Estimate your monthly mortgage payment based on Alberta home prices. Alberta is one of the most affordable provinces for homebuyers, with no land transfer tax, no provincial sales tax, and average home prices well below Ontario and British Columbia.
The average home price in Alberta is approximately $490,000. With a minimum down payment of $24,500 (5%) and CMHC insurance, the total mortgage would be approximately $484,218. At a 4.25% interest rate over 25 years, the monthly mortgage payment would be $2,618.
5-year term summary:
25-year summary:
Alberta mortgage payment examples
Here are estimated monthly payments at different price points typical for Alberta, assuming 10% down, CMHC insurance included, and 25-year amortization:
| Home Price | Down Payment | Mortgage + CMHC | Monthly at 4% | Monthly at 5% | Monthly at 6% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $300,000 | $30,000 | $278,370 | $1,467 | $1,626 | $1,792 |
| $400,000 | $40,000 | $371,160 | $1,956 | $2,168 | $2,389 |
| $490,000 | $49,000 | $454,731 | $2,396 | $2,656 | $2,928 |
| $550,000 | $55,000 | $510,225 | $2,689 | $2,980 | $3,285 |
| $650,000 | $75,000 | $592,825 | $3,124 | $3,463 | $3,816 |
| $800,000 | $110,000 | $711,390 | $3,748 | $4,155 | $4,578 |
| $1,000,000 | $200,000 | $800,000 | $4,215 | $4,673 | $5,149 |
No land transfer tax in Alberta
One of the biggest advantages of buying a home in Alberta is the absence of land transfer tax. While Ontario buyers pay $6,475 on a $500,000 home and BC buyers pay $8,000, Alberta charges only a small registration fee:
- Title transfer registration fee: $50 + $2 per $5,000 of property value
- Mortgage registration fee: $50 + $1.50 per $5,000 of mortgage amount
Example: On a $490,000 home with a $466,000 mortgage, total registration fees would be approximately $392 — saving you $6,000–$16,000 compared to buying in Ontario (depending on whether you’re in Toronto).
Closing costs comparison: Alberta vs. Ontario
| Cost | Alberta ($490,000 home) | Ontario ($490,000 home) |
|---|---|---|
| Land transfer tax / Registration fee | ~$246 | ~$6,275 |
| Mortgage registration | ~$190 | $0 |
| Legal fees | $1,200–$2,000 | $1,500–$2,500 |
| Home inspection | $300–$500 | $300–$500 |
| Title insurance | $200–$400 | $200–$400 |
| Total estimate | $2,136–$3,336 | $8,275–$9,675 |
This difference makes Alberta particularly attractive for first-time buyers who are cash-constrained for closing costs.
Alberta property tax rates
Property tax rates in Alberta vary by municipality:
| Municipality | Approximate Tax Rate | Annual Tax on $490,000 Home |
|---|---|---|
| Calgary | 0.64% | $3,136 |
| Edmonton | 0.72% | $3,528 |
| Red Deer | 0.83% | $4,067 |
| Lethbridge | 0.93% | $4,557 |
| Medicine Hat | 0.85% | $4,165 |
| Grande Prairie | 0.86% | $4,214 |
| Fort McMurray | 0.65% | $3,185 |
Alberta property tax rates are moderate, and with no provincial sales tax, the overall tax burden for homeowners is among the lowest in Canada.
Alberta housing cost breakdown
When buying a home in Alberta, your total monthly housing costs include:
| Cost Category | Typical Monthly Range |
|---|---|
| Mortgage payment (on average home) | $2,500 – $2,800 |
| Property taxes | $260 – $380 |
| Home insurance | $100 – $200 |
| Utilities & heating | $200 – $400 |
| Maintenance (1% of value/year) | $400 – $490 |
| Condo fees (if applicable) | $250 – $600 |
Total estimated monthly cost: $3,460 – $4,270 (house) or $3,710 – $4,870 (condo)
This is significantly lower than equivalent costs in Ontario ($4,935–$6,340) or BC ($5,190–$6,910).
Alberta-specific homebuyer considerations
- No provincial sales tax (PST) — Alberta is one of only two provinces with no PST. New homes are subject to 5% GST only (vs. 13% HST in Ontario). The GST/HST New Housing Rebate can save you up to $6,300 on new construction.
- No land transfer tax — Only small registration fees apply, saving thousands compared to most other provinces.
- Alberta’s education property tax — A portion of your municipal property tax funds provincial education. This is included in your property tax bill automatically.
- First Home Savings Account (FHSA) — Save up to $40,000 tax-free for a down payment. See the FHSA calculator.
- RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan — Withdraw up to $60,000 ($120,000 per couple) interest-free for a down payment.
Alberta housing market overview
Alberta’s housing market has seen renewed growth thanks to interprovincial migration and a strong energy sector:
- Calgary — The largest and most active market, with average prices around $580,000. Strong employment growth and in-migration from BC and Ontario have fueled demand. See the Calgary mortgage calculator.
- Edmonton — Slightly more affordable than Calgary, with average prices around $400,000. Strong government, education, and energy sectors. See the Edmonton mortgage calculator.
- Red Deer / Lethbridge — Smaller centres with average prices around $350,000–$400,000.
- Fort McMurray — Prices tied to the energy sector, averaging around $450,000.
For the latest data, see the Alberta housing market report.
Related calculators
- Alberta Registration Fee Calculator — Calculate your Alberta land titles fees
- Calgary Mortgage Calculator — Calculate payments at Calgary home prices
- Edmonton Mortgage Calculator — Calculate payments at Edmonton home prices
- Mortgage Affordability Calculator — How much house can you afford in Alberta?
- Mortgage Down Payment Calculator — Calculate your minimum down payment
- Closing Costs Calculator — Estimate all purchase costs
- CMHC Mortgage Insurance Calculator — Estimate your insurance premium