Is Calgary expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Calgary is moderately expensive: cheaper than Vancouver or Toronto for hotels, but North American prices for eating out, with tips and taxes on top. A budget day is about C$140 per person, mid-range about C$295, and costs jump during the Stampede and on Banff days.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | C$65 | C$120 | C$240 |
| Food & drink | C$45 | C$85 | C$160 |
| Sights & tickets | C$20 | C$50 | C$100 |
| Local transport | C$10 | C$40 | C$80 |
| Per person, per day | C$140 | C$295 | C$580 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Calgary day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| CTrain single fare (90 minutes) | about C$3.80; free in the downtown 7th Avenue zone |
| Transit day pass | about C$12 |
| Taxi from the airport | about C$45–55 |
| Calgary Tower | about C$21 |
| Casual meal on 17th Avenue | about C$20–30 |
| Alberta beef dinner | about C$40–70 |
| Banff Gondola | about C$70–90 depending on the date |
| Mid-range downtown double | about C$170–280 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Hotels are the largest cost, and rates roughly double during the Calgary Stampede in July. Restaurant meals carry 5% GST and an expected 15–20% tip, so menu prices rise noticeably at the till. Many visitors rent a car for the Rockies, adding rental, fuel and the Parks Canada day pass (about C$11 per adult). Alberta has no provincial sales tax, which keeps shopping cheaper than in other provinces, but hotels add GST, a 4% tourism levy and often a destination marketing fee.
When it is cheaper
Late autumn, winter (outside ski weekends and holidays) and spring shoulder months are cheaper for hotels; July, and especially Stampede week, is the most expensive.
How to spend less
- Use the free CTrain zone along 7th Avenue downtown.
- Take bus route 300 from the airport instead of a taxi.
- Avoid Stampede week unless you are coming for the Stampede.
- Buy a Parks Canada pass that suits your trip length; an annual Discovery Pass can pay off for long stays.
- Shop for picnic food before driving to Banff, where prices are higher.
- Choose hotels outside downtown with free parking if you have a car.
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Common questions
How much does a day in Calgary cost?
About C$140 per person on a budget, C$295 mid-range and C$580 in comfort, sharing a double.
How much more does it cost during the Stampede?
Hotel prices often double, so book months ahead or stay outside the centre.
Does Alberta have sales tax?
No provincial sales tax, but 5% GST applies, and hotels add a tourism levy and fees.