Choosing where to live in Canada is a significant decision that can impact every aspect of your life, from career opportunities to your social life, and even your wallet. Alberta and Ontario are two of the most popular provinces, each offering a unique blend of opportunities and lifestyles. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the pros and cons of living in Alberta versus Ontario, helping you make an informed decision on where to call home.

Overview:

• Introduction to Alberta and Ontario
• Alberta
  • Pros of Living in Alberta
  • Cons of living in Alberta
  • 20 interesting facts about Alberta
• Ontario
  • Pros of living in Ontario
  • Cons of living in Ontario
  • 20 interesting facts about Ontario
• Conclusion

Introduction to Alberta and Ontario

Alberta is known for its breathtaking landscapes, including the majestic Rocky Mountains, vast prairies, and rich natural resources. It’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a high quality of life with a lower cost of living. Ontario, on the other hand, is the most populous province in Canada, home to bustling cities like Toronto and Ottawa. It offers a diverse cultural landscape, extensive job opportunities in various industries, and numerous educational institutions.

Pros of Living in Alberta

1. Economic Opportunities

Alberta boasts a dynamic economy, largely driven by the oil and gas sector, agriculture, technology, and renewable energy. The province offers competitive wages and has one of the highest average incomes in Canada.

Provincial Real GDP Growth Forecast (2024)

2. Lower Cost of Living

One of the most significant advantages of living in Alberta is the absence of a provincial sales tax (PST), making everyday goods and services cheaper than in other provinces. Additionally, housing is more affordable, especially when compared to Ontario’s major cities.

3. Natural Beauty and Outdoor Recreation

Alberta is an outdoor paradise. From skiing and snowboarding in the Rockies to hiking and camping in the provincial parks, there’s no shortage of activities for nature lovers.

4. Quality of Life

Albertans enjoy a high quality of life, with access to top-tier healthcare, education, and plenty of green spaces. The province is also known for its friendly communities and clean environment.

Cons of Living in Alberta

1. Weather Extremes

Alberta experiences a continental climate, meaning winters can be harsh and summers can bring heatwaves. This may be a drawback for those not accustomed to extreme weather conditions.

2. Economic Fluctuations

Given its reliance on natural resources, Alberta’s economy can be susceptible to global oil prices, leading to economic fluctuations and job uncertainty in related industries.

3. Limited Public Transportation

Outside of major cities like Calgary and Edmonton, public transportation options can be limited, necessitating a car for mobility.

Interesting Facts About Alberta

Below are the 20 interesting facts we have compiled about province of Alberta:

1. Alberta is home to one of the richest dinosaur fossil sites in the world, Dinosaur Provincial Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site [1].
2. The province’s sky can display the Northern Lights, with their swirls of green, pink, and violet [1].
3. The Calgary Stampede, held every July, is a massive celebration of Alberta’s ranching heritage [1].
4. Alberta is named after Princess Louise Caroline Alberta [6].
5. It’s Canada’s 4th largest province by area [6].
6. The province is landlocked but boasts a vast number of lakes [6].
7. Alberta has a diverse landscape including prairies, foothills, mountains, forests, and lakes [4].
8. It is part of Western Canada and one of the three prairie provinces [5].
9. Alberta changed its liquor law with less than 24 hours notice to allow bars to open early for the 2014 Olympics Hockey final [3].
10. The Rocky Mountains, Alberta’s pride, offer activities like skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and mountain biking [1].
11. Alberta’s wildlife includes elk, bighorn sheep, bison, and grizzlies [1].
12. It’s the only Canadian province without a provincial sales tax [1].
13. The province’s cities are vibrant with cultural festivals celebrating a variety of heritages [1].
14. Alberta’s economy is significantly bolstered by the oil and gas industry [2].
15. It has the highest number of sunny days in Canada [2].
16. Alberta is known for its conservative political culture [2].
17. The province has a high percentage of parkland, with over 600 lakes and rich biodiversity [2].
18. Edmonton, the capital, is known as Canada’s Festival City [2].
19. Banff National Park, located within the province, is Canada’s first national park [2].
20. Alberta’s history includes a rich Indigenous heritage and was a significant part of the fur trade in Canada [2].

Pros of Living in Ontario

1. Job Opportunities

Ontario is the economic engine of Canada, with a diverse economy that includes finance, technology, manufacturing, and entertainment. It’s home to many of Canada’s largest companies and offers vast career opportunities.

The below listed 25 companies have headquarters in Ontario and a market cap of more than $15 billion, listed in order of size as-of December 31, 2023.

