Edmonton, Alberta settlers Join here

[respectall]

Hi Saqib. I lived 8 years in Edmonton (did my grad studies there) and I have been living in Calgary since September. Dislcaimer: this is just my experience and opinion. I'll try to cover the most important points:
1. weather: Edmonton is colder and gets more snow in my opinion. Calgary has chinooks (warm bouts that give you a respite from the bitter cold). But honestly they are about the same. Roads are terrible in Edmonton.
2. location: Calgary has the Rocky mountains less than an hour. Edmonton has...nothing. Although Elk Island is a nice park. That to me is the most important difference.I love winter sports and hiking in summer.
3. architecture: I never minded Edmonton when living there but now that I love in Calgary, I have to say that Edmonton is very dull. Downtown Edmonton has no vibrancy and not very interesting in terms of shopping, strolling. Calgary has pretty amazing architectures, Prince's Island which is strictly for pedestrians, a river walk. It's truly nice
4. entertainment: once again Calgary has the upper-hand although Edmonton has the Alberta art gallery. You have Stephen avenue (pedestrian) with very nice restaurants and shops, a theatre. Kensington is more trendy with little boutiques, very alternative. Inglewood, the oldest neighbourhood, has interesting architecture, pubs and truly alternative shops (one is specialized in Japanese cooking knives!). Marda Loop, with a European (I'm French)/alternative feel and finally 17th avenue with all the pubs and restaurants. However, Edmonton has Old Strathcona right next to the University and there is definitely a soul there with 2 independent move theatres.
5. People: I find people in Edmonton more genuine, blue collar, less conservative, less snobby as well, more laidback. Calgarians are not very different but it's definitely a white collar city and people are colder.
6. cost of living: Edmonton is much cheaper especially for rent. Calgary is really expensive for everything
7. crime: Edmonton is as safe as Calgary in my opinion. If you don't go to sensitive areas like Chinatown and Millwoods you'll be fine. And even then I have friends living in Millwoods:they never had any issue. I have never ever felt threatened in Edmonton.
8. greenery: Edmonton has a HUGE river valley. This is paradise to cross country fanatics and walkers in summer.Sometimes it makes you feel you are lost in a big forest. Calgary has a river and has Glenmore reservoir but I much prefer the river valley in Edmonton.

All in all though they are both good cities but I have to say that I prefer Calgary. The city is prettier, the mountains are close by. You'll have a good life in both.

Good one

 

[saqibs2]

Hi Saqib. I lived 8 years in Edmonton (did my grad studies there) and I have been living in Calgary since September. Dislcaimer: this is just my experience and opinion. I'll try to cover the most important points:
1. weather: Edmonton is colder and gets more snow in my opinion. Calgary has chinooks (warm bouts that give you a respite from the bitter cold). But honestly they are about the same. Roads are terrible in Edmonton.
2. location: Calgary has the Rocky mountains less than an hour. Edmonton has...nothing. Although Elk Island is a nice park. That to me is the most important difference.I love winter sports and hiking in summer.
3. architecture: I never minded Edmonton when living there but now that I love in Calgary, I have to say that Edmonton is very dull. Downtown Edmonton has no vibrancy and not very interesting in terms of shopping, strolling. Calgary has pretty amazing architectures, Prince's Island which is strictly for pedestrians, a river walk. It's truly nice
4. entertainment: once again Calgary has the upper-hand although Edmonton has the Alberta art gallery. You have Stephen avenue (pedestrian) with very nice restaurants and shops, a theatre. Kensington is more trendy with little boutiques, very alternative. Inglewood, the oldest neighbourhood, has interesting architecture, pubs and truly alternative shops (one is specialized in Japanese cooking knives!). Marda Loop, with a European (I'm French)/alternative feel and finally 17th avenue with all the pubs and restaurants. However, Edmonton has Old Strathcona right next to the University and there is definitely a soul there with 2 independent move theatres.
5. People: I find people in Edmonton more genuine, blue collar, less conservative, less snobby as well, more laidback. Calgarians are not very different but it's definitely a white collar city and people are colder.
6. cost of living: Edmonton is much cheaper especially for rent. Calgary is really expensive for everything
7. crime: Edmonton is as safe as Calgary in my opinion. If you don't go to sensitive areas like Chinatown and Millwoods you'll be fine. And even then I have friends living in Millwoods:they never had any issue. I have never ever felt threatened in Edmonton.
8. greenery: Edmonton has a HUGE river valley. This is paradise to cross country fanatics and walkers in summer.Sometimes it makes you feel you are lost in a big forest. Calgary has a river and has Glenmore reservoir but I much prefer the river valley in Edmonton.

All in all though they are both good cities but I have to say that I prefer Calgary. The city is prettier, the mountains are close by. You'll have a good life in both.

