Calgary logs 200 sunny days a year to Ottawa's 158 — Calgary wins by 42. Ottawa also leads on outdoor-dinner months by 1.

Calgary runs about $2,741/mo for a balanced lifestyle against Ottawa's $2,521/mo — Ottawa comes in $220 cheaper each month, roughly 9% less.

On mobility, Ottawa scores 3.2 vs Calgary's 2.4 (0–5 scale), with the biggest gap on walkability. Calgary still holds an edge on airport accessibility.

Ottawa's culture score of 3.8 sits well above Calgary's 2.2, with the biggest gap on arts & culture.

Ottawa's nature & outdoors score of 4.7 sits well above Calgary's 4.2, with the biggest gap on forest access. Calgary still holds an edge on mountain access.

Calgary's safety score of 3.9 sits well above Ottawa's 3.5, with the biggest gap on property crime safety.

Ottawa's career score of 3.8 sits well above Calgary's 2.9, with the biggest gap on career opportunities.

Ottawa's social & community score of 3.9 sits well above Calgary's 3.4, with the biggest gap on expat-first community. Calgary still holds an edge on expat integration experience.

On food & dining, Ottawa scores 3.6 vs Calgary's 3.2 (0–5 scale), with the biggest gap on vegan & vegetarian options.

On family, Ottawa scores 3.5 vs Calgary's 3.2 (0–5 scale), with the biggest gap on international schools.

Calgary and Ottawa score neck-and-neck on healthcare (2.0 vs 2.0, 0–5 scale).

Calgary averages 8.1 µg/m³ (good) PM2.5 annually versus Ottawa's 6.6 µg/m³ (good) — Ottawa breathes ~18% cleaner air (1.4 µg/m³ lower).

Who Thrives Here