I am sponsering my husband I am a landed immigrant myself (25 years) both from the Netherlands,
We live in the NW of Calgary..... Expensive city, you have to make lots of money to have a decent life
For a nice condo you pay about 1100-to-1300 (downtown costs more)
for a townhome or home you pay 1300 and up
Groceries all depends on where you get them, stores like Safe-way , Sobey , Co-Op, are pretty expensive but if you look around there are lots of cheaper places, stores like china market (on 17th ave ne) has awesome prices, and there are many more like that
Restaurants, depends all on how fancy you want it, places like the keg are crazy expensive and you dont get much, we like to try out everything, and there are lots of places were my husband and I go that we can have a good meal for around twent bucks (for both)
Electricity, Gas ect all costs about the same everywere, one piece off advise though NEVER EVER SIGN A CONTRACT , no matter how good they make it sound, it will end up costing you BIG
Home phone , there is Telus and Shaw they are about the same, if you have Family overseas get the best package, we pay $47 per month and get unlimited Canada and US calling and 2000 min overseas,plus call display,call forwarding ect... all depends on what you all want.
Gas is cheaper here than in most places.
and we only pay 5 % taxes
furthermore, we find that Calgary is like its own Country, like there not even part off Canada, Yes its true there is racism here, Calgary people are a bit old fashioned, stuck in there ways, not very friendly, its very hard here to get to know people here. we have been living in the nw and no matter how you try no one ever says a word to each other here.
And the weather , YES it gets cold here, very cold ,but at least we get lots of sunshine..
All in All Calgary is ok if you like city life, but if you wont be making good money dont come here because life will be way to hard.
Hope this helps a bit, let me know if you want to know anything specific.......
