Moving to Alberta: a guide for renters

Embarking on a journey to a new province can be both thrilling and overwhelming – especially for renters. Alberta, with its stunning landscapes and vibrant cities, offers a unique experience for those seeking a change, or who are moving to Canada for the first time and deciding on where to settle. In this blog post from liv.rent, we’ll guide you through the essentials of moving to Alberta as a renter – from choosing the right city to understanding the province’s renting legislation and how to find rentals, highlighting the distinct differences that set Alberta apart from the rest of Canada.

Why move to Alberta?

Alberta has gained a reputation among Canadians for offering relatively affordable rates for purchasing or renting a home, but that’s certainly not all the province has to offer.

Renters may find Alberta an enticing destination for a number of reasons. Alberta boasts a strong and diverse economy, largely driven by its thriving oil and gas industry, offering numerous job opportunities in these sectors and beyond. The province also has a relatively low unemployment rate, making it an attractive prospect for those new to the province or country and seeking stable employment.

Alberta’s stunning natural landscapes, including the majestic Rocky Mountains, offer a picturesque backdrop and provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities. The province also invests in world-class healthcare and education, with institutions like the University of Alberta and the University of Calgary contributing to a high quality of life. Alberta’s vibrant cities, such as Calgary and Edmonton, are known for their increasingly youthful populations, with plenty of community events, great restaurants, and lots to do day or night. If the big city isn’t for you, Alberta’s smaller cities and towns also offer friendly and welcoming communities that make the province an appealing place for renters looking to establish roots and build a fulfilling life.

What to know before moving to Alberta

Prospective renters eyeing Alberta should be mindful of several key considerations. The province’s notoriously cold winters are perhaps the most common reason why some stay away from Alberta, and the warm summers mean that renters will need to be prepared for varying climates before they move.

As well, though Calgary and Edmonton have long been seen as cheaper alternatives to major cities like Vancouver and Toronto, both cities’ average rent prices have increased quite a bit in recent times, with Calgary’s rates now higher than Montreal‘s as of the time of writing. Despite recent increases, however, Alberta renters will still find a significantly lower cost of living than Vancouver or Toronto, with just as many job opportunities and similar access to the amenities of a major city.

In Canada, each province has its own distinct rental laws and Alberta is no exception. Before renting a place, it would be wise to familiarize yourself with things like landlord and tenant responsibilities, rules surrounding rent increases and deposits, and other key issues.

Where to move in Alberta

Calgary and Edmonton are the best-known of Alberta’s diverse cities, but the province has many other options for renters regardless of what they’re looking for. Here, we’ll give a brief overview of some of Alberta’s most popular cities for renters to give you an idea of where to start your search.

Calgary

Average rent in Calgary: $1,665/month for a 1br unfurnished unit

Source: liv.rent

As Alberta’s largest city, Calgary offers renters a vibrant urban lifestyle against the stunning backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. Known for its dynamic energy sector, the city provides diverse job opportunities and a popular post-secondary institution in the University of Calgary. Younger renters in particular will appreciate the bustling downtown with its busy nightlife, popular events like the Calgary Stampede, and numerous parks and pathways along the Bow River which combine to create a perfect blend of career opportunities and recreational activities.

Edmonton

Average rent in Edmonton: $1,269/month for a 1br unfurnished unit

Source: liv.rent

Alberta’s capital city, Edmonton, attracts renters with its rich cultural scene, diverse neighbourhoods, and a strong sense of community. Home to festivals, museums, and a thriving arts district, Edmonton offers a lively urban experience. The city’s commitment to green spaces, like the North Saskatchewan River Valley, provides renters with ample outdoor recreational opportunities, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a well-rounded lifestyle.

Other Alberta cities

Canmore

Average rent in Canmore: N/A

Nestled in the stunning Canadian Rockies, Canmore is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Renters are often drawn to the city’s breathtaking scenery, extensive hiking trails, and proximity to the world-famous Banff National Park. The town offers a laid-back mountain vibe, with a charming downtown featuring boutique shops, local eateries, and a welcoming community spirit.

Grande Prairie

Average rent in Grande Prairie: $1,155

Source: Zumper

Situated in northwest Alberta, Grande Prairie combines urban amenities with a strong connection to nature. Renters appreciate the city’s vibrant cultural scene, diverse recreational options, and a robust job market driven by its position as a regional economic hub. The friendly community and numerous parks contribute to a family-friendly atmosphere.

Lethbridge

Average rent in Lethbridge: $1,215/month for a 1br unit

Source: Zumper

Known for its sunny climate and picturesque river valley, Lethbridge is an appealing city in southern Alberta. Renters are drawn to its affordability, thriving arts and cultural scene, and the proximity to outdoor activities like hiking and golfing. The University of Lethbridge adds a youthful energy to the city, creating a balanced and welcoming community.

Red Deer

Average rent in Red Deer: $1,199/month for a 1br unit

Source: Zumper

Positioned between Edmonton and Calgary, Red Deer offers renters a central location with access to both major cities. The city boasts a diverse economy, recreational opportunities around its river valley, and a welcoming community. Renters appreciate the mix of urban amenities, affordable housing, and a range of cultural events throughout the year.

Lloydminster

Average rent in Lloydminster: $1,125/month for a 1br unit

Source: Zumper

Straddling the Alberta-Saskatchewan border, Lloydminster has a unique appeal for renters. The city benefits from no provincial sales tax in Alberta, attracting those seeking economic advantages. With a mix of urban and rural lifestyles, renters enjoy the sense of community, various parks, and recreational activities, making it an ideal place for those seeking a balance between work and leisure.

How to find a place to rent in Alberta

The best way to find a place to rent in Alberta is to search for listings online. In today’s rental market, most landlords will post their properties for rent on one of the many popular listing sites, where renters can message them for details, submit applications, and even sign a lease agreement.

Searching for listings on liv.rent is quick, easy, and safe. Watch the video below for a step-by-step tutorial on searching efficiently using liv.rent’s various filters and features:

How to avoid rental scams in Alberta

When choosing where to search for listings, it’s always best to prioritize platforms with built-in security measures, since rental scams are becoming more prevalent across Canada. To help combat this danger, liv.rent manually verifies both landlords and listings to keep our users safe. We request that landlords verify their identity through government-issued photo ID, with listings verified through documents like property tax forms, or through a one-time code mailed to the address on file.

Regardless of where you search, these are some warning signs to look out for that mean you may be dealing with a rental scam:

• Scam #1 Rent is too low
  If the rental rate seems shockingly below the rental average for the city, it could be a fake listing.
• Scam #2 Urgent demands for cash
  Renters don’t have to pay for anything until a lease is signed. So, if someone’s pressuring you to send cash now, don’t do it.
• Scam #3 Too much info
  Until you’re 100% ready to move forward with a lease, you’re not obligated to share your bank account or SIN number.
• Scam #4 Not enough details
  While some smaller landlords may withhold unit numbers for privacy, you should know the exact address of the unit you’re looking at. without that info, it could be a scam.

Pro tip: rent from ID-verified landlords on liv.rent to avoid scams.

Resources for Alberta renters

For more information on renting in Alberta and using liv.rent to streamline your rental process, renters can consult the guides below or see our blog for more tips & resources for Canadians.

• Calgary & Edmonton Rent Reports
• Understanding the Alberta Residential Tenancy Agreement
• FAQ: Landlord & tenant responsibilities in Alberta
• FAQ: Everything you need to know about rent deposits in Alberta
• The Ultimate Renter’s Guide To Using liv.rent

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