgary - Canadian Hub for Oil and Gas

Calgary is the booming center for Canada’s oil and natural gas industry, and it’s fastest growing economy. 

As the corporate headquarters for virtually every company involved in developing the Alberta tar sands, as well as renewed production from what is known in the industry as non-traditional drilling, Calgary is a bastion of stability in the global world of big oil.

Many expats are moving to this city from other places such as the volatile Caracas.

As the 87th most expensive city on Xpatulator.com’s latest report, Calgary is not cheap. When you consider however that the top 3 most expensive cities in the World are centers for oil and gas, Calgary becomes an attractive option. Canadian news agency, the Globe and Mail has reported that workers have been moving to Calgary “en mass” from the troubled oil fields of Caracas, Venezuela. Caracas ranks #2 and Luanda, Angola ranks #1 among the World’s most expensive cities.

  

In a global economy, international experience is a huge boost to personal marketability. As markets and businesses spill across borders and around the globe, the demand for skilled workers with international business experience and cultural sensitivity is growing. For experienced expat workers in many key positions there is also the prospect of an exceptionally high standard of living.

The new global cost of living rankings released by Xpatulator.com reveal that costs have risen sharply in many of the most popular destinations for expat workers, but there are still low cost cities with great opportunities.

If you are considering an overseas assignment you can access detailed cost of living ranking information on any one of 780 different locations through Xpatulator.com. Their online calculators also help you estimate the salary and benefits you will need to maintain the same purchasing power and standard of living on an overseas assignment.

Canada, Vancouver Cost of Living January 2010

LOCATION: Canada is in Northern North America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean on the east, North Pacific Ocean on the west, and the Arctic Ocean on the north, north of the USA.

CAPITAL CITY: Ottawa

LARGEST CITY: Toronto

CURRENCY: Canadian Dollar (CAD)

ECONOMY: Canada is an affluent, high-tech industrial society, with a market-oriented economic system, pattern of production, and affluent living standards. The growth of the manufacturing, mining, and service sectors has transformed it from a largely rural economy into primarily industrial and urban. Vancouver is one of the nation's largest industrial centers. It is also the headquarters for forest product and mining companies. In recent years, Vancouver has become an increasingly important centre for software development, biotechnology and has a vibrant film industry.
Vancouver has an overall cost of living index which equates it with high cost of living locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups. Vancouver is currently ranked 71 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 276 international locations. The cost of living overview for each of the 13 Basket Groups is as follows:

Alcohol & Tobacco costs for alcoholic beverages such as alcohol at bar, beer, locally produced spirit, whiskey, and wine as well as tobacco products such as cigarettes is relatively more expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 40 out of 276.

Clothing costs for clothing and footwear products such as business suits, casual clothing, childrens clothing and footwear, coats and hats, evening wear, shoe repairs, and underwear is relatively more expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 62 out of 276.

Communication costs for various communication costs such as home telephone rental and call charges, internet connection and service provider fees, mobile / cellular phone contract and calls is equally expensive on average compared to other cities with a rank of 155 out of 276.

Education costs such as creche / pre-school fees, high school / college fees, primary school fees, and tertiary study fees is relatively less expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 196 out of 276.

Furniture & Appliance costs for furniture, household equipment and household appliances such as dvd player, fridge freezer, iron, kettle, toaster, microwave, light bulbs, television, vacuum cleaner, and washing machine is relatively more expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 43 out of 276.

Grocery costs for food, non-alcoholic beverages and cleaning material items such as baby consumables, baked goods, baking, canned foods, cheese, cleaning products, dairy, fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, fruit juices, meat, oil & vinegars, pet food, pre-prepared meals, sauces, seafood, snacks, soft drinks, spices & herbs is relatively more expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 47 out of 276.

Healthcare costs for general healthcare, medical and medical insurance such as general practitioner consultation rates, hospital private ward daily rate, non-prescription medicine, and private medical insurance / medical aid contributions is equally expensive on average compared to other cities with a rank of 109 out of 276.

Household costs for housing, water, electricity, household gas, household fuels, local rates and residential taxes such as house / flat mortgage, house / flat rental, household electricity consumption, household gas / fuel consumption, household water consumption, and local property rates / taxes / levies is equally expensive on average compared to other cities with a rank of 110 out of 276.

Miscellaneous costs related to stationary, linen and general goods and services such as domestic help, dry cleaning, linen, office supplies, newspapers and magazines, and postage stamps is relatively more expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 65 out of 276.