Symbol	Name	Last	1Y%	Yield	Market Cap
RY-T	Royal Bank of Canada	135.26	5.7	4.1	191,242,214
TD-T	Toronto-Dominion Bank	81.27	4.1	5.0	143,704,876
SHOP-T	Shopify Inc	107.13	73.7		136,526,703
BMO-T	Bank of Montreal	130	10.6	4.7	94,307,679
BN-T	Brookfield Corporation	56.88	41.7	0.8	86,129,206
TRI-T	Thomson Reuters Corp	212.65	23.2	1.4	95,982,420
BNS-T	Bank of Nova Scotia	68.38	2.9	6.2	83,569,454
CSU-T	Constellation Software Inc	3752.85	59.5	0.1	79,528,633
CM-T	Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce	68.28	19.0	5.3	63,996,588
MFC-T	Manulife Fin	32.66	33.5	4.9	58,987,814
ABX-T	Barrick Gold Corp	21.12	-14.5	2.6	37,077,628
SLF-T	Sun Life Financial Inc	73.8	19.0	4.2	43,079,801
L-T	Loblaw CO	152.83	33.4	1.2	47,263,768
IFC-T	Intact Financial Corp	219.3	15.2	2.2	39,105,766
AEM-T	Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd	75.75	9.8	2.8	37,670,432
RCI-B-T	Rogers Communications Inc Cl B NV	56.18	-9.6	3.6	29,912,023
QSR-T	Restaurant Brands International Inc	107.87	26.1	2.9	33,801,073
FFH-T	Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd	1504.46	65.4	1.4	35,641,165
FNV-T	Franco-Nevada Corp	155.71	-20.0	1.3	29,923,575
H-T	Hydro One Ltd	40.71	10.6	2.9	24,388,427
WN-T	George Weston Limited	184.75	12.1	1.5	24,834,591
MG-T	Magna International Inc	74.62	7.2	3.4	21,405,968
BAM-T	Brookfield Asset Management Ltd	57.62	35.3	3.6	22,400,048
GFL-T	Gfl Environmental Inc	48.11	7.9	0.1	17,688,472
OTEX-T	Open Text Corp	53.25	4.7	2.5	14,252,070

Symbol	Name	Last	1Y%	Yield	Market Cap
RY-T	Royal Bank of Canada	135.26	5.7	4.1	191,242,214
TD-T	Toronto-Dominion Bank	81.27	4.1	5.0	143,704,876
SHOP-T	Shopify Inc	107.13	73.7		136,526,703
BMO-T	Bank of Montreal	130	10.6	4.7	94,307,679
BN-T	Brookfield Corporation	56.88	41.7	0.8	86,129,206
TRI-T	Thomson Reuters Corp	212.65	23.2	1.4	95,982,420
BNS-T	Bank of Nova Scotia	68.38	2.9	6.2	83,569,454
CSU-T	Constellation Software Inc	3752.85	59.5	0.1	79,528,633
CM-T	Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce	68.28	19.0	5.3	63,996,588
MFC-T	Manulife Fin	32.66	33.5	4.9	58,987,814
ABX-T	Barrick Gold Corp	21.12	-14.5	2.6	37,077,628
SLF-T	Sun Life Financial Inc	73.8	19.0	4.2	43,079,801
L-T	Loblaw CO	152.83	33.4	1.2	47,263,768
IFC-T	Intact Financial Corp	219.3	15.2	2.2	39,105,766
AEM-T	Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd	75.75	9.8	2.8	37,670,432
RCI-B-T	Rogers Communications Inc Cl B NV	56.18	-9.6	3.6	29,912,023
QSR-T	Restaurant Brands International Inc	107.87	26.1	2.9	33,801,073
FFH-T	Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd	1504.46	65.4	1.4	35,641,165
FNV-T	Franco-Nevada Corp	155.71	-20.0	1.3	29,923,575
H-T	Hydro One Ltd	40.71	10.6	2.9	24,388,427
WN-T	George Weston Limited	184.75	12.1	1.5	24,834,591
MG-T	Magna International Inc	74.62	7.2	3.4	21,405,968
BAM-T	Brookfield Asset Management Ltd	57.62	35.3	3.6	22,400,048
GFL-T	Gfl Environmental Inc	48.11	7.9	0.1	17,688,472
OTEX-T	Open Text Corp	53.25	4.7	2.5	14,252,070

2. Cultural Diversity

Ontario is a melting pot of cultures, offering an unparalleled diversity of food, festivals, and cultural events. This multicultural environment fosters inclusivity and learning.

3. Education and Healthcare

Ontario boasts some of the country’s top universities and colleges, as well as a robust healthcare system. Residents have access to excellent educational and healthcare facilities.

4. Vibrant Cities

From the cosmopolitan city of Toronto to the capital city of Ottawa, Ontario offers vibrant urban life with endless entertainment, dining, and cultural activities.

Cons of Living in Ontario

1. High Cost of Living

The cost of living in Ontario, particularly in Toronto and Ottawa, is among the highest in Canada. Housing can be expensive, and the province also has a higher overall tax burden compared to Alberta.

According to Numbeo, you would need around $8,270.90 CAD in Toronto to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $7,400.00 CAD in Calgary (assuming you rent in both cities). This calculation uses our Cost of Living Plus Rent Index to compare the cost of living and assume net earnings (after income tax).

