If you ask moving companies where Canadians are headed, the answer is clear: Alberta. For three years straight, more people have moved here from other provinces than anywhere else in the country.
Whether it’s for a better paycheck or a bigger backyard, here is why newcomers are choosing these six spots:
Calgary: The Tech & Energy Hub
Calgary remains the primary destination, with a metro population reaching 1.84 million. While its rapid growth has steadied since 2023, the appeal is clear: high salaries in energy and a booming tech sector. With detached houses averaging under $600,000—roughly half the price of Vancouver or Toronto—it has become the top choice for interprovincial movers from Ontario and British Columbia.
Edmonton: The Affordability King
While Calgary gets the headlines, Edmonton quietly took the lead for the largest net interprovincial migration surplus in Canada in 2025. Many newcomers find Calgary’s prices rising and head north, where a detached home is closer to $485,000. Edmonton draws heavily from Saskatchewan and the Atlantic provinces, offering a stable economy backed by government and university payrolls.
Airdrie: Built for Young Families
Just 15 minutes north of Calgary, Airdrie has seen a massive 26% population jump since 2021. It is one of the youngest cities in the province, with an average resident age of 34. Families are drawn to its affordable housing, massive recreation centers like Genesis Place, and the fact that there is no local business tax, making it a haven for entrepreneurs.
Red Deer: The Ultimate Middle Ground
For those who want to avoid big-city traffic but stay connected to both Calgary and Edmonton, Red Deer is the perfect fit. Growing to 118,000 people by 2026, it has become a hotspot for remote workers and those in the oilfield services and petrochemical industries. Its central location allows residents to enjoy a lower cost of living while being a short drive from the major metros or weekend getaways at Sylvan Lake.
Lethbridge: Education & Innovation
In the south, Lethbridge offers a city lifestyle without the congestion of the main corridor. With an 11.2% growth rate over five years, it attracts mid-career professionals and researchers. The University of Lethbridge fuels the local economy with world-class programs in neuroscience and agriculture, turning the region into a major center for food processing and research.
Fort McMurray: Unpacking for Good
Perhaps the most surprising shift is in Fort McMurray. Historically known for a transient "fly-in, fly-out" workforce, the city is successfully converting workers into permanent residents. The permanent population grew by over 11% since 2021 as people traded labor camps for houses. With detached homes priced between $340,000 and $395,000 paired with high oil-sands wages, it’s one of the few places in Canada where the math truly works for young homeowners.
The Alberta Advantage in 2026
What ties all these different cities together? Alberta remains a financial outlier in Canada. With no provincial sales tax and no land-transfer tax, a dollar earned here goes significantly further than in the rest of the country. Whether it’s for the mountains, the paycheck, or the backyard, Alberta is where Canadians are choosing to build their future.
If you're looking to settle in Alberta, I would be proud to help find your next perfect home - let's chat!
Looking for expert real estate advice in Edmonton?
Whether you're buying, selling, or investing in Edmonton, Windermere, Keswick, Glenridding, Old Riverbend, Terwillegar, or surrounding communities, I'm here to help. Browse more market updates and home-buying resources on my website, or contact me for personalized advice.
Nooran Ostadeian
REALTOR® | RE/MAX Elite
Call at 780-953-0723
Website: realtyedmonton.ca
Helping buyers, sellers & investors across Edmonton.