Why More Ontarians Are Moving West

Discuss affordability, lifestyle, outdoor recreation, lower taxes, entrepreneurship opportunities, and quality of life.

My Personal Ontario to Alberta Relocation Journey

For more than 40 years, Ontario was home.

It's where I built my career, started businesses, renovated homes, invested in real estate, and spent two decades building a life with my former husband. Like many of my clients, I wasn't just buying and selling properties. I was creating a vision for the future.

Over the years, I owned and renovated multiple homes, built investment properties, operated a successful vacation rental business, and helped hundreds of homeowners maximize the value of their properties through home staging, design, and real estate.
 

Then life changed.
 

After a 20-year marriage ended, I found myself asking many of the same questions my clients ask every day.
What do I want my next chapter to look like?
Where do I want to live?
What lifestyle am I truly trying to create?

To be honest, I thought Costa Rica would be part of that next chapter. After all, I already owned a beautiful three-bedroom vacation home just a one-minute walk from the ocean. It was mortgage-free, located in a wonderful community, and offered the kind of lifestyle many people dream about.
 

On paper, it seemed like the obvious choice.

But as I spent more time exploring what I wanted this next season of life to look like, I realized I wasn't just choosing a property. I was choosing a lifestyle, a community, and a place to build a future.
 

That's when Alberta kept calling me back.

What started as curiosity became a serious evaluation of what life could look like outside of Ontario. I spent countless hours researching communities, comparing housing markets, understanding cost-of-living differences, exploring recreational opportunities, and asking myself not just where I wanted to live, but how I wanted to live.
 

That journey gave me firsthand insight into both the opportunities and challenges that come with relocating provinces. It also provided me with a unique perspective on the differences between Ontario and Alberta real estate, from affordability and lifestyle to long-term investment potential and quality of life.
 

Today, I help clients navigate many of those same decisions. Whether you're considering a move for affordability, lifestyle, retirement, career opportunities, or simply a fresh start, I understand that relocating is about far more than buying a house. It's about creating a life that feels aligned with the next chapter you want to build.

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5 Major Differences Between Buying in Ontario vs. Alberta
 

1. No Provincial Land Transfer Tax in Alberta

One of the biggest financial surprises for Ontario buyers is that Alberta does not charge a
provincial land transfer tax like Ontario does.
In Ontario, buyers typically pay:

Provincial Land Transfer Tax

Municipal Land Transfer Tax (Toronto only)
 

This means Toronto buyers are effectively paying land transfer tax twice.

In Alberta, buyers generally pay only modest registration and title fees, often saving thousands or even
tens of thousands of dollars compared to Ontario purchases.
 

2. Your Money Often Goes Further in Alberta

Many Ontario buyers are surprised by how much more home they can purchase in Alberta.

While Ontario home prices increased dramatically during the pandemic, many Alberta communities continue to offer:

Larger homes

Newer construction

Bigger lots

Mountain views

Lower price-per-square-foot

For many relocating families, the same budget that might purchase a townhome or
smaller detached home in parts of Ontario can often secure a substantially larger property in Alberta.
 

3. Property Taxes Are Calculated Differently

Both provinces charge annual property taxes, but buyers are often surprised by the differences between municipalities.

While Alberta property taxes can sometimes be higher depending on the municipality, many buyers still find their overall cost of ownership lower due to:

Lower purchase prices

No land transfer tax

Lower income taxes

Lower overall housing costs

It's important to compare total ownership costs rather than focusing on one expense alone.
 

4. New Construction Is More Accessible

In many Alberta communities such as Cochrane and Calgary, buyers often have greater access to:

New communities

New construction homes

Larger lots

Modern floorplans

Attached garages

Energy-efficient construction

In many Ontario markets, particularly those surrounding Ottawa and the Greater Toronto Area,
buyers may find themselves competing for older housing stock at higher prices.
 

5. Lifestyle and Growth Patterns Are Different

Many people moving from Ontario are not just buying a home. They're intentionally choosing a different lifestyle.

Communities such as Cochrane offer:

Mountain views

Easy access to hiking, skiing, and outdoor recreation

Short drives to Canmore and Banff

Growing local economies

Strong community feel

For many buyers, the move is about creating more space, reducing financial pressure,
and building a lifestyle that better aligns with their long-term goals.

Best Alberta Communities for Ontario Buyers

Canmore = Luxury mountain lifestyle.

Cochrane= Family-friendly, mountain views, value.

Calgary NW= Urban convenience with access to nature.

Things to Consider Before You Move

Employment

Insurance

Utilities

Property taxes

Climate

Commuting

Schools
 

How I Help Ontario Buyers Relocate

Selling your Ontario property

Connecting you with trusted professionals & Resources

Coordinating timelines

Alberta home search support

Referral network throughout Canada

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Alberta cheaper than Ontario?

Can I buy before I sell?

What taxes change when moving?

Should I choose Canmore, Cochrane, Calgary, Edmonton or Another Province/Country?