Other interesting stats from Numbeo:

• Consumer Prices in Toronto are 2.7% lower than in Calgary (without rent)
• Consumer Prices Including Rent in Toronto are 11.8% higher than in Calgary
• Rent Prices in Toronto are 46.3% higher than in Calgary
• Restaurant Prices in Toronto are 5.4% higher than in Calgary
• Groceries Prices in Toronto are 1.5% lower than in Calgary
• Local Purchasing Power in Toronto is 10.3% lower than in Calgary

2. Traffic and Congestion

Major cities in Ontario, especially Toronto, are known for their traffic congestion and long commute times, which can impact daily life and work-life balance.

3. Weather

While Ontario’s weather is generally milder than Alberta’s, the province experiences humid summers and cold, snowy winters, which may not be suitable for everyone.

According to WorldData.Info

Annual values	Alberta	Ontario
Ø Daytime maximum temperature	9.1 °C	12.20 °C
Ø Daily low temperature	-2.9 °C	2 °C
Precipitation	409 mm	891 mm
Rain days	73.2 days	111.6 days
Hours of sunshine	2,154 hrs.	2,263 hrs.

4. Population Density

Ontario’s high population density, especially in urban areas, can lead to overcrowded public spaces and competition for resources like schools and healthcare.

According to Wikipedia, Ontario population is over 2 times denser than in Alberta.

	Name	2021 census		Land area (km2)	Density (km2)
		Population	%
1	Ontario	14,223,942	38.45%	908,699.33	15.2
2	Quebec	8,501,833	22.98%	1,356,625.27	6.5
3	British Columbia	5,000,879	13.52%	922,503.01	5.4
4	Alberta	4,262,635	11.52%	640,330.46	6.7
5	Manitoba	1,342,153	3.63%	552,370.99	2.3
6	Saskatchewan	1,132,505	3.06%	588,243.54	2.0
7	Nova Scotia	969,383	2.62%	52,942.27	18.4
8	New Brunswick	775,610	2.09%	71,388.81	10.9
9	Newfoundland and Labrador	510,550	1.38%	370,514.08	1.4
10	Prince Edward Island	154,331	0.42%	5,686.03	27.2
11	Northwest Territories	41,070	0.11%	1,143,793.86	0.04
12	Yukon	40,232	0.11%	474,712.68	0.08
13	Nunavut	36,858	0.10%	1,877,778.53	0.02
Total	Canada	36,991,981	100%	8,965,588.85	4.2

Interesting Facts About Ontario

Below are the 20 interesting facts we have compiled about province of Ontario:

1. Ontario is the second largest province in Canada, following Quebec, with a landmass of over one million square kilometers [4].
2. The province has a law where saying “sorry” is not considered an admission of guilt [5].
3. Lake Ontario’s bottom is so cold that it perfectly preserves shipwrecks [5].
4. Ontario is home to the largest city in Canada, Toronto, which is also its capital [6].
5. Niagara Falls, one of the world’s most famous waterfalls, is located in Ontario on the border with the United States [6].
6. The province’s name is believed to originate from the Iroquoian word meaning “beautiful water” or “big body of water” [6].
7. Ontario hosts the largest festival of lights in Canada, the Winter Festival of Lights in Niagara Falls [6].
8. The province has more than 250,000 lakes, containing about one-fifth of the world’s fresh water [6].
9. Ontario’s Algonquin Park is one of the oldest provincial parks in Canada [6].
10. The Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto is one of the largest museums in North America [6].
11. Ontario is known for its vibrant multiculturalism, especially in cities like Toronto and Ottawa [6].
12. The CN Tower in Toronto was the world’s tallest free-standing structure until 2007 [6].
13. Ontario produces more than 70% of Canada’s wine [6].
14. The University of Toronto is renowned for being the birthplace of insulin and stem cell research [6].
15. Ontario’s Pelee Island is the southernmost point of Canada [6].
16. The Ottawa River is one of the most important rivers in Ontario, historically significant for fur trade [6].
17. Ontario has a significant Amish and Mennonite population, especially in the Kitchener-Waterloo area [6].
18. The province’s economy is the largest in Canada, with a significant focus on manufacturing and services [6].
19. Ontario is a leader in green energy, particularly in wind and solar power [6].
20. The province has a diverse climate, ranging from humid continental in the south to subarctic in the north [6].

Conclusion

Deciding between Alberta and Ontario involves weighing the pros and cons based on your personal preferences, career goals, and lifestyle desires. Alberta offers a lower cost of living, stunning natural beauty, and a strong economy, albeit with some weather extremes and economic fluctuations. Ontario, while more expensive, provides vast job opportunities, cultural diversity, and vibrant city life. Both provinces offer high-quality education and healthcare, making them excellent places to live. Ultimately, the choice between Alberta and Ontario depends on what you value most in your living environment. Whether it’s the allure of mountain adventures or the dynamic pace of urban life, Canada offers a wealth of experiences in these two diverse provinces.

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