City vs city

Calgary vs Hamilton

Calgary is bigger (1,836,012 vs 871,143). Calgary has higher rent for a two-bedroom ($1,908 vs $1,659). Calgary has higher median household income ($100,000 vs $91,000). Hamilton has milder winters, with January averaging (-5.5°C vs -7.1°C). Hamilton has longer commutes (24.9 min vs 24.2 min).

CalgaryHamilton
People
Population (latest est.)1,836,012871,143
Growth since 2021+19.2%+6.5%
Median age38.041.6
Immigrants31.5%25.6%
Speak English & French6.6%6.5%
Bachelor's degree or higher (25–64)41.2%34.3%
Money
Median household income$100,000$91,000
Unemployment rate6.4%7.4%
Inflation (CPI, 12 months)+3.4%—
Housing
Avg. 1-bedroom rent$1,581$1,402
Avg. 2-bedroom rent$1,908$1,659
Rent change, 5 years+44.5%+28.4%
Vacancy rate5.0%3.6%
Median home value$460,000$755,000
Homeowners70.5%68.6%
Spend 30%+ on housing22.5%23.0%
Getting around
Average commute24.2 min24.9 min
Take transit7.9%6.5%
Walk or bike4.9%5.0%
Safety
Crime Severity Index61.754.8
Climate
January average-7.1°C-5.5°C
July daily high23.1°C26.5°C
Snow per year129 cm157 cm
Precipitation per year419 mm930 mm

Green marks the generally more favourable value where one exists. Census figures are from 2021; rent, jobs, prices and population are the latest releases.

Average temperature by month

-10°-2°7°16°24°JanMarMayJulSep
CalgaryHamilton

Two-bedroom rent over time

$936$1,205$1,474$1,743$2,01220152016201720182019202020212022202320242025
CalgaryHamilton