2025/2026 FIRST-YEAR RESIDENCE COST COMPARISON
8 MONTH ACADEMIC TERM
UCalgary offers some of the most affordable residence rates among U15 universities, helping ease the stress of living costs for students. Off-campus housing is included to emphasize the advantages of living on campus. Off-campus housing locks your student in a 12-month contract, not allowing for flexibility or movement.
First-year guarantee - all students who apply by May 1 will have a spot in residence.
University | Trad Double | Trad Single Furnished | Utilites Included: | Tenant | 8 Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
UCalgary | $10,157 | $14,094 | YES | YES | YES |
University of Alberta | $14,199 | $16,593 | YES | YES | YES |
University of Manitoba | $11,927 - $12,005 | $14,327 - $14,451 | YES | YES | YES |
University of Ottawa | $16,025 | $18,123 | YES | YES | YES |
Western University | $17,250 - $17,430 | $18,000 - $18,230 | YES | YES | YES |
1McGill University | $15,920 - $17,240 | $17,120 - $18,240 | YES | NO | YES |
Dalhousie University | $14,869 - $15,068 | $16,088 - $17,580 | YES | NO | YES |
2Off-Campus Calgary | 2 bedroom apt. | 1 bedroom apt | NO | NO | NO |
University | Meal Plan Type | 7-Day Plan | 5-Day Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
UCalgary | AYCTE | $5,900 | $4,950 |
University of Alberta | AYCTE | $6,031 | N/A |
University of Manitoba | AYCTE | $7,156 | N/A |
University of Ottawa | AYCTE | $7,500 | $6,825 |
3Western University | DECLINING BALANCE | N/A | N/A |
McGill University | AYCTE | $6,000 | N/A |
Dalhousie University | AYCTE | $6,000 | N/A |
1McGill University has a one-time One Card fee of $500, not included in fees
2Rental data taken from rentals.ca/calgary in April 2025
3Western University has $3,300 Declining Food Balance + $4,020 Overhead Fee not used for food, equaling cost of $7,320