Welcome to Edmonton
Amiskwacîwâskahikan ᐊᒥᐢᑿᒌᐚᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ
Why Edmonton
Every year, the University of Alberta is proud to welcome thousands of new students to the city of Edmonton. Home to more than 1.6 million people, Edmonton is the capital of Alberta and one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada. Our young and vibrant city is known for 325 sunny days each year as well as our many festivals which range from live theatre to sports to cultural events.
Edmonton regularly ranks as one of the top cities in Canada for high quality of life while also having the lowest cost of living out of any major Canadian city.
We are also within three hours of the world-famous Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks (Banff National Park and Jasper National Park), making them a weekend getaway that will take your breath away.
Visit Explore Edmonton to learn more about our city!
Low cost of living, high quality of life
Edmonton’s low cost of living, combined with high earnings and high quality of life, make this city a special place to call home. Availability of quality healthcare, affordable housing, low traffic commutes and less pollution are some of the things that make Edmonton a great place for individuals and families to build a future.
Edmonton has the lowest cost of living out of any major Canadian city.
Edmonton has the youngest population of any major Canadian city.
Edmonton is the fifth largest city in Canada.
Alberta has the highest salaries out of any Canadian province.
Canada is one of the safest countries in the world, and has one of the highest qualities of living (Global Peace Index)
With more than $14 billion in annual R&D, Canada is viewed as a top-four destination in the world for quality of education
Cost of living comparison
Edmonton has one of the lowest monthly rental rates in Canada, and Alberta has the highest salaries out of any Canadian province.
| Vancouver | Toronto | Edmonton | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Cost of Living | 45% higher than national average | 30% higher than national average | 9% higher than national average |
| Metro Population | 3.1 million | 7.1 million | 1.6 million |
| Average Rent: 1 Bedroom | $2,672 | $2,482 | $1,309 |
| Average Rent: 2 Bedroom | $2,800 | $2,700 | $1,598 |
| Sales Tax | 12% | 13% | 5% |
| Average Yearly Income by Province | BC: $66,232 | Ontario: $57,000 | Alberta: $76,220 |
| Average Cost to Buy a House by Province | BC: $982,800 | Ontario: $795,300 | Alberta: $513,162 |
On-campus and off-campus housing
The University of Alberta’s North Campus, our main teaching campus, is steps away from the lush river valley and quite literally at the heart of the city. You can take the train, grab a bike, electric scooter, or go on foot — and you’ll find unique shops, coffee houses, restaurants, and theatres just down the street or across the river from campus.
Four residence buildings on campus have been designated for graduate students. These graduate residences have tailored support for students, including an on-site faculty member and thesis defense preparation sessions. Living options include furnished shared, studio and 1-bedroom units. Find out more about living in graduate student residences on North Campus.
Off-campus housing
There are numerous nearby housing options that are also available for graduate students with families or who desire more living independence.
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