Interested in moving from the U.S. to Alberta? Residents living in this western Canadian province enjoy beautiful mountain views, job opportunities across various thriving industries, and universal healthcare access to essential hospital and health care services. If you’re looking for career advancement and affordable housing, Alberta is the place to be.
How Americans Can Live and Work in Alberta
If you’re interested in living in Alberta, there are several immigration options you can take. For instance, if you want to live here temporarily, you can apply for a work permit. Or, if you're interested in moving permanently to Alberta, you can take other approaches that fit your situation like Express Entry, Start-up Visa, Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) and Family sponsorship. For a breakdown of each opportunity please visit the Government of Canada’s Immigration and Citizenship website.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration policies and requirements can change. Please consult official Government of Canada resources or a licensed immigration consultant for guidance specific to your situation.
Cost of Living in Alberta
Alberta sees a lower cost of living compared to other Canadian provinces like British Columbia and Ontario, especially for housing and food. Here’s the average costs you can expect to pay when living in Alberta, stated by source: Cost of Living in Alberta, Canada in 2025
Monthly Cost of Living in Alberta (Prices in USD)
For one person:
- Rent and utilities: $1,445
- Food: $370
- Transportation: $130
For a couple:
- Rent and utilities: $1,502
- Food: $740
- Transportation: $195
For a family of 4:
- Rent and utilities: $1,944
- Food: $1,110
- Transportation: $260
- Childcare & Education: $2,100
Housing in Alberta
If you’re comparing housing costs across Canada, Alberta offers lower housing costs compared to other provinces like British Columbia and Ontario. Whether you’re buying or renting, you’ll find plenty of budget-friendly options here.
For newcomers, renting is often the smartest first step. It gives you time to settle in, experience the local lifestyle and figure out what kind of home really suits you without the big upfront costs of buying.
When it comes to finding a rental, we recommend looking at properties managed by property management companies like Avenue Living. Why? Because we offer security, guidance, and experience working with immigrant communities. Plus, renting through a trusted company helps you avoid online scams. We suggest that you always view a property in person before signing anything. It’s the best way to protect yourself and ensure you’re getting exactly what you expect.
Best Cities to Live in Alberta
Calgary
Calgary is recognized for having a strong economy, especially in the oil and gas sector. With its close proximity to the mountains and annual events like the Calgary Stampede, there are endless activities to do with friends and family. Check out these Avenue Living condos in Calgary:
Hays Farm is great for individuals with an active lifestyle, as it has an outdoor green space, outdoor pool, and tennis courts.
Applewood Village is ideal for families, offering access to shopping, parks, and schools.
The Britannia offers you stunning views of the downtown skyline or Calgary Golf & Country Club.
Wyldewood Estates makes family life easy with roomy layouts, walk-in closets, and in-suite storage. Plus, the kids will love having playgrounds and schools nearby.
Edmonton
Known as “Festival City”, Edmonton is home to a lively multicultural community that hosts festivals throughout the year. It is the capital city of Alberta and is very affordable, a great choice for you and your family. Check out these Avenue Living condos in Edmonton:
Avalon Court is nestled in a lively Edmonton community near trails, shopping, and transit.
Delton Townhomes is a great option for families, as it offers spacious two-bedroom and three-bedroom suites, outside green space and a nearby playground.
The SunRise is a well-connected option located in downtown Edmonton. It features a fitness centre, pet-grooming station and an outdoor terrace for you to enjoy.
Red Deer
Red Deer is the third largest city in Alberta, located in the middle of the Calgary-Edmonton Corridor. Various attractions include the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame, Canyon Ski Resort, and the Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery. If you’re looking to join a welcoming, well-connected community, Red Deer is a fantastic option. Check out these Avenue Living condos in Red Deer:
Vanier Woods is a pet-friendly community equipped with a dog run for your pet to play. It also comes with an o-site fitness centre and playground, perfect for the whole family.
Liberty Park Apartments is the perfect place for families to thrive, with spacious layouts, and sound-dampened flooring for a peaceful home environment.
Lethbridge
Located in Southern Alberta, Lethbridge has many parks and natural areas for you to explore. With places like Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden and VisitLethbridge.com Arena, which hosts sports events and concerts, there’s never a shortage of activities available for all ages. Check out these Avenue Living condos in Lethbridge:
Flamborough Garden is a well-connected community with quick access to Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden and Park Place Mall.
Palm Road Apartments gives you the convenience of shared yard space and easy access to fitness centres like VisitLethbridge.com Arena, perfect for families with active children.
Conclusion
Ready to make the move? With breathtaking mountain views, a booming job market, and an affordable cost of living, Alberta has a lot to offer. Whether you’re planning to move temporarily for work or want to settle down permanently, there are plenty of immigration programs to meet your needs. Plus, with vibrant cities like Calgary, Edmonton, and Lethbridge, you’ll never run out of things to do. Now’s the perfect time to explore your options and make the leap!