🇨🇦 Cost of Living in Edmonton - Prices & Budget Guide
Last updated: March 2026
Economic Indicators
GDP per Capita (PPP)$64,610 (2024)
Inflation Rate2.4% (2024)
Health Spend per Capita$6,378 (2024)
Out-of-Pocket Health Spend15.3% (2024)
Education Spend (% GDP)4.9% (2022)
Source: World Bank Open Data
The cost of living in Edmonton is generally considered to be moderate, with a daily budget of $80-150 USD per person for mid-range travelers, making it an affordable destination for visitors and expats alike.
Quick Facts
Cost LevelModerate
Daily Budget (Backpacker)$60-100 USD
Daily Budget (Mid-Range)$80-150 USD
Daily Budget (Comfort)$150-250 USD
CurrencyCAD
Tipping Customexpected (10-15% in restaurants and bars)
How Expensive Is Edmonton?
Edmonton, the capital of Alberta, Canada, is a city with a moderate cost of living compared to other major cities in North America. The cost of living in Edmonton is lower than in cities like Vancouver or Toronto, but higher than in some smaller Canadian cities. Overall, Edmonton offers a great balance between affordability and quality of life, making it an attractive destination for tourists and expats. Compared to its neighboring cities, Edmonton has a similar cost of living to Calgary, but is more expensive than cities like Saskatoon or Regina.
In terms of global averages, Edmonton's cost of living is slightly higher than the global average, but still considered moderate. The city's economy is driven by the energy industry, which can lead to fluctuations in the cost of living. However, the city's overall affordability and high standard of living make it an attractive destination for visitors and residents alike.
Accommodation Prices
Type
Price Range (USD/night)
Notes
Hostel/Budget
$20-40
Typical quality, shared rooms and bathrooms
Mid-Range Hotel
$80-150
What to expect, private rooms and amenities like free Wi-Fi and breakfast
Luxury/Resort
$200-350
What to expect, high-end amenities and services like room service and fitness centers
Apartment Rent (monthly)
$800-1,500
City center, one-bedroom apartment, utilities not included
Apartment Rent (monthly)
$500-1,000
Outside city center, one-bedroom apartment, utilities not included
Food & Dining Prices
Meal Type
Price Range (USD)
Street Food / Local Eatery
$10-15
Casual Restaurant
$15-25
Mid-Range Restaurant (2 people)
$40-60
Fine Dining
$80-120
Beer (local)
$6-8
Coffee
$2-4
Water (1.5L bottle)
$2-3
Transport Costs
Transport
Cost (USD)
Local bus/metro ride
$2-3
Taxi (per km)
$2-3
Domestic flight
$100-200
Fuel (per liter)
$0.80-1.20
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Category
Budget ($)
Mid-Range ($)
Comfortable ($)
Rent
800
1,200
1,800
Food
300
500
800
Transport
100
200
300
Utilities
100
150
200
Entertainment
200
300
500
Total
1,500
2,350
3,600
Money-Saving Tips
Consider purchasing a public transportation pass for unlimited bus and metro rides, which can save you up to $50 per month.
Look for apartments outside of the city center, which can be up to 30% cheaper than those in the city center.
Take advantage of the city's many free attractions, such as the River Valley and the Alberta Legislature Building.
Shop at local markets or grocery stores, which can offer lower prices than larger chain stores.
Use cashback or rewards credit cards for daily purchases, which can help you earn points or cashback.
Consider visiting during the shoulder season (April-May or September-October), when prices for accommodations and tourist attractions are lower.