Are you thinking about moving to Canada? If you are, one of the biggest decisions you will have to make is what city you are going to live in. Canada is a vast country, and the city you choose to call home will have a large impact on your lifestyle, cost of living, and career.  If you are thinking of moving to the province of Alberta, Edmonton is a top city to consider.

Within Alberta, many people choose to live in Edmonton or in Calgary. So you need to research both cities to learn about the local economy and housing market. These two factors are vital to your financial success. 

We have you covered with helpful information about living in Edmonton.

About Edmonton, Alberta

Edmonton is the capital of Alberta and the second-largest city in the province. It lies on the North Saskatchewan River and in the centre of the Edmonton Capital Region. It is unique because it is an urban centre surrounded by wilderness. The city has roots dating back to the 1700s. In 1875, Fort Edmonton was established. And, it was in 1904 that the city was incorporated. Over the years the city has grown rapidly and merged with several surrounding towns, including Strathcona, North Edmonton, West Edmonton, Beverly, and Jasper Place. 

Because of the massive oil, gas and oil sands reserves in Alberta, Edmonton is called the “Oil Capital of Canada”. It is also referred to as The Festival City of Canada because of the events held in the city year-round. 

Its growth, job opportunities, low Alberta taxes, and ethnically diverse population make this city an attractive destination for immigrants.

How Many People Live in Edmonton, Alberta?

In 2016, Edmonton’s population was 1,062,643 (Statistics Canada Census). And today it is closer to 1.4 million. It is growing at a rate of about 2% per year. About one-quarter of the population are visible minorities. It is estimated that close to 330,000 residents are immigrants and the city welcomes between 35,000 and 45,000 new immigrants each year.

According to The State of Immigration and Settlement in Edmonton – Annual Report 2021 published by the City of Edmonton, 50% of Edmontonians will be immigrants by 2050.

How to Find a Job & Build a Career in Edmonton

Edmonton’s Local Economy

Edmonton is proud to be one of the fastest-growing economies among the large Canadian cities. It also has the fifth-highest Gross Domestic Product of all Canadian cities. Since 96% of Canada’s oil reserves are in Alberta, Edmonton’s economy naturally focuses on the petrochemical industries. Oil supply and services, as well as technology research and development, ensure Edmonton’s prosperity.

The top industries in Edmonton are:

• Oil and gas
• Energy
• Manufacturing
• Tourism
• Financial Services
• Technology.

Major Employers in Edmonton

Edmonton is home to major employers across a variety of industries. Some of the top employers in the Edmonton Metropolitan Region are:

• IBM
• General Electric
• DynaLIFE
• BioWare
• Telus
• Lilydale
• Afexa Life Sciences Inc.
• West Edmonton Mall
• University of Alberta.

Career Pathways in Edmonton

Many immigrants in this city came to Alberta from other Canadian provinces. However, the number of international immigrants is increasing.

The city is experiencing growth because of the good job opportunities and the quality of life it offers. About 31% of the population comprises people between 25 – 45 years of age who are in their prime working, consuming, and spending years. And with this age profile, Edmonton expects further economic growth.

The labour market is projected to grow by more than 3% in 2022 and 2023. It is projected to experience growth to 2030 and beyond. As of November 2021, the unemployment rate was 7.6% and is on the decline. It is down from 11.5% compared to November 2020. 

New immigrants can look for employment through local recruiters such as KPM Staffing, Executrade, Manpower Professional, David Alpin Group, and Robert Half. Canada’s job bank is also a great place to search for opportunities.

The Edmonton Housing Market

If you are planning to move to Edmonton, finding adequate housing is a priority for newcomers. As the population grows, more housing and neighbourhoods are being developed. Edmonton offers diverse neighbourhoods for people looking to rent or buy. Short-term accommodations are also available while you settle into the city.

Is Housing Expensive in Edmonton, Alberta?

Real estate costs are rising in Edmonton, like other large cities. Many new immigrants choose Edmonton over Calgary because it is more affordable to buy a home. Edmonton ranks as the 9th most expensive city to live in Canada, making it one of the most affordable big cities in the country. 

The neighbourhood you choose to live in will also affect your costs. Some of the more affordable neighbourhoods for new immigrants are Rideau Park, Wellington, Lauderdale, Carlisle, Prince Charles, and Athlone.

Finding a Place to Rent in Edmonton 

Rental rates are more affordable than in other major cities. The average cost to rent an apartment in Edmonton is $837 for a Bachelor, $1,071 for a one-bedroom, and $1,356 for a two-bedroom.

