A Complete Guide to Moving to Alberta: Everything You Need to Know

Whether you’re relocating for work, school, to join family, or simply for a change of scenery, Alberta has a lot to offer, but more importantly, you need to explore which region fits your lifestyle, understand the cost of living, sort out your healthcare, and get familiar with how things work here.

That’s why our fully furnished rentals at Corporate Stays across Alberta are located in safe, convenient neighborhoods. So while you focus on adjusting to your new life, you’ll already feel at home. This complete guide covers everything you need to know, from choosing a place to live to settling in smoothly.

Why Are People Moving to Alberta in 2025?

Alberta will have attracted a large number of migrants, both from Canadian provinces and other regions, by the end of 2025. Alberta’s population growth has become very high, and it is experiencing substantial net gains from interprovincial migration, attracting people from other provinces like Ontario and Saskatchewan.

This surge can be traced to key factors like 

1. Strong economy
2. Available job market
3. Relatively lower cost of living compared to other provinces in Canada. 
4. One of the most unique benefits of Alberta is its prominent outdoor activity lifestyle and natural beauty. 
5. The outdoor lifestyle exposes you to opportunities for hiking, skiing, and other recreational activities.

Meanwhile, the government’s “Alberta is Calling” campaign gives moving bonuses and other incentives, which usually attract skilled traders.

Major Cities and Regions in Alberta

First, you should know that Alberta’s largest cities are Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Lethbridge, and St. Albert, however, some regions are more peculiar for some experiences. 

For example, the Central Prairies is known for its agriculture and rural towns, while the Lakelands is a region in northern Alberta that is characterized by its many lakes and forests.

Here are the common cities: 

Calgary

This urban center has a large economy, energy, finance, and technology. Calgary is known for its picturesque prairie landscape and has been called the most livable city. 

The Calgarians are always ready to welcome visitors and spend time outdoors. This bustling city has different community events and festivals. One such event is the Calgary Stampede, a 10-day festival held annually in July, it celebrates Western heritage and community spirit. The two nicknames given to Calgary are “Cowtown” and “Stampede City.” Explore premium short-term stays in Calgary 

Edmonton

This is the capital of Alberta. It is located on the North Saskatchewan River. It is popularly known as the “Gateway to the North.” It is between the highly productive farmlands of central Alberta and a vast, rich northern hinterland. 

Edmonton has a lot of water, timber, and highlife. It is one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada. Check out the various affordable rental apartments in Edmonton, it has also been a major hub in Western Canada’s transportation network, dominating the transport system for different petroleum products. 

Meanwhile, some neighborhoods in Edmonton are more peculiar than others. In this separate article, we’ve reviewed the best places to stay in Edmonton. 

Cordillera

It is a mountain region on the western edge of Canada, it is a combination of rock and coastal mountains. There are two types of Cordillera: 

• The Western Cordillera
• The Arctic Cordillera.

The Western Cordillera includes rocks and coastal mountains, while the Arctic Cordillera comprises a series of mountains. Cordillera also has a mild and wet climate. Its interior is usually cold and dry with large amounts of snow, but it is generally warm in the summer.

Camrose-Drumheller

Many people visit or move to Camrose because it offers great access to healthcare, professional services, shopping, and fun activities like festivals and local entertainment. One of the things that makes Camrose stand out is its very low unemployment rate. In March 2025, the unemployment rate in the Camrose-Drumheller economic region of Alberta was 5.8%

This means many job opportunities exist for people with different skills and backgrounds. Camrose is considered one of Alberta’s top three best places to live. It has something for everyone: families, young professionals, business owners, and retirees.

Moving to Alberta: Immigration and Legal Requirements

Generally, there are provincial and federal requirements for immigration and residency and you’ll need to apply through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) or the Alberta Express Entry Stream. Let’s look into these. 

Permanent residency options

Most people begin by applying through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). This program has several streams (or categories), each designed for different kinds of applicants:

1. Alberta Opportunity Stream: This is for people already working in Alberta who have a valid job offer from an Alberta employer.
2. Alberta Express Entry stream: This is for people in the federal Express Entry system who have strong connections to Alberta, such as past work, education, or family in the province.
3. Rural renewal stream: This is aimed at skilled workers who want to live and work in smaller towns and rural communities in Alberta that need more workers.

Temporary Pathways to Move First, Then Stay

If you’re not yet eligible for permanent residency, there are temporary ways to live and work in Alberta while you work toward qualifying.

