How Apartment Living Differs Between Alberta’s Two Largest Cities

Choosing a rental home is about more than finding the right floor plan. The neighbourhood you live in, your commute, nearby amenities, access to transit and even how you spend your weekends can all shape your experience.

For renters deciding between Calgary and Edmonton, both cities offer a wide range of apartment and townhome communities, established neighbourhoods and convenient access to everyday amenities. However, the experience of renting can feel quite different depending on where you choose to live.

At unitiiPM, we manage rental communities across Alberta, including Calgary and Edmonton. That gives us a close look at the different features renters consider when choosing a home.

If you are deciding between the two cities, here are some of the key differences to consider.

Neighbourhoods and Lifestyle

One of the biggest differences between Calgary and Edmonton is the character of their neighbourhoods.

Calgary has a mix of established inner-city communities, newer suburban neighbourhoods and areas surrounding the downtown core. Neighbourhoods such as Kensington, Bridgeland, Inglewood and the Beltline offer a more urban feel, with restaurants, shops, parks and other amenities close to home. Further from the centre, communities such as Mahogany, Arbour Lake and other newer neighbourhoods offer a more suburban environment with newer rental communities and access to larger shopping areas.

Edmonton also offers a wide range of neighbourhood styles. Communities such as Oliver, Garneau, Strathcona and Queen Mary Park provide access to established urban amenities, while neighbourhoods throughout north, south and west Edmonton offer more suburban options.

For renters, the important question is not necessarily which city has the better neighbourhoods. It is which type of neighbourhood fits your lifestyle.

If you enjoy walking to restaurants, cafés and shops, an established inner-city community may be appealing. If you prefer more space, easier parking and access to larger shopping centres, a suburban rental community may be a better fit.

Rental Styles and Housing Options

Both Calgary and Edmonton offer a variety of rental homes, from traditional apartment buildings to newer purpose-built rental communities and townhomes.

In Calgary, renters can find everything from downtown apartments and smaller established buildings to newer communities with modern amenities, underground parking, fitness facilities and outdoor spaces.

Edmonton has a similarly broad selection. Alongside traditional apartment communities, renters can find newer developments featuring larger floor plans, townhome-style layouts, private outdoor spaces and community amenities.

Your priorities will often determine which type of rental makes the most sense.

For example, someone working downtown may prioritize a central apartment with easy transit access. A household with a vehicle may place greater importance on underground parking, storage or proximity to major roads. Someone working from home may prioritize a larger floor plan, a den or access to a quieter community.

Getting Around Calgary

Calgary's CTrain system provides connections across a number of established residential communities and major destinations. The Red and Blue lines serve different areas of the city, while Calgary Transit also operates an extensive bus network.

For renters, living near an LRT station can be particularly useful if you regularly commute downtown, attend post-secondary school or prefer not to rely on a vehicle for every trip.

Calgary is also a city where your neighbourhood can make a significant difference to your commute. Two apartments at similar monthly rents can offer very different day-to-day experiences depending on their proximity to your workplace, transit and major roadways.

When comparing rental homes, consider the actual route you will take rather than simply looking at the distance between your apartment and work.

Getting Around Edmonton

Edmonton also has an established LRT network connecting residential communities with downtown, educational institutions, healthcare facilities and other major destinations. The city's LRT system includes the Capital and Metro lines as well as the Valley Line, which uses a more street-level urban design.

Edmonton's transit network continues to develop as new LRT projects expand connections throughout the city. The Metro Line's northwest extension to NAIT/Blatchford Market is already operational, while additional extensions are planned or under development.

For renters, this means transit access can be an important consideration when comparing neighbourhoods and properties.

As with Calgary, it is worth looking beyond the apartment itself. A home that is close to your regular destinations can make a noticeable difference to your daily routine.

Amenities and Everyday Convenience

When comparing rental properties, amenities can sometimes look similar on paper. A fitness room, outdoor space, parking and storage may appear on a listing for both cities.

The surrounding neighbourhood matters just as much.

Consider what you actually use on a weekly basis.

Do you want a grocery store nearby?
Is a coffee shop within walking distance important to you?
Do you need access to parks or walking paths?
Do you regularly go to restaurants or entertainment venues?
Do you need convenient access to major roads?
Would being close to transit make your commute easier?

