Performance
Score Breakdown
Al Mirfa
Calgary
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Al Mirfa is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
42% lower compared to Calgary.
Housing costs are a major driver: Al Mirfa's average rent is
100% lower than Calgary's.
| Metric | Al Mirfa | Calgary | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $0 | $1,177 | -100% |
| Groceries | $450 | $268 | +68% |
| Utilities | $180 | $125 | +44% |
| Transport | $120 | $90 | +33% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $71 | +252% |
| Monthly Total | $1,000 | $1,731 | -42% |
| Cost Index | 65 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Calgary offers 100% lower average salaries.
The minimum comfortable salary in Al Mirfa is estimated at
$45,000 vs $46,129 in Calgary.
| Metric | Al Mirfa | Calgary |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $0 | $53,505 |
| Salary Needed | $45,000 | $46,129 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Al Mirfa | Calgary |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 65.00% | % |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Al Mirfa has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,000 minutes (67 hours) per year compared to Calgary.
Calgary scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Al Mirfa leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Al Mirfa | Calgary |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 28 min |
| Transit Score | 40.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Walkability | 65.0/10 | 39.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 25.00 | 125.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Calgary is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Calgary is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Al Mirfa has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Al Mirfa | Calgary |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 15,000 | 1,600,000 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 2.53% |
| Median Age | 38.8 | |
| Unemployment | 2.17% | 6.80% |
| GDP | $— | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Al Mirfa
Advantages
Al Mirfa offers a tranquil coastal lifestyle with pristine beaches and opportunities for water sports.
The town benefits from a well-connected road network, including the E11 highway, providing easy access to other parts of Abu Dhabi.
Key industries like fishing, oil & gas, and power generation provide stable employment opportunities and contribute to the local economy.
Al Mirfa is considered a safe and calm community, contributing to a high quality of life for residents.
Ongoing infrastructure projects, such as the Mirfa Beach Residential development and ADNOC's water project, indicate future growth and improved amenities.
Drawbacks
Compared to major cities like Abu Dhabi, Al Mirfa offers a slower pace of life and a more conservative environment, which may not appeal to everyone.
Specific and recent data for key economic and demographic metrics like median household income, average salary, and unemployment rate are not readily available.
Public transportation, while present, is not as extensive as in larger urban centers, leading to a medium car dependency.
Budget lodging options are limited, and specific average rent figures for residential properties are not consistently reported.
Entertainment and nightlife options are more subdued compared to major cities, focusing more on outdoor activities and cultural events.
Calgary
Advantages
Calgary has a high median household after-tax income compared to other major Canadian cities, at $107,400 CAD (2021 Census).
The city's Crime Severity Index fell to a near historic low of 61.7 in 2025, well below the national average.
Calgary's tech ecosystem is experiencing rapid growth, expanding at four times the Canadian average since 2021.
Alberta has the lowest provincial tax rate nationally, with no provincial sales tax or land transfer tax, making everyday purchases and homeownership more affordable.
Calgary offers a high quality of life, with 78% of residents rating it as good or excellent in 2025.
Drawbacks
Despite overall safety, property crime remains a significant concern in Calgary, with 51,999 incidents in 2025.
Calgary is largely a car-dependent city, with an average Walk Score of 39, indicating that most errands require a car.
The unemployment rate in Calgary was 6.8% in December 2025, which, while improved, remains a factor for job seekers.
Only 10% of Calgarians live within walking distance of fast and frequent public transit service, limiting car-free convenience.
Rising housing costs, including rent and home purchase prices, continue to be an important consideration for residents.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Al Mirfa
#20Abu Dhabi, UAE
65.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$0
Avg Salary
$0
Cost Index
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
40.0/10
Walkability
65.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
2.17%
Livability
70
Business
55
Calgary
#6Alberta, Canada
75.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,177
Avg Salary
$53,505
Cost Index
65
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
39.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.53%
Unemployment
6.80%
Livability
78
Business
80
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Al Mirfa and Calgary.
Open Cost Calculator