Calgarians Feel Quality of Life Slipping, But Stay Put

As a long-time Calgarian, I’ve seen my fair share of changes in the city. But the recent Calgary Foundation quality of life report has shed new light on the sentiment of residents, and it’s something I, as a real estate professional, find quite telling.

According to the report, just 58% of Calgarians rated their quality of life as good or excellent this year, down significantly from 66% in 2025 and 75% in 2020. This drop is particularly stark for those earning less than $60,000, with only 37% rating their quality of life positively, compared to 89% of those earning more than $200,000. It’s a clear indication that the wealth gap is impacting residents’ perceptions of their city.

Despite this decline, the report also found that fewer Calgarians are considering leaving the city. Only 17% of respondents plan to move out within the next five years, down from 19% in 2025 and 30% in 2021. This is a positive sign, as it suggests that while the quality of life is dropping, Calgarians still feel a strong connection to the city.

Younger Calgarians, in particular, seem to be staying put. A whopping 91% of those aged 18 to 34 say Calgary is a good place to live, compared to 81% of those aged 35 to 64 and 94% of those aged 65 and older. This trend is likely influenced by the city’s diverse job market and cultural offerings.

The report also found that 86% of Calgarians agree that Calgary is a good place to live, and 85% say it’s a great place to raise a family. These numbers might surprise those who have heard the city’s quality of life is in decline, but they reflect the sentiment of many long-time residents who still find value in the city.