Thanks utopie for give us nice information

 

[amh]

Dear members,
I am also planing to go to Edmonton people are saying that it is cheaper area as compared to vancouver and toronto due to less tax rates and more rich economy.
BR//AMH

 

[denDbest]

Hi Saqib. I lived 8 years in Edmonton (did my grad studies there) and I have been living in Calgary since September. Dislcaimer: this is just my experience and opinion. I'll try to cover the most important points:
1. weather: Edmonton is colder and gets more snow in my opinion. Calgary has chinooks (warm bouts that give you a respite from the bitter cold). But honestly they are about the same. Roads are terrible in Edmonton.
2. location: Calgary has the Rocky mountains less than an hour. Edmonton has...nothing. Although Elk Island is a nice park. That to me is the most important difference.I love winter sports and hiking in summer.
3. architecture: I never minded Edmonton when living there but now that I love in Calgary, I have to say that Edmonton is very dull. Downtown Edmonton has no vibrancy and not very interesting in terms of shopping, strolling. Calgary has pretty amazing architectures, Prince's Island which is strictly for pedestrians, a river walk. It's truly nice
4. entertainment: once again Calgary has the upper-hand although Edmonton has the Alberta art gallery. You have Stephen avenue (pedestrian) with very nice restaurants and shops, a theatre. Kensington is more trendy with little boutiques, very alternative. Inglewood, the oldest neighbourhood, has interesting architecture, pubs and truly alternative shops (one is specialized in Japanese cooking knives!). Marda Loop, with a European (I'm French)/alternative feel and finally 17th avenue with all the pubs and restaurants. However, Edmonton has Old Strathcona right next to the University and there is definitely a soul there with 2 independent move theatres.
5. People: I find people in Edmonton more genuine, blue collar, less conservative, less snobby as well, more laidback. Calgarians are not very different but it's definitely a white collar city and people are colder.
6. cost of living: Edmonton is much cheaper especially for rent. Calgary is really expensive for everything
7. crime: Edmonton is as safe as Calgary in my opinion. If you don't go to sensitive areas like Chinatown and Millwoods you'll be fine. And even then I have friends living in Millwoods:they never had any issue. I have never ever felt threatened in Edmonton.
8. greenery: Edmonton has a HUGE river valley. This is paradise to cross country fanatics and walkers in summer.Sometimes it makes you feel you are lost in a big forest. Calgary has a river and has Glenmore reservoir but I much prefer the river valley in Edmonton.

All in all though they are both good cities but I have to say that I prefer Calgary. The city is prettier, the mountains are close by. You'll have a good life in both.

tnx for the info....very informative...planning to land in edmonton...

 

[prospective]

Thanks for starting this thread. I plan to go to Edmonton in May or June next year given our visa come by March. I am actually looking for information about what are the things we should buy before going and what we shouldn't buy considering the weather, culture etc.

 

[prospective]

Dear All, Although I had reserved a month ago 4 PIA tickets for our family to travel to toronto on 21 December, when I asked about onward travel to Edmonton it came to know that it is almost 2700 KMS from Toronto to Edmonton, and each family members additional fare comes to almost 48,000 Rs. which become costly. Now I have asked my cousins in edmonton to arrange which they say QATAR AIR goes directly to edmonton almost in same fare, may be 5% higher then PIA to Toronto. So any one going to Edmonton get flights of Qatar Air, as their first stop will be vancouver and all immigration process will be done there then a connecting flight will take us to edmonton. I think it is better idea to get to Qatar Air. as its route is Islamabad-Doha-Vancouver-edmonton, looks safe.

Please further search and comment!!!!!!!!!!

Qatar Airways is a wonderful airline in terms of their planes, quality of service etc.

 

[prospective]

Dear can-quest,

I at here at Edmonton since last week. City looks good , but yes its cold out here . But if you have appropriate gears, you can cope with it easily. Public transport system is good and rent is also not expansive as compared to Calgary or Toronto. I rented a apartment (2 bedrooms) for $ 995 (with six month initial contract). I am in NW area. Don't have much idea about other areas.

Regards

Keshab

Can you please share what kind of winter gear we should bring with us? I know most of winter clothing doesn't work due to extremely cold weather and people usually end up buying from there. If you could share the specific details of the winter clothing we should bring, that would be great.

 

[kamran2002]

thanks
rank for this informative information, this is very helpful for new edmontonian
take care
bye

Kamran2002,

I am here in Edmonton for the past one month. There is not much difference between USD and C $. 1 USD = C$ 0.98 or so.