For families, schools, parks and recreational facilities may be important considerations. For professionals, proximity to work, restaurants and transit may carry more weight. For pet owners, access to green space and pet-friendly amenities can be particularly valuable.

The best rental location is often the one that makes your regular routine easier.

Winter and Seasonal Considerations

Calgary and Edmonton are both well equipped for winter, but Alberta's weather should still be part of your rental decision.

Environment and Climate Change Canada's 1991 to 2020 climate normals show that both cities receive substantial snowfall during the winter months, although the recorded normals vary by location and weather station.

For renters, winter considerations go beyond the weather itself.

When touring a property, think about:

• Is underground or covered parking available?
• How close is the parking area to the building entrance?
• Are sidewalks and entrances easy to access?
• Is there a convenient place to store winter gear?
• Are balconies and outdoor spaces maintained during winter?
• How easy is it to access public transit during poor weather?
• Does the apartment have adequate storage for coats, boots and seasonal items?

These details may not seem important during a summer apartment search, but they can make a significant difference once winter arrives.

What Should Renters Prioritize?

Whether you choose Calgary or Edmonton, it helps to identify your priorities before you start looking.

If commuting is your priority

Look at the actual travel time to work or school, not simply the distance. Consider both driving and transit options.

If you want an urban lifestyle

Look for established neighbourhoods with restaurants, cafés, shopping, parks and other amenities close to home.

If you want more space

Consider newer apartment communities, townhomes or properties outside the downtown core where larger floor plans may be available.

If parking is important

Check whether parking is included, underground, surface or available at an additional cost. Ask about visitor parking as well.

If you have a pet

Look beyond the pet policy. Consider nearby parks, walking routes and whether the building has convenient outdoor access.

If you work from home

Pay attention to floor plan layout, natural light, noise levels, internet availability and whether you have enough dedicated space to comfortably work from home.

Calgary or Edmonton: Which One Is Right for You?

There is no single answer for every renter.

Calgary may appeal to renters who want access to a large downtown employment centre, established urban neighbourhoods, extensive transit connections and a mix of established and newer communities.

Edmonton offers its own combination of established neighbourhoods, newer rental developments, extensive parks and pathways, post-secondary institutions, healthcare facilities and an expanding LRT network.

The most important consideration is how the city fits your day-to-day life.

Before signing a lease, think about where you spend most of your time, how you get around, what amenities you use regularly and what features you want in your home.

At unitiiPM, we understand that finding the right rental home is about more than four walls. It is about finding a community and location that fit the way you live.

Whether you are looking for an apartment in Calgary or Edmonton, take the time to compare the neighbourhood, the property and the everyday experience. The right rental can make your home feel like much more than just a place to live.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Calgary or Edmonton better for apartment living?

Both cities offer a wide variety of rental options and neighbourhoods. The right choice depends on your lifestyle, commute, preferred neighbourhood, budget, desired amenities and housing needs.

Are rental options different between Calgary and Edmonton?

Both cities offer apartments, townhomes and newer purpose-built rental communities. The types of properties available can vary significantly by neighbourhood, so it is worth comparing individual communities rather than looking at the city as a whole.

Which city has better public transit for renters?

Both Calgary and Edmonton have established LRT and bus networks. Calgary's CTrain system connects several residential communities with downtown and other major destinations, while Edmonton's LRT network includes the Capital, Metro and Valley lines and continues to expand.

Should I choose my apartment based on its proximity to work?

Commute time is an important factor, particularly if you travel to work regularly. Consider the full route, including driving time, transit connections, parking and seasonal conditions.

What should I look for when renting an apartment in Alberta?

Consider the location, floor plan, parking, storage, laundry, amenities, pet policies, transit access, nearby shopping and your expected commute. It is also helpful to think about how the property will work for you during Alberta's winter months.

Are Calgary and Edmonton both good options for renters?

Both cities offer diverse rental communities and a range of neighbourhoods. Rather than choosing based solely on the city, consider which neighbourhood and property best match your daily routine, housing needs and priorities.

Does unitiiPM manage rental properties in both Calgary and Edmonton?

Yes. unitiiPM manages rental communities in both Calgary and Edmonton, with a focus on providing professional property management and supporting residents throughout their rental experience.