Housing

During their first few days in Alberta, some people stay in hotels or motels. The cost generally ranges from $50 to $150 a night. There may be an additional charge if more than two people stay in one room.

For free information about travel and accommodations anywhere in Alberta, see the Travel Alberta website or call the Travel Alberta toll-free information service at 1-800-252-3782.

Types of housing

There are many housing options in Alberta:

• Single family dwellings are houses that have basements and backyards. Houses may be purchased or rented.
   
• Mobile homes are manufactured houses that can be moved from one piece of land to another. They usually are less expensive than a house to purchase, but you also have to buy or rent a place to put them.
   
• Most townhouses (sometimes called row houses) are several houses joined together. They usually have basements and small yards. They may be purchased or rented.
   
• Most apartments are in large buildings and rented without furniture. When apartment units and townhouses are purchased instead of rented, they are called condominiums.
   
• Furnished suites may be located in large buildings or houses. They usually have two or more rooms, a bathroom and cooking facilities that are separate from other parts of the suite.
   
• Individual rooms in buildings or houses are sometimes rented. People may rent one or two rooms and share a kitchen and bathroom with other residents. Furniture is usually included. When meals are provided, tenants are called boarders.

Subsidized (rental) housing may be provided by the government for people who have low incomes. For more information, talk to a counsellor at an immigrant-serving agency or a librarian at your local library.

For more information about housing in Canada, see The Newcomer's Guide to Canadian Housing published by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Visit the Service Alberta website to order your free copy.

Date Updated: Jul 15, 2008
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