Personal Care costs for personal care products and services such as cosmetics, hair care, moisturizer / sun block, nappies, pain relief tablets, toilet paper, toothpaste, and soap / shampoo / conditioner is equally expensive on average compared to other cities with a rank of 167 out of 276.

Recreation and Culture costs such as books, camera film, cinema ticket, DVD and CDs, sports goods, and theatre tickets is relatively more expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 47 out of 276.

Restaurants, Meals Out and Hotel costs such as business dinner, dinner at a restaurant (non fast food), hotel rates, take away drinks and snacks (fast food) is relatively more expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 46 out of 276.

Transport costs for public transport, vehicle costs, vehicle fuel, vehicle insurance and vehicle maintenance such as hire purchase / lease of vehicle, petrol / diesel, public transport service maintenance, tires, vehicle Insurance, and vehicle purchase is relatively more expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 63 out of 276.

Your exact customized cost of living index for Vancouver is based on which of the above basket groups as well as the comparison location you select in the Calculators.

In terms of the hardship people are likely to experience, assessed in global terms, Vancouver is ranked as a minimal hardship location with a hardship index of 10%.

Your exact customized hardship index premium for Vancouver is based on the comparison location that you select in the Calculators.

Canada, Toronto Cost of Living January 2010

LOCATION: Canada is in Northern North America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean on the east, North Pacific Ocean on the west, and the Arctic Ocean on the north, north of the USA.

CAPITAL CITY: Ottawa

LARGEST CITY: Toronto

CURRENCY: Canadian Dollar (CAD)

ECONOMY: Canada is an affluent, high-tech industrial society, with a market-oriented economic system, pattern of production, and affluent living standards. The growth of the manufacturing, mining, and service sectors has transformed it from a largely rural economy into primarily industrial and urban. Toronto is a major international centre for business and finance. It is generally considered the financial capital of Canada.
Toronto has an overall cost of living index which equates it with high cost of living locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups. Toronto is currently ranked 55 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 276 international locations. The cost of living overview for each of the 13 Basket Groups is as follows:

Alcohol & Tobacco costs for alcoholic beverages such as alcohol at bar, beer, locally produced spirit, whiskey, and wine as well as tobacco products such as cigarettes is relatively more expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 35 out of 276.

Clothing costs for clothing and footwear products such as business suits, casual clothing, childrens clothing and footwear, coats and hats, evening wear, shoe repairs, and underwear is relatively more expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 46 out of 276.

Communication costs for various communication costs such as home telephone rental and call charges, internet connection and service provider fees, mobile / cellular phone contract and calls is equally expensive on average compared to other cities with a rank of 145 out of 276.

Education costs such as creche / pre-school fees, high school / college fees, primary school fees, and tertiary study fees is relatively less expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 191 out of 276.

Furniture & Appliance costs for furniture, household equipment and household appliances such as dvd player, fridge freezer, iron, kettle, toaster, microwave, light bulbs, television, vacuum cleaner, and washing machine is relatively more expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 36 out of 276.

Grocery costs for food, non-alcoholic beverages and cleaning material items such as baby consumables, baked goods, baking, canned foods, cheese, cleaning products, dairy, fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, fruit juices, meat, oil & vinegars, pet food, pre-prepared meals, sauces, seafood, snacks, soft drinks, spices & herbs is relatively more expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 40 out of 276.

Healthcare costs for general healthcare, medical and medical insurance such as general practitioner consultation rates, hospital private ward daily rate, non-prescription medicine, and private medical insurance / medical aid contributions is relatively more expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 90 out of 276.

Household costs for housing, water, electricity, household gas, household fuels, local rates and residential taxes such as house / flat mortgage, house / flat rental, household electricity consumption, household gas / fuel consumption, household water consumption, and local property rates / taxes / levies is equally expensive on average compared to other cities with a rank of 94 out of 276.

Miscellaneous costs related to stationary, linen and general goods and services such as domestic help, dry cleaning, linen, office supplies, newspapers and magazines, and postage stamps is relatively more expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 59 out of 276.

Personal Care costs for personal care products and services such as cosmetics, hair care, moisturizer / sun block, nappies, pain relief tablets, toilet paper, toothpaste, and soap / shampoo / conditioner is equally expensive on average compared to other cities with a rank of 158 out of 276.

Recreation and Culture costs such as books, camera film, cinema ticket, DVD and CDs, sports goods, and theatre tickets is relatively more expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 36 out of 276.

