City Profile
Cold Lake, Alberta
Canada · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Cold Lake, Alberta, is a vibrant city nestled on the shores of its namesake lake, known for its natural beauty and as a key hub for Canada's national defense. The city is home to 4 Wing Cold Lake, a major Canadian Forces Base, which significantly influences its economy and demographic makeup. This strong military presence, combined with its proximity to the oil and gas sector, provides a unique blend of community life and economic activity. People are drawn to Cold Lake for its outdoor recreational opportunities, including fishing, boating, and access to extensive wilderness, offering a balanced lifestyle amidst a robust local economy. The city is actively pursuing commercial and residential growth, with ongoing planning to accommodate future expansion.
Alberta is a Canadian province known for its diverse landscapes, ranging from the Rocky Mountains to prairies and boreal forests. Its economy is largely driven by the energy sector, particularly oil and gas extraction, though agriculture, forestry, technology, and tourism are also significant industries. Living in Alberta generally offers a high standard of living with competitive incomes and a lower cost of living compared to some other major Canadian provinces, partly due to no provincial sales tax. The climate is continental, characterized by warm summers and cold winters, with rapid temperature swings and occasional warm Chinook winds in the south.
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Quality Scores
Expenses
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Cold Lake is generally considered moderate, with average rent for all property types sitting at approximately $1,210.4 USD per month as of August 2026. This is notably lower than the national average for Canada. While housing costs are a significant factor, the average monthly cost for utilities is around $175.94 USD, and groceries average about $321.11 USD per person. The overall affordability is supported by a higher average salary compared to the Canadian national average, which helps residents manage expenses.
Income
Salary Insights
Cold Lake's economy is primarily driven by the military and defense sector, owing to the presence of 4 Wing Cold Lake, a major Canadian Forces Base that has seen significant investment. The oil and gas industry also plays a crucial role, with these sectors reporting substantial job creation in the broader Wood Buffalo-Cold Lake region. Other significant employment areas include sales and service, education, law, community and government services, and trades and transport. The average annual salary in Cold Lake is approximately $46,347.2 USD as of July 2026, which is higher than the Canadian national average. While the regional unemployment rate was 7.9% in June 2026, the city is actively working on economic development initiatives and fostering business growth.
The average salary in Cold Lake is $46,347 per year. You would need approximately $40,000 to live comfortably.
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Climate
Mobility
Transport
Getting around Cold Lake primarily relies on personal vehicles, as indicated by its 'Car-Dependent' walk score of 28 out of 100. However, the city does operate Cold Lake Transit, a public bus service that runs Monday to Saturday with two routes covering the entire city and 4 Wing. This transit system is unique in that it is free for riders and utilizes a real-time tracking app to help passengers manage their schedules. Despite the presence of public transit, the limited bike infrastructure, with a bike score of 45, suggests that cycling is somewhat challenging for daily errands.
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