City vs city
Calgary vs Ottawa
Calgary is bigger (1,836,012 vs 1,700,014). Calgary has higher rent for a two-bedroom ($1,908 vs $1,757). Calgary has higher median household income ($100,000 vs $98,000). Calgary has milder winters, with January averaging (-7.1°C vs -10.3°C). Calgary has longer commutes (24.2 min vs 23.8 min).
| Calgary | Ottawa | |
|---|---|---|
| People | ||
| Population (latest est.) | 1,836,012 | 1,700,014 |
| Growth since 2021 | +19.2% | +10.4% |
| Median age | 38.0 | 40.4 |
| Immigrants | 31.5% | 21.4% |
| Speak English & French | 6.6% | 43.1% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher (25–64) | 41.2% | 43.7% |
| Money | ||
| Median household income | $100,000 | $98,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.4% | 7.9% |
| Inflation (CPI, 12 months) | +3.4% | +3.0% |
| Housing | ||
| Avg. 1-bedroom rent | $1,581 | $1,542 |
| Avg. 2-bedroom rent | $1,908 | $1,757 |
| Rent change, 5 years | +44.5% | +33.6% |
| Vacancy rate | 5.0% | 3.4% |
| Median home value | $460,000 | $548,000 |
| Homeowners | 70.5% | 65.4% |
| Spend 30%+ on housing | 22.5% | 18.4% |
| Getting around | ||
| Average commute | 24.2 min | 23.8 min |
| Take transit | 7.9% | 9.7% |
| Walk or bike | 4.9% | 7.2% |
| Safety | ||
| Crime Severity Index | 61.7 | 50.6 |
| Climate | ||
| January average | -7.1°C | -10.3°C |
| July daily high | 23.1°C | 26.5°C |
| Snow per year | 129 cm | 223 cm |
| Precipitation per year | 419 mm | 943 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
CalgaryOttawa
Two-bedroom rent over time
CalgaryOttawa