Property Taxes: Edmonton vs Calgary (How to Budget)
Property taxes aren’t “one number.” They depend on assessed value, local budgets, and how each city bills. This page gives a calm, buyer-friendly way to compare and budget—without guessing.
How property taxes work (simple version)
- Assessment: the city estimates the value of your property (assessment).
- Budget + rates: the city sets its budget; a tax rate is applied to assessed values.
- Your bill: assessed value × tax rate (plus any local nuances).
Budgeting rule: When comparing Edmonton vs Calgary, compare similar home types and price points. A $600K home in one city isn’t always the “same” home in the other—so taxes feel different because the home is different.
Edmonton vs Calgary: what typically drives differences
| What you’re comparing | Edmonton notes | Calgary notes |
|---|---|---|
| Assessed value | Depends on neighbourhood + home type + sales evidence. | Same—assessment follows market evidence and city methodology. |
| Tax rate + budget | Annual budgets and rates can change year-to-year. | Annual budgets and rates can change year-to-year. |
| Billing style | Some owners pay monthly (TIPPS-style) or lump-sum billing. | Similar concept—billing options and timing can differ by program. |
| Newer communities | Newer areas may have different service patterns; HOA fees can also appear. | Same—some newer communities include HOA-style fees in addition to taxes. |
How to budget monthly (buyer-friendly)
- Step 1: Pull the property’s current tax amount (listing details or municipality record).
- Step 2: Divide by 12 for a monthly estimate.
- Step 3: Add property-type costs: condo fees (if condo) or HOA fees (if applicable).
- Step 4: Run your full monthly model: mortgage + taxes + utilities + insurance + fees.
Common buyer mistake
Comparing taxes using city-wide averages instead of the specific home you’re buying. Two homes with the same purchase price can still have different assessed values and tax bills.
Related pages (high-intent)
- Closing costs in Alberta (full cash-to-close checklist).
- Land transfer tax Alberta (common confusion query).
- Buy in Edmonton remotely.
- Buy in Calgary remotely.
FAQ (property taxes Edmonton vs Calgary)
Are property taxes higher in Edmonton or Calgary?
It depends on the specific home’s assessed value and the year’s tax rates. The clean way is to compare similar home types and pull the actual tax amount for each property.
Do condos have property taxes too?
Yes. Condos usually pay property taxes and also have condo fees (and sometimes special assessments). Always model both.
Can you help me compare taxes on specific listings?
Yes. Send the MLS® links (or your shortlist criteria) and we’ll compare real properties so your monthly model is accurate.
Is this tax advice?
No—this is practical real estate budgeting guidance. For tax-specific advice, speak with the right professional.
MLS®/REALTOR® trademarks belong to their respective owners. This is practical real estate guidance—not legal, tax, or accounting advice.