Is Airdrie Expensive to Live In? A 2025 Cost of Living Guide

Living in Airdrie offers the perfect mix of small-town charm and big-city convenience. But is it affordable? Let's break it down with the latest data and statistics.

1. Housing Costs: The Numbers Tell the Story

Airdrie Housing Market Reality (2025) 

• Average home price: $555,670 
• Detached homes benchmark: Over $600,000 for the first time 
• Current market activity: 603 new listings in the last 28 days 

Calgary Comparison - Significant Savings 

• Calgary average home price: $616,686 (July 2025) 
• Calgary detached homes benchmark: $761,800 
• Savings in Airdrie: ~$61,000 average, ~$161,000 for detached homes 

Breaking Down Property Types: 

• Detached Homes: Airdrie offers substantial savings compared to Calgary's $761,800 benchmark 
• Townhomes: Calgary townhouse average: $464,600 - Airdrie typically runs 10-15% lower 
• Condos/Apartments: Calgary apartment average: $336,000 - excellent entry points for first-time buyers in Airdrie

This affordability continues to draw families and investors alike, with housing demand helping diversify the type of homes being built in Airdrie, particularly strong demand for multi-family housing.

2. Property Taxes & Utilities: More Savings Add Up

Property Tax Comparison:

• Calgary residential property tax rate: 0.0064861
• For a $500,000 home: $3,243 annually in Calgary
• Airdrie typically runs 5-10% lower on property taxes due to efficient municipal services

Utility Costs:

•   Calgary basic utilities average: $350 monthly for standard apartment
• Airdrie utilities are comparable, but newer communities with energy-efficient builds often see 15-20% lower heating costs
• Many residents benefit from newer infrastructure and improved insulation standards

3. Daily Living Expenses: Competitive Options

Grocery & Essential Shopping:

• Calgary average monthly food costs: $500 for an individual
• Airdrie matches these costs with major chains: Co-op, Sobeys, Walmart, Superstore
• Additional savings through local farmers' markets and community-supported agriculture
• No premium pricing despite smaller market size

Transportation Considerations:

• Quick access to Calgary via QE2 (20-25 minutes to downtown)
• Gas and vehicle maintenance costs factor into budget
• Many families find housing savings ($500-1,500+ monthly) far outweigh commuting costs ($200-400 monthly)

4. Market Trends & Investment Perspective

Current Market Dynamics (2025):

•  Benchmark price rose to $554,500, nearly one per cent higher than last month and nine per cent higher than last year's levels
• Strong price appreciation, particularly in apartment-style properties
• Median days on market: Extremely low, indicating strong demand
• 479 active properties currently for sale

Regional Context:

• Average home price in Alberta in June 2025 was $525,119, up 3.1% from June 2024
• Airdrie slightly above provincial average but significantly below Calgary
• Housing prices have remained stable over the past several years and Airdrie continues to offer a more affordable environment over neighbouring Calgary

5. The Bottom Line: Real Savings Analysis

Monthly Housing Cost Comparison (Based on median prices):

• Airdrie: ~$2,800-3,200/month (mortgage, taxes, utilities)
• Calgary: ~$3,400-3,800/month (comparable properties)
• Monthly savings: $600-800
• Annual savings: $7,200-9,600

Total Cost of Living Verdict:

• Housing: 15-20% savings vs Calgary
• Utilities: 5-15% savings (newer builds)
• Property taxes: 5-10% savings
• Groceries/daily needs: Comparable
• Transportation: Additional $200-400/month for commuters

Who Benefits Most:

• First-time buyers seeking affordable entry points
• Growing families wanting more space for their budget
• Investors looking for appreciation potential with lower entry costs
• Remote workers who don't need daily Calgary commutes

Making Your Move: Budget Planning Tips

The data clearly shows Airdrie offers substantial cost savings while maintaining quality of life and convenience. With a median family income of $70,500, mortgage costs could take up about 49% of aftertax income, homeownership remains more accessible in Airdrie than Calgary.

Key Takeaway: For most buyers, the housing cost savings alone justify the modest increase in transportation expenses, making Airdrie an excellent value proposition in the current market.

👉 Ready to explore your options? Let's chat about your budget and find homes in Airdrie that fit your lifestyle without stretching your wallet. The current market conditions present excellent opportunities for both first-time buyers and those looking to upgrade.