How Much Do You Really Need to Retire in Calgary? A Practical Cost & Lifestyle Breakdown
Calgary retirement needs depend on lifestyle, healthcare, inflation, and income sources—not a single number. A personalized plan builds clarity, sustainability, and confidence.
Written by
Ryan Gubic
Published on
6
Apr 2026
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How Much Do You Really Need to Retire in Calgary? A Practical Cost & Lifestyle Breakdown
“How much do I need to retire?” is one of the most common questions Calgarians ask—and for good reason. Retirement is no longer a simple math calculation. It’s a blend of lifestyle, inflation, tax planning, healthcare costs, and long-term financial sustainability.
Working with a trusted Financial Advisor in Calgary can help you determine your number with confidence.
This guide breaks down the main factors that determine how much you truly need to retire comfortably in Calgary.
Start With Your Desired Lifestyle
Retirement spending varies widely depending on lifestyle goals. Consider:
- housing decisions
- travel frequency
- vehicle needs
- dining, recreation, hobbies
- helping children or grandchildren
- charitable giving
- second properties or vacation homes
Lifestyle is the biggest driver of retirement spending—not age.
Understand Your Fixed Costs
Your foundational expenses include:
- property tax
- utilities
- insurance
- groceries
- transportation
- home maintenance
- healthcare
- technology & communication
Calgary retirees often underestimate rising home maintenance and lifestyle inflation.
Consider Healthcare and Long-Term Care
Medical costs rise with age, and while Canada’s healthcare system covers major needs, retirees must still plan for:
- mobility concerns
- prescriptions
- dental care
- physiotherapy
- private care support
- long-term care facilities if needed
Having a contingency plan is essential.
Factor In Inflation and Longevity
Two of the biggest risks in retirement:
Inflation
Your spending will rise over time—especially for healthcare, travel, and services.
Longevity
Many Calgarians underestimate how long retirement can last.
It’s not uncommon for retirement to span 25–35 years or more.
A good plan must include stress-testing for both.
Align Income Sources
Your retirement income may come from:
- RRSP/RRIF
- TFSA
- CPP
- OAS
- non-registered investments
- corporate investments
- rental properties
- part-time consulting
- pensions
A Financial Planner in Calgary can help structure withdrawals tax-efficiently to make your savings last longer.
The Real Question: What Do YOU Need?
Your number depends on:
- desired lifestyle
- expected expenses
- health considerations
- whether you own your home
- retirement start age
- sources of guaranteed income
- family obligations
- planning for the unexpected
For some, $1.5M is enough.
For others, $3M, $5M, or more is appropriate.
There is no generic number—only personalized planning.
Final Thoughts
Retirement confidence comes from clarity, not guesswork. If you want a detailed retirement projection built around your lifestyle, tax situation, and long-term goals, I’m here to help.
Ryan Gubic is the founder of MRG Wealth Management Inc. operating as MRG Wealth (“MRG”) and is a Portfolio Manager with MRG investments of Aligned Capital Partners Inc. (“ACPI”). The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of MRG, ACPI, or Ryan Gubic. This material is provided for general information and the opinions expressed and information provided herein are subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to compile this material from reliable sources however no warranty can be made as to its accuracy or completeness. Before acting on the information presented, seek professional financial advice based on your personal circumstances. ACPI is a full-service investment dealer and a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (“CIPF”) and the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (“CIRO”). Investment services are provided through MRG Investments, an approved trade name of ACPI. Only investment-related products and services are offered through MRG Investments of ACPI and covered by the CIPF. Financial planning and insurance services are provided through MRG. MRG is an independent company separate and distinct from MRG Investments of ACPI.
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