Restaurants, Meals Out and Hotel costs such as business dinner, dinner at a restaurant (non fast food), hotel rates, take away drinks and snacks (fast food) is relatively more expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 34 out of 276.

Transport costs for public transport, vehicle costs, vehicle fuel, vehicle insurance and vehicle maintenance such as hire purchase / lease of vehicle, petrol / diesel, public transport service maintenance, tires, vehicle Insurance, and vehicle purchase is relatively more expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 53 out of 276.

Your exact customized cost of living index for Toronto is based on which of the above basket groups as well as the comparison location you select in the Calculators.

In terms of the hardship people are likely to experience, assessed in global terms, Toronto is ranked as a minimal hardship location with a hardship index of 10%.

Your exact customized hardship index premium for Toronto is based on the comparison location that you select in the Calculators.

Canada, Ottawa Cost of Living January 2010

LOCATION: Canada is in Northern North America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean on the east, North Pacific Ocean on the west, and the Arctic Ocean on the north, north of the USA.

CAPITAL CITY: Ottawa

LARGEST CITY: Toronto

CURRENCY: Canadian Dollar (CAD)

ECONOMY: Canada is an affluent, high-tech industrial society, with a market-oriented economic system, pattern of production, and affluent living standards. The growth of the manufacturing, mining, and service sectors has transformed it from a largely rural economy into primarily industrial and urban. Ottawa has three types of economic market sectors: export companies serving markets all around the world; regionally focused companies serving Ottawa residents, and businesses; and the rural economy. Ottawa is a global technology and business centre as well as a world class tourism and convention destination.
Ottawa has an overall cost of living index which equates it with middle cost of living locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups. Ottawa is currently ranked 144 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 276 international locations. The cost of living overview for each of the 13 Basket Groups is as follows:

Alcohol & Tobacco costs for alcoholic beverages such as alcohol at bar, beer, locally produced spirit, whiskey, and wine as well as tobacco products such as cigarettes is relatively more expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 89 out of 276.

Clothing costs for clothing and footwear products such as business suits, casual clothing, childrens clothing and footwear, coats and hats, evening wear, shoe repairs, and underwear is equally expensive on average compared to other cities with a rank of 120 out of 276.

Communication costs for various communication costs such as home telephone rental and call charges, internet connection and service provider fees, mobile / cellular phone contract and calls is relatively less expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 224 out of 276.

Education costs such as creche / pre-school fees, high school / college fees, primary school fees, and tertiary study fees is relatively less expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 230 out of 276.

Furniture & Appliance costs for furniture, household equipment and household appliances such as dvd player, fridge freezer, iron, kettle, toaster, microwave, light bulbs, television, vacuum cleaner, and washing machine is equally expensive on average compared to other cities with a rank of 105 out of 276.

Grocery costs for food, non-alcoholic beverages and cleaning material items such as baby consumables, baked goods, baking, canned foods, cheese, cleaning products, dairy, fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, fruit juices, meat, oil & vinegars, pet food, pre-prepared meals, sauces, seafood, snacks, soft drinks, spices & herbs is equally expensive on average compared to other cities with a rank of 114 out of 276.

Healthcare costs for general healthcare, medical and medical insurance such as general practitioner consultation rates, hospital private ward daily rate, non-prescription medicine, and private medical insurance / medical aid contributions is equally expensive on average compared to other cities with a rank of 183 out of 276.

Household costs for housing, water, electricity, household gas, household fuels, local rates and residential taxes such as house / flat mortgage, house / flat rental, household electricity consumption, household gas / fuel consumption, household water consumption, and local property rates / taxes / levies is equally expensive on average compared to other cities with a rank of 170 out of 276.

Miscellaneous costs related to stationary, linen and general goods and services such as domestic help, dry cleaning, linen, office supplies, newspapers and magazines, and postage stamps is equally expensive on average compared to other cities with a rank of 102 out of 276.

Personal Care costs for personal care products and services such as cosmetics, hair care, moisturizer / sun block, nappies, pain relief tablets, toilet paper, toothpaste, and soap / shampoo / conditioner is relatively less expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 214 out of 276.

Recreation and Culture costs such as books, camera film, cinema ticket, DVD and CDs, sports goods, and theatre tickets is equally expensive on average compared to other cities with a rank of 98 out of 276.

Restaurants, Meals Out and Hotel costs such as business dinner, dinner at a restaurant (non fast food), hotel rates, take away drinks and snacks (fast food) is equally expensive on average compared to other cities with a rank of 101 out of 276.