Use Rentals for Newcomers to search for rental units in Edmonton. Here, you can also find current rental prices which is helpful as prices can change.

When renting a home, condo, or apartment, it’s also important to consider buying . Even though it is optional, most property owners require tenants to show proof of insurance as part of their lease agreement. 

Consult the Landlord and Tenant Advisory Board for advice and information about tenant rights and obligations under the Residential Tenancies Act.

Buying a Home in Edmonton 

Home prices in Edmonton are much more affordable than in other major cities, even Calgary. Again, this is another enticing factor for new immigrants to consider.

The median price to buy a home in 2021 was $431, 500. This is a 9.7% increase from the previous year. The median price for a detached single-family home is $470,400, an 11.1% increase, and the median price to buy a condo is $194,700. The price decreased by 3% year over year. 

Driving & Public Transit in Edmonton

Driving in Edmonton, Alberta

The Yellowhead Highway connects Edmonton to British Columbia and Saskatchewan. The Queen Elizabeth II Highway (QE2 Highway) connects Alberta’s capital to Calgary.

Edmonton has the lowest gasoline and diesel prices in Canada and most Edmontonians use their cars in the city. The roads in this city form a grid system with streets running from north to south and avenues running from east to west. 

The city is divided into three quadrants: northwest (NW), southwest (SW), and northeast (NE) and the street names include the quadrants.

The winters here can be challenging for drivers. Hazardous road conditions, frozen drifts, and black ice are common. Even though winter tires are not mandatory in Alberta, they are important for the safety of everyone on the road. Even the best all-season tires are not as safe as snow tires.

Edmonton Public Transit

Edmonton has an efficient public transit system. The Edmonton Transit System (ETS) operates Light Rail Transit (LRT) and buses. The LRT connects the Northeast, Downtown, Government Centre, University and South areas. Buses on some routes to industrial areas or remote suburbs are infrequent and some routes do not operate Sundays. 

Learn more about the Transit System in Edmonton.

Get more information about driving in Canada:

Driving in Canada: 10 Essential Facts to Know

Driving Test in Canada: A Full Guide

Tips for Winter Driving to Ensure Your Safety

Community Support for Newcomers

As a diverse city that welcomes new immigrants, there are many pre-arrival settlement and employment services in Edmonton. The Welcome Center for Immigrants (WCI) is an umbrella organization that provides newcomers with information and resources. It is a one-stop service for settlement and job-related information in the region.

Newcomers can also use services such as the Edmonton Immigrant Services Association, Alberta Association of Immigrant Settlement Agencies, and Changing Together: A Centre for Immigrant Women.

Language Support in Edmonton

Language support services help new immigrants learn English and better adapt to their new community. Organizations offering language support in Edmonton include Cultural Connection Institute, Edmonton Community Adult Learning Association, Welcome Centre for Immigrants, and many others.

Personal Finance & Banking

Having a strong personal finance plan is important for all newcomers. Getting a Canadian bank account is a good first step.  

All local banks in Edmonton have programs to help newcomers open a bank account and get a credit card. You can also access other financial products such as a mortgage or line of credit. Visit a local bank branch to start the process. 

Get more banking tips for newcomers:

Top 10 Financial Steps to Take Before You Leave for Canada

Move to Canada | Transferring Cash & Valuables

Open a Bank Account Before Arriving in Canada

Edmonton’s Education System

Edmonton offers a diverse education system for people of all ages. Children can attend public, private, Catholic, or French immersion elementary and high school. The city also offers many post-secondary education programs through many excellent colleges and universities.

Elementary and High School Education

Kindergarten and grades 1-12 in Edmonton are provided by three publicly funded school boards (districts).

The largest one is Edmonton Public Schools. It is one of the few Alberta jurisdictions that require all students to study a second language for six years – between Grades 4 and 9. This school board offers bilingual programs in Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), German, Hebrew, Spanish, and Ukrainian. They also offer Cree, French, Japanese, Punjabi, and American Sign Language courses.

The Edmonton Catholic School District operates 84 schools. They offer English as a Second Language (ESL) and bilingual programs to children of immigrants and international students. Students in the bilingual programs receive 50% of their instruction in the chosen language in kindergarten or grade one and 35% at the secondary level. 