My 3-bedroom 1.5 bath is $ 1,400 per month
Milk 4 litres $ 4.65
Bread loaf $ 2.40
Petrol per litre $ 0.98
Asian rice (10lb) $ 10 (varies from brand to brand)
Basmati rice (10 lb) $ 12 - varies from brand to brand
Internet+tv+land phone $ 80 per month (promotion for first 6 months)
cell phone 200 min without data $ 50 monthly.
No idea yet of electricity and heat. Most apts have heat and water included in rent

Be prepared for temperature upto -40 C in peak winter. Expect snowfall from Oct to Mar in Alberta

Hope this helps

 

[saqibs2]

Halifax Calgary Difference
Restaurants

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant 10.00 C$ 15.00 C$ +50.00
range Restaurant, Three-course 65.00 C$ 62.50 C$ -3.85 %
Combo Meal at McDonalds or Similar 8.00 C$ 7.50 C$ -6.25 %
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) 4.75 C$ 5.00 C$ +5.26 %
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) 6.00 C$ 6.75 C$ +12.50 %
Cappuccino (regular) 3.50 C$ 4.00 C$ +14.29 %
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) 1.94 C$ 2.00 C$ +2.83 %
Water (0.33 liter bottle) 1.50 C$ 1.50 C$ 0.00 %
Markets

Milk (regular), 1 liter 2.00 C$ 2.00 C$ 0.00 %
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) 3.00 C$ 2.50 C$ -16.83 %
Rice (1kg) 2.68 C$ 5.00 C$ +86.92 %
Eggs (12) 3.00 C$ 3.00 C$ 0.00 %
Local Cheese (1kg) 9.25 C$ 8.00 C$ -13.43 %
Chicken Breasts (Boneless, Skinless), (1kg) 11.51 C$ 12.30 C$ +6.90 %
Apples (1kg) 3.76 C$ 3.15 C$ -16.13 %
Oranges (1kg) 3.20 C$ 4.50 C$ +40.42 %
Tomato (1kg) 4.41 C$ 4.15 C$ -5.80 %
Potato (1kg) 1.50 C$ 2.91 C$ +94.00 %
Lettuce (1 head) 2.25 C$ 2.00 C$ -11.11 %
Water (1.5 liter bottle) 2.50 C$ 2.50 C$ 0.00 %
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) 15.50 C$ 15.00 C$ -3.23 %
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) 4.50 C$ 3.00 C$ -33.33 %
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) 6.50 C$ 4.00 C$ -38.46 %
Pack of Cigarettes (Marlboro) 14.50 C$ 11.00 C$ -24.14 %

Transportation
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) 2.25 C$ 2.75 C$ +22.22 %
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) 70.00 C$ 90.00 C$ +28.57 %
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) 3.75 C$ 3.68 C$ -2.00 %
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) 1.50 C$ 2.76 C$ +83.67 %
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) ? 36.30 C$
Gasoline (1 liter) 1.31 C$ 1.17 C$ -10.34 %
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) 25,150.00C $30,000.00 C$+19.28 %

Utilities (Monthly)
Basic (Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment 200.00 C$226.25 C$ +13.12 %
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) 0.35 C$ 0.20 C$ -42.86 %
Internet (6 Mbps, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) 50.00 C$ 50.00 C$ 0.00 %




Sports And Leisure
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult 50.93 C$ 60.00 C$ +17.81 %
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) 25.00 C$ 15.00 C$ -40.00 %
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat 12.65 C$ 14.00 C$ +10.67 %

Clothing And Shoes
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) 52.75 C$ 65.00 C$ +23.22 %
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) 38.00 C$ 40.00 C$ +5.26 %
1 Pair of Nike Shoes 90.00 C$ 94.50 C$ +5.00 %
1 Pair of Men Leather Shoes 100.00 C$ 100.00 C$ 0.00 %

Rent Per Month
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre 907.50 C$ 1,117.00 C$ +23.09 %
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre 725.00 C$ 825.00 C$ +13.79 %
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre 2,000.00 C$ 1,650.00 C$ -17.50 %
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre 1,500.00 C$ 1,394.50 C$ -7.03 %

Buy Apartment Price
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre 2,607.29 C$ 5,000.00 C$ +91.77 %
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre ? 4,550.00 C$

Salaries And Financing
Median Monthly Disposable Salary (After Tax) 4,000.00 C$ 3,217.88 C$ -19.55 %
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentanges (%), Yearly 5.00 3.40 -32.00 %

Last update November, 2012 December, 2012
Contributors (past 18 months) 42 114

 

[Umair]