Transport costs for public transport, vehicle costs, vehicle fuel, vehicle insurance and vehicle maintenance such as hire purchase / lease of vehicle, petrol / diesel, public transport service maintenance, tires, vehicle Insurance, and vehicle purchase is equally expensive on average compared to other cities with a rank of 116 out of 276.

Your exact customized cost of living index for Ottawa is based on which of the above basket groups as well as the comparison location you select in the Calculators.

In terms of the hardship people are likely to experience, assessed in global terms, Ottawa is ranked as a minimal hardship location with a hardship index of 10%.

Your exact customized hardship index premium for Ottawa is based on the comparison location that you select in the Calculators.

Canada, Montreal Cost of Living January 2010

LOCATION: Canada is in Northern North America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean on the east, North Pacific Ocean on the west, and the Arctic Ocean on the north, north of the USA.

CAPITAL CITY: Ottawa

LARGEST CITY: Toronto

CURRENCY: Canadian Dollar (CAD)

ECONOMY: Canada is an affluent, high-tech industrial society, with a market-oriented economic system, pattern of production, and affluent living standards. The growth of the manufacturing, mining, and service sectors has transformed it from a largely rural economy into primarily industrial and urban. Montreal is an important centre of commerce, industry, culture, finance, and world affairs. Industries include: aerospace, electronic goods, pharmaceuticals, printed goods, software engineering, telecommunications, textile and apparel manufacturing, tobacco and transportation. Services include: civil, mechanical and process engineering, finance, higher education, research and development.
Montreal has an overall cost of living index which equates it with middle cost of living locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups. Montreal is currently ranked 112 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 276 international locations. The cost of living overview for each of the 13 Basket Groups is as follows:

Alcohol & Tobacco costs for alcoholic beverages such as alcohol at bar, beer, locally produced spirit, whiskey, and wine as well as tobacco products such as cigarettes is relatively more expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 72 out of 276.

Clothing costs for clothing and footwear products such as business suits, casual clothing, childrens clothing and footwear, coats and hats, evening wear, shoe repairs, and underwear is relatively more expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 88 out of 276.

Communication costs for various communication costs such as home telephone rental and call charges, internet connection and service provider fees, mobile / cellular phone contract and calls is relatively less expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 191 out of 276.

Education costs such as creche / pre-school fees, high school / college fees, primary school fees, and tertiary study fees is relatively less expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 219 out of 276.

Furniture & Appliance costs for furniture, household equipment and household appliances such as dvd player, fridge freezer, iron, kettle, toaster, microwave, light bulbs, television, vacuum cleaner, and washing machine is relatively more expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 86 out of 276.

Grocery costs for food, non-alcoholic beverages and cleaning material items such as baby consumables, baked goods, baking, canned foods, cheese, cleaning products, dairy, fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, fruit juices, meat, oil & vinegars, pet food, pre-prepared meals, sauces, seafood, snacks, soft drinks, spices & herbs is relatively more expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 84 out of 276.

Healthcare costs for general healthcare, medical and medical insurance such as general practitioner consultation rates, hospital private ward daily rate, non-prescription medicine, and private medical insurance / medical aid contributions is equally expensive on average compared to other cities with a rank of 165 out of 276.

Household costs for housing, water, electricity, household gas, household fuels, local rates and residential taxes such as house / flat mortgage, house / flat rental, household electricity consumption, household gas / fuel consumption, household water consumption, and local property rates / taxes / levies is equally expensive on average compared to other cities with a rank of 152 out of 276.

Miscellaneous costs related to stationary, linen and general goods and services such as domestic help, dry cleaning, linen, office supplies, newspapers and magazines, and postage stamps is relatively more expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 90 out of 276.

Personal Care costs for personal care products and services such as cosmetics, hair care, moisturizer / sun block, nappies, pain relief tablets, toilet paper, toothpaste, and soap / shampoo / conditioner is relatively less expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 204 out of 276.

Recreation and Culture costs such as books, camera film, cinema ticket, DVD and CDs, sports goods, and theatre tickets is relatively more expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 73 out of 276.

Restaurants, Meals Out and Hotel costs such as business dinner, dinner at a restaurant (non fast food), hotel rates, take away drinks and snacks (fast food) is relatively more expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 77 out of 276.

Transport costs for public transport, vehicle costs, vehicle fuel, vehicle insurance and vehicle maintenance such as hire purchase / lease of vehicle, petrol / diesel, public transport service maintenance, tires, vehicle Insurance, and vehicle purchase is relatively more expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 90 out of 276.