The Edmonton Catholic School District also offers French Immersion Programs and French as a Second Language courses. The Greater North Central Francophone Education Region No.2 is the largest French-language school board in Alberta.

Post Secondary Institutions

Edmonton has highly respected universities, technical institutes, and colleges. The University of Alberta is a Top 5 Canadian university and one of the Top 150 in the world. It’s also one of the leading engineering institutes in Canada and the largest research institution in the province. And more than 38,000 students are enrolled in over 200 undergraduate and 500 graduate programs. 

Other universities in Edmonton are Athabasca University, Grant MacEwan University, Concordia University College of Alberta, The King’s University College, and the Edmonton campus of the University of Lethbridge. The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) offers more than 200 credit programs. Other post-secondary institutions include NorQuest College and Yellowhead Tribal College.

Technology and biotech sectors are closely tied to Edmonton’s research and education centres. Leaders in research are the University of Alberta, Alberta Innovates – Technology Futures, and the National Institute for Nanotechnology.

Read more about education in Canada:

Schooling in Canada | A Look at the Education System

Higher Education Offers Benefits to Newcomers

Where to Get Medical Care in Edmonton, Alberta

The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) covers most medically necessary health services in Edmonton. For prescription drugs and medical services not covered by AHCIP, Albertans can get supplemental health insurance. You can pay for added individual . Some employers offer medical benefits as part of your compensation package. 

In case of an emergency call 9-1-1. This number is the same no matter where you live in Canada. You can get medical care at one of several hospitals in the city – University of Alberta Hospital, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Misericordia Community Hospital, Grey Nuns Community Hospital, and others.

How to Find a Family Doctor In Edmonton

Finding a family doctor once you arrive is vital to maintaining your health. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta offers an online search tool that you can use to find a doctor. You may be placed on a waiting list if doctors are not accepting new patients. But, if you don’t have a family doctor, you can go to one of many general non-emergency walk-in clinics. Get more information about health care in Canada: Steps to Access Free Health Care in Canada

What is Day-to-Day Life Like in Edmonton?

Things to Do in Edmonton

There is no shortage of things to do in the city, and the West Edmonton Mall is one of the prime attractions. It is the biggest shopping mall in North America and until 2004 it was the biggest mall in the world. It is a great place for indoor activities in the cold winter months. 

Some of the attractions of the Mall are Galaxyland, the world’s largest indoor amusement park, which features more than 24 spectacular rides. The mall is home to World Waterpark and boasts the world’s largest indoor wave pool, the tallest indoor permanent bungee tower, more than 17 waterslides, and Marine Life, an underground aquarium.

Public Spaces & Attractions 

Edmonton is often called “The Festival City” because of its many festivals, most of them in Sir Winston Churchill Square in the Downtown Art District. You can also find the Citadel Theatre, Art Gallery of Alberta, Stanley Milner Public Library, City Hall, and the Francis Winspear Centre for Music, home of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. One of the biggest theatre events in North America, the Fringe Theatre Festival takes place in Edmonton.

The largest living history museum in Canada is Fort Edmonton Park. Costumed interpreters bring visitors back in time, showing the original and rebuilt historical structures.

Restaurants & Nightlife

You can find ethnic cuisine at many fine dining restaurants in the downtown core, southside, or near West Edmonton Mall. Downtown is the main area for nightlife and dining.

Nature & Natural Landscapes

If you enjoy outdoor activities, Edmonton has much to offer. Check out Elk Island National Park, Strathcona Wilderness Centre, and many parks. Edmonton is only a car ride away from world-class skiing in Banff and Jasper in Canada’s Rocky Mountains.

Sporting Events & Concerts

The city is home to professional sports teams including the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League (NHL) and Edmonton Elks of the Canadian Football League. The city is also a regular stop for international musicians and events. 

Culture & Diversity In Edmonton

Diversity

Edmonton is a diverse city and continues to become more so each year. Well over 300,000 immigrants make up one-quarter of the population. Of the immigrants that chose to move to Edmonton, 54% were economic immigrants (skilled workers), 29% were sponsored by family, and 17% were refugees.

New immigrants primarily have South Asian, Chinese, Black, Filipino, Latin American, Southeast Asian, Middle Eastern, Korean, and Japanese backgrounds. There are more than 125 different languages spoken in the city. 

First Nations Aboriginal people account for just over 5% of the population.

Places of Worship

In Edmonton, there are places to worship for every major religion. There are churches, mosques, synagogues, Hindu, Sikh, and Buddhist temples.

