Calgary or Edmonton – Which City Wins for First-Time Homebuyers in 2025?

If you’re looking to buy your first home in Alberta this year, both Calgary and Edmonton offer strong options, but the right city depends on your priorities. We compare the two side‐by‐side so you can decide which one fits you best.

📊 Price Snapshot (September 2025)

Calgary

Average selling price: $567,900 for residential homes. nesto.ca+1
Average condo price: $329,400 in September. nesto.ca
Market condition: Balanced in many segments, inventory rising, price growth modest. https://www.calgary.ca+2RE/MAX Blog+2

Edmonton

Average selling price: $417,000 in September (all residential types). nesto.ca
Average single‐family home: ~$497,100 in Sept. nesto.ca
Average condo: ~$199,100 in Sept. nesto.ca
Market context: Still quite affordable relative to other major Alberta markets. WOWA+1

🏡 What These Numbers Mean for First-Time Buyers

In Calgary

You’ll pay more upfront compared to Edmonton for similar types of homes.
With average around $567,900, many first‐time buyers may need to consider condos or smaller detached homes, or suburbs.
With condo average at ~$329,400, these could be a realistic entry point.
Calgary offers stronger growth potential historically, but you’re paying for it.
If you value larger homes, more amenities, and a vibrant urban/suburban mix, Calgary may make sense.

In Edmonton

At ~$417,000 average, you’re getting more “space for the dollar” for many types of homes.
Condos at ~$199,100 means very strong entry price levels for first-timers.
The lower cost means less borrowing, lower payments, more flexibility.
If you prioritise affordability, less financial stretch, and more wiggle room, Edmonton stands out.
One trade-off: slightly slower growth, maybe fewer ultra-premium neighbourhoods than Calgary.

✅ Final Verdict: Which City “Wins”?

If I had to pick a winner for first-time buyers in 2025: Edmonton wins on affordability, Calgary wins on future value and saleability.

Choose Edmonton if you want: lower entry cost, less monthly stress, more house for your money now.
Choose Calgary if you’re willing to stretch now for potentially stronger resale value, more urban options, and a hotter market in future.

🔍 Key Considerations Before You Decide

Budget & monthly payments: Lower price = lower monthly payment.
Down payment & mortgage rules: Adjust calculations for both cities.
Neighbourhood & commuting: Calgary and Edmonton both have strong suburbs, check travel, amenities, future growth.
Resale potential: Calgary’s market is more established; Edmonton still growth-oriented.
Condo vs detached vs townhouse: Each city has different price tiers; first-timers often start with condos in higher-cost markets.
Market timing & interest rates: Both cities are subject to Alberta economic factors (energy, jobs) which affect housing demand.

🌟 Final Thought

Whether you go for Calgary or Edmonton depends on whether your priority is space + value now (Edmonton) or growth + premium market (Calgary).
For many first-time buyers in 2025, Edmonton looks like the smarter entry point. But if you’re ready to invest in your future and handle a bigger bite now, Calgary could be the win.

Canada Housing Market