Calgary vs. Edmonton

Attribute	Calgary	Edmonton
Population	1,239,220	1,159,869
Area	825.29 km²	684.37 km²
Founded	1875	1795
Mayor	Naheed Nenshi	Don Iveson
Nickname	Stampede City	Gateway to the North

Location

Calgary and Edmonton are two major cities in the province of Alberta, Canada. Calgary is located in the southern part of the province, while Edmonton is situated further north. Calgary is closer to the Rocky Mountains, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, skiing, and other mountain activities. Edmonton, on the other hand, is known for its proximity to the North Saskatchewan River and the numerous parks and green spaces within the city.

Climate

When it comes to climate, Calgary and Edmonton have some distinct differences. Calgary is known for its dry climate with low humidity levels, while Edmonton tends to have more humidity due to its proximity to the river. Calgary also experiences more chinook winds, which can cause rapid temperature changes, while Edmonton has colder winters with more snowfall. Overall, Calgary tends to have milder winters and warmer summers compared to Edmonton.

Economy

Both Calgary and Edmonton are major economic hubs in Alberta, with thriving industries in oil and gas, technology, finance, and healthcare. Calgary is known as the "energy capital of Canada" due to its large concentration of oil and gas companies, while Edmonton is home to a diverse range of industries including government, education, and manufacturing. Calgary has a higher average income per capita compared to Edmonton, but Edmonton has a lower unemployment rate.

Culture

Calgary and Edmonton both have vibrant cultural scenes with a variety of museums, art galleries, theaters, and music venues. Calgary is known for its annual Stampede, which celebrates the city's western heritage with rodeo events, concerts, and a parade. Edmonton, on the other hand, is home to the largest fringe theater festival in North America, as well as numerous music festivals throughout the year. Both cities have a diverse population with a strong sense of community and pride in their local arts and culture.

Transportation

When it comes to transportation, Calgary and Edmonton both have extensive public transit systems that include buses and light rail trains. Calgary's CTrain is one of the busiest light rail systems in North America, while Edmonton's LRT system is expanding to serve more areas of the city. Calgary also has a higher rate of car ownership compared to Edmonton, which can lead to more traffic congestion during peak hours. Both cities have well-maintained road networks and bike lanes for cyclists.

Education

Calgary and Edmonton are home to several post-secondary institutions, including the University of Calgary and Mount Royal University in Calgary, and the University of Alberta and MacEwan University in Edmonton. Both cities have strong education systems with a focus on research and innovation. Calgary tends to have a higher percentage of residents with post-secondary education compared to Edmonton, which can be attributed to the city's higher average income and job opportunities in the technology and finance sectors.

Quality of Life

Overall, both Calgary and Edmonton offer a high quality of life for residents with access to healthcare, education, recreation, and cultural amenities. Calgary tends to have a higher cost of living compared to Edmonton, especially when it comes to housing prices. However, Calgary also has a lower crime rate and cleaner streets compared to Edmonton. Edmonton, on the other hand, has more green spaces and parks per capita, making it a great city for outdoor activities and family-friendly neighborhoods.