Western Canada's big decision: Alberta's tax savings or BC's mild climate?
Total Sales Tax (GST only)
NO Provincial Sales Tax
Winter: -15°C to -30°C
Housing: ~$550K (Calgary)
Total Sales Tax (GST + PST)
7% Provincial Sales Tax
Winter: 2°C to 8°C (coast)
Housing: ~$1.2M (Vancouver)
| Annual Income | Alberta Tax | BC Tax | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $7,145 | $7,696 | Alberta saves $551 |
| $75,000 | $12,895 | $13,787 | Alberta saves $892 |
| $100,000 | $18,645 | $20,743 | Alberta saves $2,098 |
| $150,000 | $33,145 | $38,188 | Alberta saves $5,043 |
| $200,000 | $51,145 | $60,418 | Alberta saves $9,273 |
0%
Provincial Sales Tax
On $50,000 spending:
$2,500 total tax
7%
Provincial Sales Tax
On $50,000 spending:
$6,000 total tax
Annual Sales Tax Savings in Alberta
Based on $50,000 in taxable purchases
| Purchase | Price | Alberta Tax | BC Tax | Savings in AB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Vehicle | $50,000 | $2,500 | $6,000 | $3,500 |
| Home Renovation | $40,000 | $2,000 | $4,800 | $2,800 |
| Furniture Set | $8,000 | $400 | $960 | $560 |
| Income Level | Income Tax Savings | Sales Tax Savings* | Total Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $551 | $2,100 | $2,651 |
| $75,000 | $892 | $2,800 | $3,692 |
| $100,000 | $2,098 | $3,500 | $5,598 |
| $150,000 | $5,043 | $4,900 | $9,943 |
| $200,000 | $9,273 | $5,600 | $14,873 |
*Estimated based on spending 60-80% of take-home pay on taxable goods
At $100,000 income over 20 years:
$111,960 saved in Alberta
In combined income and sales tax
| Category | Calgary | Vancouver | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Home Price | $550,000 | $1,200,000 | Calgary 54% cheaper |
| 1BR Apartment Rent | $1,600/month | $2,600/month | Calgary 38% cheaper |
| Gas (per litre) | $1.30 | $1.85 | Calgary 30% cheaper |
| Groceries (monthly) | $400 | $475 | Calgary 16% cheaper |
| Restaurant Meal | $20 | $24 | Calgary 17% cheaper |
Housing Savings: Calgary vs Vancouver
For an average home purchase
❄️
Winter (Dec-Feb): -10°C to -25°C
Wind chill: Can reach -40°C
Sunny days: 333/year (Calgary)
Snow: Oct-Apr typical
Pro: Extremely sunny, dry cold is more tolerable
🌧️
Winter (Dec-Feb): 2°C to 8°C
Rain: 160+ rainy days/year
Sunny days: 165/year (Vancouver)
Snow: Rare at sea level
Pro: Mild temps, no extreme cold
Financially, Alberta wins decisively. You'll save $5,000-$15,000+ annually in taxes and potentially $500,000+ on housing over a lifetime.
For lifestyle, BC wins if mild weather, ocean access, and year-round outdoor activities are your priorities.
The Question to Ask Yourself:
"Is mild weather worth $100,000+ over 20 years?"
For some, absolutely yes. For others, the Alberta savings are life-changing.
See your personalized tax breakdown:
Alberta Calculator BC CalculatorAt $100,000 income, expect $5,500+ in annual tax savings (income + sales tax combined). Add housing savings of $500,000+ on a home purchase, and Alberta offers substantial long-term financial benefits.
Significantly. Calgary's average home costs $550,000 vs Vancouver's $1.2M. Rent, gas, and overall cost of living are 25-35% lower in Calgary.
Dramatic. Vancouver winters are 2-8°C with rain. Calgary winters are -15°C to -30°C with snow. However, Calgary gets 333 sunny days/year vs Vancouver's 165—so Alberta is cold but sunny, BC is mild but grey.
Financially, Alberta wins by $5,000-$10,000+ annually. Many remote workers choose Alberta for savings and take trips to BC for recreation. However, if mild weather affects your productivity or happiness, BC may be worth the premium.
Depends on your field. Alberta leads in oil & gas and engineering. BC leads in tech, film, and tourism. Both have growing tech sectors, with Calgary attracting startups due to lower costs.
Disclaimer: This comparison provides general information for educational purposes only. Tax laws change frequently. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice specific to your situation. Data sourced from the CRA and provincial authorities as of January 2026.