A popular route is getting a work permit, which can either be:

• Employer-specific (based on a Labour Market Impact Assessment or LMIA), or
• Open (LMIA-exempt), which gives you more flexibility, depending on your situation and the type of job.

Many people who start with a temporary work permit later apply for permanent residency after gaining Canadian work experience. Another common path is to study in Alberta. International students can apply for a study permit to attend an officially recognized school or college (called a Designated Learning Institution or DLI). After graduation, they can apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP), which allows them to temporarily stay and work in Canada. The good news is that these temporary programs often allow your spouse and children to accompany you, so families can move and stay together in Alberta.

Documentation and process requirements

It’s very important to have all your documents ready, accurate, and up to date to ensure a smooth move to Alberta.

If you’re applying for permanent residency, here are some of the standard documents you’ll need:

1. Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): This shows that your foreign education meets Canadian standards.
2. Language test results: You’ll need to prove your English (or French) skills by taking a test like IELTS or CELPIP.
3. Work experience letters: These should come from your past employers and confirm your job title, duties, and length of service.
4. Proof of funds: This shows you have enough money to support yourself (and your family, if applicable) after moving to Canada.
5. Identity documents: Such as your passport and other government-issued ID cards.

Meanwhile, depending on your pathway, you may also need a valid job offer from a Canadian employer or a letter of acceptance if you’re coming to study at a Canadian school, most application steps can be done online through the official Canadian immigration website.

Cost of Living in Alberta

One of the main reasons people choose to move to Alberta is its affordable cost of living compared to other major cities in Canada, like Toronto and Vancouver. 

According to insights harvested from the payment platform Wise, a single person in Alberta spends an average of around $2,592 per month. 

To put things into better perspective:

• Food: About $165 per month for groceries and basic meals.
• Utilities: Expect to pay around $194 monthly for electricity, heating, water, and internet.
• Transportation: Public transit or fuel for a personal vehicle usually costs about $102 or less, especially if you own a car.

Alberta remains one of Canada’s most affordable provinces when you factor in other expenses like housing, taxes, entertainment, and healthcare. 

Education and Healthcare in Alberta

If you have kids, you’ll need to register them with a local school division once you arrive. This usually requires proof of residency (like a lease agreement or utility bill), evidence of the child’s age (such as a birth certificate or passport), immigration documents, and even school records from the child’s previous school.

Alberta also provides a range of childcare options, including:

• Licensed daycare centres

• Out-of-school care (for before and after school)
• Family day homes (home-based childcare)

For health care, Alberta residents receive public healthcare through the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). This plan covers essential medical services at no cost, such as:

• Visits to family doctors and specialists

• Hospital stays
• Diagnostic tests (like X-rays and blood tests)

If you’re moving from outside Canada or from another province, you must register for AHCIP within three months of arriving.

Finding a House in Alberta: Browse Rental Apartments on Corporate Stays

Due to Alberta’s growing population and strong economy, housing can be in high demand, especially in the major cities. It’s easier when you focus on rentals that offer both short-term and long-term stay arrangements, and that’s what we offer at Corporate Stays. If you’re new to Alberta or staying temporarily (perhaps for work, leisure, school, or while house-hunting), we have the best fully furnished apartments across town, especially in Calgary and Edmonton. 

Why Choose Corporate Stays Rentals in Alberta?

Our short-term and furnished apartment rentals in Calgary and Edmonton have generous balconies with stunning views, offering the perfect blend of relaxation and luxury.

1. These are fully furnished rentals with flexible lease terms.
2. Perfect for business travelers, professionals, or families still getting settled.
3. You can stay for several nights, weeks, or even months.
4. They offer hotel-like comfort but feel more like home.

You can look at the various Airbnb listings available in various Alberta neighborhoods.

FAQs

Is Alberta a good province for immigrants?

Alberta is at the top of the list of provinces people frequently visit. This is due to its affordability, low housing costs, high wages, thriving economy, diverse job opportunities, and an organized system.

Which cities in Alberta have more job opportunities?

Calgary and Edmonton are known for their thriving energy and financial sectors, healthcare, technology, and education.

How is the climate and weather in Alberta? 

Alberta experiences winter from December to February, spring from March to May, summer from June to August, and fall from September to November.

Southern Alberta (like Calgary) is known for more sunshine and drier conditions, while Central Alberta (Red Deer) experiences colder and snowier winters.