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(from people who’ve lived here a while)
Living in Calgary can get pricey - but the locals have clever tricks that feel like a secret handshake with the city. After digging through dozens of tips, here’s a hand-picked list you can actually use.
City Programs & Transit Wins
Fair Entry Program - If your income qualifies, this single application unlocks:
Deep discounts on internet, phone, and even professional snow-clearing.
Admission to all City recreation centres for next to nothing.
A reduced Calgary Transit monthly pass.
Even free or low-cost tickets to places like the zoo or science centre.
C-Train Free Zone -Rides along 7th Avenue downtown cost $0.
Transit math -A monthly pass only makes sense if you ride 31+ times; otherwise, tickets save you cash.
Library Goldmine
Your library card is way more than books:
$5/month of free printing (yes, free!).
Streaming via Kanopy, audiobooks & e-books with Libby, plus magazines, Rosetta Stone, LinkedIn Learning, Consumer Reports, Value Line, and more; all included.
Free meeting rooms if you need a quiet spot to work.
Food & Grocery Hacks
Shop smart in the NE & SE -Basha Foods, Shaganappi Mediterranean, Caspian, Sanjha Punjab, Lucky Supermarket, Hong Kong Market… fantastic produce, spices, and halal meats at prices big chains can’t touch.
Crossroads Market: Regina’s Meats -Locals swear by their chicken deals (often better than Costco).
“4 for $20” meat packs at Save-On-Foods (look for green stickers).
Flashfood / TooGoodToGo apps -Grab discounted food from grocers or restaurants before closing time. Righteous Gelato is a fan favourite.
Grocery run near closing = markdowns on meat, perfect for the freezer.
Transportation & Parking
Electric scooter or bike -Many Calgarians swapped car commutes for a scooter or bike on the pathway system and paid off the gear in months.
Calgary Parking Authority app -Pay only for time used, then hit “stop parking” when you leave.
If you’re car-shopping, look for a well-kept 5–10-year-old Toyota or Honda instead of financing new.
Entertainment & Community
Volunteer at the Stampede -12 to 15 hours a year earns you free entry, parking, meal vouchers, and discounted tickets.
Stampede breakfasts & local events = free food and fun.
Volunteer with Feed the Hungry or community kitchens - free meal, good cause, great people.
Check Facebook Buy Nothing groups before buying new. You’ll find household goods, kids’ gear, even furniture for free.
Everyday Savings
Call your ISP or phone carrier when your contract’s nearly up - negotiating keeps internet/phone bills low.
Bring your own device for cheaper mobile plans.
Learn light car maintenance or hair trims - small skills save hundreds each year.
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