The Weather in Edmonton

Edmonton is one of the sunniest Canadian cities. For example, it receives 2,299 hours of sunshine per year. It has a dry climate with low precipitation. Nevertheless, summers are cool, and winters can be very cold. 

The average daily temperatures range from ─11.7◦C in January to 17.5◦C in July. In summer temperatures can exceed 30◦C and in winter they can fall below ─20◦C for an average of 28 days.

For about 141 days per year, snow depths are greater than 1 cm – compared to about 88 days in Calgary and 65 days in Toronto.

In summer, thunderstorms and large hail are not unusual; however, extreme weather events are rare. Tornadoes are rare and weak.

Common Questions Immigrants Ask About Living in Edmonton

What are the Pros and Cons of Living in Edmonton?

Edmonton has much to offer new immigrants. There are local immigrant communities to help you adapt to the city. There are available jobs in many industries and the cost of living is lower than other major cities in Canada. One of the potential drawbacks of living in Edmonton is the winter weather.

Is Edmonton Good for Immigrants?

Edmonton is an ideal landing place for new immigrants. It has a diverse population and offers helpful support services for newcomers. As well, jobs are readily available for people with all types of skills and abilities.

Is it Cheaper to Live in Edmonton or Calgary?

If you plan to move to Alberta, many newcomers choose between Edmonton and Calgary. But, be sure to consider living expenses. The cost of living is comparable to Calgary. The price of food, transit, and other daily living costs are similar. However, Edmonton has more affordable housing options.

Is Edmonton a Safe Place to Live?

Edmonton is a safe city to live in. Like other cities, there are areas where crime is more prevalent. The south side is the most family-friendly and safe.

For newcomers arriving in Edmonton getting to know the public transit system may seem overwhelming. But once you become familiar with the transit system, you’ll be able to get around the city quickly and cost-effectively. When arriving in any new city in Canada, it’s important to have a quick, reliable and cost-efficient way to get around. If you are moving to Edmonton, public transport is one of the best ways to get from one place to another. Edmonton has an extensive transport system that can quickly get you from one place to another within the city. And, it is much more affordable than owning and maintaining a new car.

Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) operates both buses and a Light Rail Transit (LRT) system. Edmonton’s LRT is not the most extensive, but it can cover long distances in a short period of time. Buses are more extensive but they aren’t as fast as LRT trains. The LRT train service combined with the bus system provides a quick and extensive system to meet all your transportation needs.

Public Transit versus Car Ownership

There are many benefits to using the ETS over owning a car. Not only is public transport cheaper than owning a car but it is also more environmentally friendly. Since a single public transport vehicle can carry more people than a car, using public transport will help you lower your carbon footprint. This means that you, as an individual, will be limiting the amount of harmful gasses that are released into the environment. As well, using public transport will also save you on car-related costs such as fuel and maintenance. For newcomers, this is helpful because managing your expenses is critical during your first few months in Canada while you search for a job.

Let’s take a look at both the bus system and the LRT system in Edmonton and how each mode of public transit will help you get around quickly and cost-effectively.

Edmonton Public Transit: Light Rail Transit System

Edmonton was the first Canadian city to build an LRT system with a population of less than 1 million. The LRT is also one of the fastest ways to get around Edmonton. With 18 stations spread out over two train lines, the LRT system provides the backbone for Edmonton’s transit system.

The first of the two LRT lines is the Capital Line. The Capital line connects northeast Edmonton to the south. It consists of 15 stations and 21 km of track, making it bigger than the other LRT line. The second LRT line is called the Metro Line, consisting of 14 stations. The Metro Line and the Capital line both share stations and tracks so the numbers don’t perfectly add up.

Expanding the LRT System in Edmonton

Edmonton has big plans for its LRT system. It plans to expand its LRT system to all sectors of the city by 2040. To achieve this goal, there are currently many projects in the planning and construction stage. To learn about the four major projects concerning Edmonton’s LRT, click here. Here is a brief explanation of each one below.

The first two projects Edmonton is working on both concern the new Valley Line. Once it is finished, the Valley line will connect Millwoods, in southeast Edmonton, to Lewis Farms, in west Edmonton. The Valley Line is divided into two sections, with downtown Edmonton being the divider. The Valley Line will add 27 km of track and 28 new stations to Edmonton’s public transport system once it is finished. The first section of the Valley Line, which connects Millwoods to downtown, is almost finished. The second section, which will connect downtown to Lewis Farms, is expected to open by 2026 or 2027.