Your exact customized cost of living index for Montreal is based on which of the above basket groups as well as the comparison location you select in the Calculators.

In terms of the hardship people are likely to experience, assessed in global terms, Montreal is ranked as a minimal hardship location with a hardship index of 10%.

Your exact customized hardship index premium for Montreal is based on the comparison location that you select in the Calculators.

Canada, Calgary Cost of Living January 2010

LOCATION: Canada is in Northern North America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean on the east, North Pacific Ocean on the west, and the Arctic Ocean on the north, north of the USA.

CAPITAL CITY: Ottawa

LARGEST CITY: Toronto

CURRENCY: Canadian Dollar (CAD)

ECONOMY: Canada is an affluent, high-tech industrial society, with a market-oriented economic system, pattern of production, and affluent living standards. The growth of the manufacturing, mining, and service sectors has transformed it from a largely rural economy into primarily industrial and urban. Calgary's economy is still dominated by the oil and gas industry, despite recent diversification.
Calgary has an overall cost of living index which equates it with high cost of living locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups. Calgary is currently ranked 89 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 276 international locations. The cost of living overview for each of the 13 Basket Groups is as follows:

Alcohol & Tobacco costs for alcoholic beverages such as alcohol at bar, beer, locally produced spirit, whiskey, and wine as well as tobacco products such as cigarettes is relatively more expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 51 out of 276.

Clothing costs for clothing and footwear products such as business suits, casual clothing, childrens clothing and footwear, coats and hats, evening wear, shoe repairs, and underwear is relatively more expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 72 out of 276.

Communication costs for various communication costs such as home telephone rental and call charges, internet connection and service provider fees, mobile / cellular phone contract and calls is equally expensive on average compared to other cities with a rank of 170 out of 276.

Education costs such as creche / pre-school fees, high school / college fees, primary school fees, and tertiary study fees is relatively less expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 208 out of 276.

Furniture & Appliance costs for furniture, household equipment and household appliances such as dvd player, fridge freezer, iron, kettle, toaster, microwave, light bulbs, television, vacuum cleaner, and washing machine is relatively more expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 54 out of 276.

Grocery costs for food, non-alcoholic beverages and cleaning material items such as baby consumables, baked goods, baking, canned foods, cheese, cleaning products, dairy, fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, fruit juices, meat, oil & vinegars, pet food, pre-prepared meals, sauces, seafood, snacks, soft drinks, spices & herbs is relatively more expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 68 out of 276.

Healthcare costs for general healthcare, medical and medical insurance such as general practitioner consultation rates, hospital private ward daily rate, non-prescription medicine, and private medical insurance / medical aid contributions is equally expensive on average compared to other cities with a rank of 136 out of 276.

Household costs for housing, water, electricity, household gas, household fuels, local rates and residential taxes such as house / flat mortgage, house / flat rental, household electricity consumption, household gas / fuel consumption, household water consumption, and local property rates / taxes / levies is equally expensive on average compared to other cities with a rank of 127 out of 276.

Miscellaneous costs related to stationary, linen and general goods and services such as domestic help, dry cleaning, linen, office supplies, newspapers and magazines, and postage stamps is relatively more expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 82 out of 276.

Personal Care costs for personal care products and services such as cosmetics, hair care, moisturizer / sun block, nappies, pain relief tablets, toilet paper, toothpaste, and soap / shampoo / conditioner is relatively less expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 185 out of 276.

Recreation and Culture costs such as books, camera film, cinema ticket, DVD and CDs, sports goods, and theatre tickets is relatively more expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 58 out of 276.

Restaurants, Meals Out and Hotel costs such as business dinner, dinner at a restaurant (non fast food), hotel rates, take away drinks and snacks (fast food) is relatively more expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 56 out of 276.

Transport costs for public transport, vehicle costs, vehicle fuel, vehicle insurance and vehicle maintenance such as hire purchase / lease of vehicle, petrol / diesel, public transport service maintenance, tires, vehicle Insurance, and vehicle purchase is relatively more expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 75 out of 276.

Your exact customized cost of living index for Calgary is based on which of the above basket groups as well as the comparison location you select in the Calculators.

In terms of the hardship people are likely to experience, assessed in global terms, Calgary is ranked as a minimal hardship location with a hardship index of 10%.

Your exact customized hardship index premium for Calgary is based on the comparison location that you select in the Calculators.