Join the Scotiabank StartRight® Program designed for Newcomers‡ and get up to $2,200* in value in the first year.
Written By
Corinna Frattini
Oct 1, 2025
•Alberta
Choosing a City
Edmonton
Planning your move to Canada? Living in Edmonton might be the perfect choice. From a strong economy and affordable housing to excellent schools and healthcare, Edmonton offers newcomers the resources to settle in smoothly. This guide will help you navigate life in the city and make informed decisions before you arrive.
Edmonton is the capital city of Alberta, located in western Canada along the North Saskatchewan River. It’s about 300 km north of Calgary and is known for its wide-open skies, four distinct seasons, and friendly communities. For newcomers, living in Edmonton means easy access to nature, a growing job market, and a balanced cost of living.
Edmonton began as a Hudson’s Bay Company trading post in the late 1700s and has grown into one of Canada’s most dynamic and diverse cities. It’s home to the University of Alberta, one of the country’s top research institutions, and the West Edmonton Mall, once the largest shopping mall in the world.
The city’s multicultural population continues to grow, with thousands of immigrants settling here each year. From vibrant cultural festivals to community programs that support newcomers, Edmonton offers a welcoming environment where people from around the world can thrive.
Many newcomers choose this city for its:
Safe neighbourhoods, accessible services, and a strong support network make it easier to start a new life in Canada.
Living in Edmonton means access to a thriving economy, powered by energy, construction, healthcare, and technology. With an average income around $72,000/year, Edmonton offers newcomers both opportunity and affordability.
To plan your finances before you land your first job, check out: How Much Money Will I Need to Move to Canada?
The top industries hiring include:
If you’re exploring regulated professions or skilled trades, visit Career Pathways in Canada.
💡 Tip: Before your first job in Canada, open a newcomer bank account and learn how to manage your income effectively. Read: Canadian Financial Tips Before You Move to Canada.
Many professionals must have credentials assessed before working in Alberta. Read more: What is Credential Recognition?
Living in Edmonton offers newcomers one of Canada’s more affordable major city housing markets. The city provides a mix of rental apartments, condos, and single-family homes, suitable for singles, families, and students.
| AVERAGE RENT Source: rentals.ca | AVERAGE HOME PRICE Source: WOWA |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom: $1,391 2-bedroom: $1,759 | Average home price: $461,281 Average townhouse price: $301,342 Average condo price: $218,063 |
Renting is often the first step for newcomers. You’ll discover a range of neighbourhoods and types of housing to suit different lifestyles and budgets.
Despite recent price increases, Edmonton remains more affordable than Calgary, Vancouver, or Toronto, making it an attractive option for newcomers planning long-term settlement.
When applying for rentals, most landlords check credit scores, so it helps to build credit in Canada early.
Tips for renting successfully:
Searching for your first home in Canada? Join this exclusive session for key insights on housing market conditions, affordable options, and renting without credit history. Tailored for newcomers settling in the next six months, register now for valuable tips and a free guide!
REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARFor those ready to buy a home, Edmonton offers affordable options compared to other large Canadian cities.
Tips for newcomers buying a home:
Check out more tips for first-time home buyers.
Buying a home provides stability and positions newcomers to take advantage of Alberta’s low property taxes and long-term property value growth.
When choosing the right neighbourhood, consider factors such as housing costs, access to public transit, and your lifestyle. Popular options for newcomers include:
Learn more in our full guide: Best Edmonton Neighbourhoods for Newcomers.
Organizations like the Welcome Centre for Immigrants and the Edmonton Immigrant Services Association offer support with settlement, employment, and language services.
Language programs can help newcomers improve their English skills, making it easier to integrate into the community and workplace. Discover more about Employment Services to Help Newcomers Work in Canada.
Edmonton’s road system and major highways (Yellowhead, QE2) make driving and connecting to other regions easy. Gas prices are among the lowest in Canada, making commuting cost-effective.
The Edmonton Transit Service operates buses and Light Rail Transit lines connecting key areas like Downtown, the University of Alberta, and South Edmonton. Read more about how Edmonton Transit Moves You Affordably.
New residents can register for the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP), which covers most medically necessary services. You can also buy additional private insurance for services like prescription drugs and dental care. Read more: Do You Need Travel Medical Health Insurance to Move to Canada?
Edmonton is home to several major hospitals, including the University of Alberta Hospital and the Royal Alexandra Hospital.
The city offers many educational options through public, private, and Catholic school boards. Programs include bilingual and French immersion tracks.
Edmonton is home to the University of Alberta, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), and MacEwan University. These post-secondary schools offer a range of academic and vocational programs.
Winters are cold, with average temperatures in January around -11.7°C. Snowfall occurs roughly 141 days per year, so winter tires and proper clothing are vital. Despite the cold, residents enjoy over 2,299 hours of sunshine annually, making the climate bright and manageable.
Summers are warm, with average temperatures in July reaching 17.5°C. Thunderstorms and large hail are not uncommon during the warmer months.
Known as “Canada’s Festival City,” it hosts many cultural events year-round, including the Edmonton International Fringe Festival and the Edmonton Folk Music Festival.
The city offers outdoor activities, from exploring the North Saskatchewan River Valley to visiting nearby national parks like Elk Island.
Yes. Over 25% of the population are immigrants, according to Statistics Canada (2024). The city is welcoming and supportive, with strong settlement services.
In 2025, rent averages $1,071 for a one-bedroom; the median home price is $435,000. Expect $2,000 – $2,500/month for living expenses.
Yes. Housing in Edmonton is typically more affordable, though daily expenses are similar.
The city is generally safe, though crime levels vary by neighbourhood. You can learn about local safety programs and resources through community police initiatives.
Living in Edmonton offers newcomers a balance of affordability, opportunity, and community support. Stable employment, accessible services, and diverse neighbourhoods make it easier to build a new life in Canada.
Before you move, plan your finances, explore housing and employment options, and leverage newcomer support programs to start strong.
WRITTEN BY
Corinna Frattini
Senior Editor and Content Director, Prepare for Canada
Corinna researches and writes content to help newcomers make informed decisions about housing, employment, banking, and aspects of settling in Canada. With a background in human resources and leadership development, her articles focus on how newcomers can continue their careers in Canada. Her writing combines research, practical guidance, and clear language to support newcomers on their journey.
© Prepare for Canada 2025
What to Know About Living in Barrie, Ontario
Discover Fredericton, New Brunswick: The Heart of the Capital Region
Living in Regina, Saskatchewan: Everything You Need to Know
Living in Halifax, Nova Scotia: Everything You Need to Know