Halifax Calgary Difference
Restaurants

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant 10.00 C$ 15.00 C$ +50.00
range Restaurant, Three-course 65.00 C$ 62.50 C$ -3.85 %
Combo Meal at McDonalds or Similar 8.00 C$ 7.50 C$ -6.25 %
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) 4.75 C$ 5.00 C$ +5.26 %
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) 6.00 C$ 6.75 C$ +12.50 %
Cappuccino (regular) 3.50 C$ 4.00 C$ +14.29 %
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) 1.94 C$ 2.00 C$ +2.83 %
Water (0.33 liter bottle) 1.50 C$ 1.50 C$ 0.00 %
Markets

Milk (regular), 1 liter 2.00 C$ 2.00 C$ 0.00 %
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) 3.00 C$ 2.50 C$ -16.83 %
Rice (1kg) 2.68 C$ 5.00 C$ +86.92 %
Eggs (12) 3.00 C$ 3.00 C$ 0.00 %
Local Cheese (1kg) 9.25 C$ 8.00 C$ -13.43 %
Chicken Breasts (Boneless, Skinless), (1kg) 11.51 C$ 12.30 C$ +6.90 %
Apples (1kg) 3.76 C$ 3.15 C$ -16.13 %
Oranges (1kg) 3.20 C$ 4.50 C$ +40.42 %
Tomato (1kg) 4.41 C$ 4.15 C$ -5.80 %
Potato (1kg) 1.50 C$ 2.91 C$ +94.00 %
Lettuce (1 head) 2.25 C$ 2.00 C$ -11.11 %
Water (1.5 liter bottle) 2.50 C$ 2.50 C$ 0.00 %
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) 15.50 C$ 15.00 C$ -3.23 %
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) 4.50 C$ 3.00 C$ -33.33 %
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) 6.50 C$ 4.00 C$ -38.46 %
Pack of Cigarettes (Marlboro) 14.50 C$ 11.00 C$ -24.14 %

Transportation
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) 2.25 C$ 2.75 C$ +22.22 %
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) 70.00 C$ 90.00 C$ +28.57 %
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) 3.75 C$ 3.68 C$ -2.00 %
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) 1.50 C$ 2.76 C$ +83.67 %
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) ? 36.30 C$
Gasoline (1 liter) 1.31 C$ 1.17 C$ -10.34 %
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) 25,150.00C $30,000.00 C$+19.28 %

Utilities (Monthly)
Basic (Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment 200.00 C$226.25 C$ +13.12 %
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) 0.35 C$ 0.20 C$ -42.86 %
Internet (6 Mbps, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) 50.00 C$ 50.00 C$ 0.00 %




Sports And Leisure
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult 50.93 C$ 60.00 C$ +17.81 %
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) 25.00 C$ 15.00 C$ -40.00 %
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat 12.65 C$ 14.00 C$ +10.67 %

Clothing And Shoes
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) 52.75 C$ 65.00 C$ +23.22 %
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) 38.00 C$ 40.00 C$ +5.26 %
1 Pair of Nike Shoes 90.00 C$ 94.50 C$ +5.00 %
1 Pair of Men Leather Shoes 100.00 C$ 100.00 C$ 0.00 %

Rent Per Month
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre 907.50 C$ 1,117.00 C$ +23.09 %
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre 725.00 C$ 825.00 C$ +13.79 %
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre 2,000.00 C$ 1,650.00 C$ -17.50 %
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre 1,500.00 C$ 1,394.50 C$ -7.03 %

Buy Apartment Price
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre 2,607.29 C$ 5,000.00 C$ +91.77 %
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre ? 4,550.00 C$

Salaries And Financing
Median Monthly Disposable Salary (After Tax) 4,000.00 C$ 3,217.88 C$ -19.55 %
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentanges (%), Yearly 5.00 3.40 -32.00 %

Last update November, 2012 December, 2012
Contributors (past 18 months) 42 114

Good Informative

 

[rundung]

Internet+tv+land phone $ 80 per month (promotion for first 6 months)

I have seen this on a few websites. But can you say how much the monthly bill will be after the promotional period? (The six months)

 

[Umair]

Any Good News from Edmonton??????????

 

[Umair]

Any Good News from Edmonton??????????

Thanks God we reached Edmonton on 30 Dec got registered in SIN tomorrow will go for banks acc opening and Alberta health card application. any body share your good experience?

 

[mr_rana]

I'm also one of the aspirants for Edmonton (AB), although yet to get my visa (Hope to get it soon by GOD's grace).

Very informative thread and let's keep sharing information especially by those who have already settled in & around Edmonton!

Wish you all the very best of 2013.

 

[rafia]

Thanks God we reached Edmonton on 30 Dec got registered in SIN tomorrow will go for banks acc opening and Alberta health card application. any body share your good experience?

Dear Umair

Hopefully you are well settled in Edmonton. Can you share your experience and advice on how to book a hotel for initial days and how arrange for accommodation and what to bring etc as I am planning to come to Edmonton in Start of March 2013 In Sha Allah.