Edmonton vs Calgary: Which City Offers Better Real Estate Investing in 2025?
- Wayne Hillier
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
By Wayne Hillier, Real Estate Investing Masters
June 2, 2025 | Edmonton, Alberta
When it comes to investing in Alberta real estate, two cities dominate the conversation: Edmonton and Calgary.
While both offer unique advantages, savvy investors know the details matter. Especially when it comes to cash flow, landlord laws, tenant profiles, and future growth potential.
Let’s break down how these two cities compare for real estate investors in 2025.
Cash Flow: Edmonton Takes the Lead
If you're looking for strong monthly cash flow, Edmonton is still king. Lower average purchase prices and solid rental rates mean your properties are more likely to meet or exceed the 5% Rule™, a framework I teach that helps investors stress test cash flow returns before buying.
Calgary’s higher purchase prices can squeeze returns, especially in inner-city or newer suburbs where the numbers don’t pencil out without significant appreciation.
Tenant Profile: Slight Edge to Edmonton
Edmonton’s tenant base includes students, healthcare workers, tradespeople, and civil servants. These are groups that tend to seek long-term rental stability.
Calgary’s tenant market leans more toward professionals in oil, gas, and tech. This can lead to higher rents but also more volatility if the job market shifts.
Landlord Laws: Equal Playing Field
Both cities benefit from Alberta's landlord-friendly Residential Tenancies Act. However, Edmonton investors often highlight the ease of dealing with city inspections and permitting, especially on infill projects.
Zoning and Infill: Edmonton Is Investor-Friendly
Edmonton has led the charge on progressive zoning. The city now allows garden suites, secondary suites, and small-scale multiplexes (up to four units) on residential lots. This opens up creative cash flow and value-add opportunities.
Calgary has made strides, but Edmonton is still more flexible for small- to mid-size investors looking to scale.
Appreciation Potential: Calgary Leads (for Now)
Calgary has seen stronger price growth in recent years, driven by new tech industry jobs and increased demand. If you’re chasing equity growth, it may outperform Edmonton in the short term. But remember, appreciation is speculative.
Final Verdict: Edmonton for Cash Flow, Calgary for Speculative Gains
If you want consistent income and creative investing opportunities, Edmonton is still your best bet. If you’re betting on strong economic expansion and don’t mind tighter margins, Calgary may be worth the gamble.
Whatever you choose, make sure your numbers still work with today’s interest rates. Always apply the 5% Rule™ to protect your portfolio.
Want to Learn the 5% Rule™?
What if one simple formula could help you buy better properties, avoid risky investments, and weather any financial storm?
Wayne Hillier’s new book, The 5% Rule™ – A Real Estate Cash Flow Test for Canadian Investors, is your blueprint for building a storm-ready portfolio.
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