Calgary vs. Depok: Detailed 2026 Cost of Living & Quality Comparison

Calgary and Depok represent vastly different economic and social landscapes. Calgary, located in Canada's Alberta province, is a major global city known for its robust energy sector and high standard of living. With a GDP per capita of $66,300, Calgary boasts one of North America's highest average monthly net salaries at $4,900. In contrast, Depok is a rapidly growing city in Indonesia's West Java province, characterized by a lower GDP per capita of $13,900 and significantly lower average monthly net salaries of $377. These fundamental differences in economic structure and income levels set the stage for a stark comparison across various quality-of-life indicators.

Housing represents one of the most significant disparities between Calgary and Depok. Calgary's housing market is marked by high prices, with apartments in the city center costing $889 per square meter and three-bedroom apartments priced at $1,778 per square meter. Rent reflects this high cost, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging $1,320 per month. Conversely, Depok offers significantly more affordable housing options, with city-center apartments priced at $889 per square meter and three-bedroom apartments at $1,135 per square meter. Rent is substantially lower, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging just $97 per month. This substantial difference in housing costs alone makes Depok significantly more affordable than Calgary.

Income levels and the cost of living paint a complex picture. While Calgary offers substantially higher salaries, its overall cost of living is considerably more expensive. Basic groceries for a family of four in Calgary cost approximately $1,500 per month, compared to just $260 in Depok. Transportation costs also differ dramatically, with a monthly public transport pass in Calgary averaging $108 versus $8.90 in Depok. However, the gap in essential spending is most evident in utilities, where a basic monthly package in Calgary averages $140 compared to just $40 in Depok. This indicates that while higher salaries exist in Calgary, the city's overall cost structure is significantly more demanding.

The quality of life metrics reveal mixed results. Calgary generally scores higher on international quality of life indices, particularly in Bogor, Jakarta, and Bekasi, which score above 50 on the scale. Depok's cities generally score lower, with most below 50. Safety and security are typically higher in Canadian cities like Calgary, while healthcare access and quality may differ significantly between the two countries. Educational opportunities, particularly for international standards, are generally more accessible and recognized in Calgary. Public services and infrastructure also reflect these differences, with Calgary benefiting from Canada's extensive public systems.

In conclusion, Calgary and Depok present fundamentally different opportunities for residents. Calgary offers significantly higher income potential and generally better quality of life metrics but comes with substantially higher costs across most categories. Depok provides a much more affordable lifestyle but with lower income potential and generally lower quality of life scores. The choice between these two cities ultimately depends on individual priorities regarding income, lifestyle affordability, and personal values regarding quality of life and economic opportunity.