Life in Alberta

Overview

Alberta is made up of a diverse set of cultures and communities that are home to many world-class services. Life in Alberta provides many opportunities for you and your family.

Cost of living

Higher incomes

Families in Alberta typically enjoy a higher family income than other parts of Canada. In the 2018 Canadian Income Survey, Alberta families earned a median income of $98,400 after tax. This is above the Canadian average of $84,900.

To find out how much you could earn, visit OCCinfo and select your occupation.

Lower cost of living

Alberta offers many cost-of-living advantages, such as:

• no provincial health-care premiums
• no provincial sales tax (PST)
• tax rebates and credits to further help with your finances

Residents in every other province pay up to 10% in addition to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) paid by all Canadians.

Use the cost of living comparison tool

Community and lifestyle

Our communities are part of what makes Alberta such a great place to live. They range from small, rural towns to our 2 major cities, Calgary and Edmonton. There are many places you could live, each with its own unique character, and opportunities for work across the province.

• Celebrating Diversity in Alberta (video)
• Explore Alberta map

Health

Health care cost and access

Alberta's health care system gives people access to:

• hospitals
• clinics
• a variety of social support services
• qualified physicians and health care workers

Learn what is covered and how to access Alberta health care services.

Natural environment

Alberta takes preserving the natural environment very seriously.

Alberta is very proud of its natural resources and works hard to ensure that Alberta Parks are maintained.

Education and training

Kindergarten to Grade 12

Alberta has an excellent education system, with many options based on language or religion. Schooling is free from kindergarten to Grade 12. It is required from ages 6 to 16. Catholic and Francophone options are also available. Alberta teachers encourage leadership, create a love of learning, and instill confidence and pride in their students.

Provincial tests ensure that the highest standards are maintained. These tests also allow teachers and parents to determine how students are doing and what help they may need.

Learn more about K to 12 education in Alberta.

Post-secondary education

Universities and colleges

With 26 universities and colleges, Alberta has many post-secondary options. The Alberta government subsidizes tuition fees, and the cost varies across the province. Institutions post tuition costs on their websites.

Learn more about post-secondary education in Alberta.

Technical training

Post-secondary options in Alberta include polytechnic institutes such as the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) in Calgary and Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in Edmonton.

These institutes offer certificates, diplomas, applied degrees, apprenticeships and continuing education programs related to trades and technical work.

International education

Learn why many international students make Alberta their destination choice.

Weather

With 1,900 hours of sunshine in the north and 2,300 hours of sunshine in the south annually, Alberta is Canada’s sunniest province.

Local radio, television and newspapers give daily weather forecasts. For forecasts online, go to the weather section of the Environment Canada website.

Radio and television stations announce weather watches and warnings, as well as school closures, during extreme conditions.