The other two projects are both expansions of the existing two lines. Edmonton is currently working on expanding both the Capital Line and the Metro Line to better serve the transportation needs of Edmontonians. The Capital Line will extend towards the south and the Metro Line will expand northwest.

Once these projects are complete, Edmonton is going to have a modern and extensive LRT system that connects all parts of the city. But even then, Edmonton’s buses will not lose popularity. Let’s take a look at Edmonton’s bus system and when you should use it over the LRT system.

Edmonton Transit System: Getting Around by Bus

Buses are the main mode of public transit in Edmonton. No matter where you live in Edmonton, there will be a bus stop nearby. Most likely, you will have multiple bus stops within a five-minute walk. If you are unsure, you can always open Google Maps and search, “bus stop”, for a map of all the bus stops near you.

Edmonton’s public transport has one of the best bus networks in Canada. With 191 routes and 7456 bus stops, you can get anywhere in Edmonton by using the bus. Keep in mind that you might have to transfer to another bus if your destination is on the other side of the city. However, there is no need to worry as you won’t have to pay extra for a transfer and buses run often.

The bus network, combined with the LRT system makes Edmonton’s public transport an ideal way to get around the city. Public transport is also a very cost-effective option. Let’s take a look at the ETS fare system.

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The Cost of Public Transit in Edmonton

The fare system for Edmonton’s public transport is made to be simple and easy to understand for all riders. To access Edmonton’s full guide on its fare system click here. Below is an overview of fare pricing for public transit in Edmonton. Keep in mind that fare prices are the same for both buses and LRT.

*Children under 12 ride free when they travel with a youth, adult or senior. If not, then children must also pay the regular fare of $3.50.

**Some seniors may also qualify for discounted or even free annual passes. To learn more about Senior ETS passes, click here.

As you can see, the regular fare for youth, adults and seniors is the same. However, if you buy a book of 10 tickets, you will get a discount for each ride. You may be wondering, where do I get a ticket book?

Where to Buy Ticket Books

Ticket books are available at many locations. You can buy them at:

• Ticket Vending Machines

• ETS Sales Outlet Locations

• ETS Online Store

Ticket Vending Machines are located at all LRT stations. ETS sales outlets are any retailers that sell ETS fare products. 7-eleven and Safeway are examples of ETS sales outlets. The ETS online store is another great place to buy ETS fare products. ETS fare products not only include ticket books but also monthly passes for youth, seniors, and adults.

Using the Arc Card on Edmonton’s Public Transit System

ETS is currently working on a new way to pay for public transit fares. The Arc Card is an automated fare smart card that can be used to pay for your fare. As of August 2021, the Arc Card is in its first phase of the rollout. Once the third phase is complete sometime in 2022, everyone will be able to use the Arc Card to pay their fare.

The Arc system is based completely online, meaning if you lose your registered Arc Card, you can transfer your account balance to a new card.- Once the Arc Card has been fully released in Edmonton, you will be able to get one at any Arc Card vending machine in the city. Arc Card vending machines will be available at every LRT station throughout the city. As the Arc Card is getting released, ETS will also start making Arc Cards available at other locations as well.

Financial Benefits of Using the Arc Card

Using an Arc Card will allow riders to contribute to a monthly or daily cap. The monthly cap for an adult rider using the Arc Card is $100. This means that once you have $100 worth of fares using the Arc Card, you can ride the ETS for free for the remainder of the month. It is sort of like a monthly pass, except you only pay when you ride. This system is designed to reward frequent ETS riders and encourage them to use the Arc Card. Click here for Edmonton Transit fares and passes.

Keep in mind that Arc is a new project and many things are subject to change. ETS has not released an Arc Card for seniors or youth yet so all the numbers have not been set. By the time Arc is released in 2022, all ETS riders will be able to get an Arc Card. As of now, it is clear that Edmonton is introducing this new electronic fare system to make fare payment easier and help frequent riders save money on transportation.

Using Edmonton’s public transit system is a great way to get around the city. From expanding LRT routes to introducing the Arc Card, Edmonton is currently working on many ways to improve its transit system. In the future, you can expect to see an even more modern and well-connected public transport system throughout the city. This can provide the convenience and cost-savings that can help you when you arrive in Edmonton.

For more information, tools, and free webinars about living in Canada visit our Settling in Canada resource page. We’ll help you to settle in Canada successfully!