Performance
Score Breakdown
Airdrie
Olympia
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Olympia is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
1% higher compared to Airdrie.
| Metric | Airdrie | Olympia | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,840 | $1,800 | +2% |
| Groceries | $529 | $420 | +26% |
| Utilities | $196 | $216 | -9% |
| Transport | $256 | $120 | +113% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $250 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $2,821 | $2,806 | +1% |
| Cost Index | 105 | 113 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Olympia offers 46% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Olympia delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Airdrie is estimated at
$64,499 vs $75,000 in Olympia.
| Metric | Airdrie | Olympia |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $43,126 | $80,000 |
| Salary Needed | $64,499 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 41,072 idx | 70,796 idx |
| Household Income | $86,525 | $81,302 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Airdrie | Olympia |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 48.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Airdrie has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
10,000 minutes (167 hours) per year compared to Olympia.
Olympia scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Olympia leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Airdrie | Olympia |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 0.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Walkability | 0.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 50.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Airdrie is the larger city
— approximately 1.6x the population of Olympia.
From a growth perspective, Airdrie is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Olympia has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Airdrie | Olympia |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 94,070 | 57,869 |
| Pop. Growth | 4.50% | 1.70% |
| Median Age | 34.0 | 40.5 |
| Unemployment | 6.91% | 4.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Airdrie
Advantages
Airdrie is experiencing rapid population growth, making it the fastest-growing city in Alberta.
The city has a lower Crime Severity Index (43.2 in 2024) compared to the provincial average (95.6).
Housing in Airdrie is generally more affordable than in nearby Calgary, offering more space for the money.
Residents benefit from a high quality of life, characterized by a friendly atmosphere, excellent amenities, and family-friendly communities.
Airdrie's strategic location provides easy access to Calgary's extensive amenities and major transportation routes.
Drawbacks
Specific crime categories, such as motor vehicle theft and theft under $5,000, saw increases of 20% and 19% respectively in 2025.
Domestic violence incidents in Airdrie increased by eight percent year-over-year in 2025.
Public transit fares have been increasing, with further adjustments expected.
Businesses in Airdrie face challenges due to limited commercial space and rising leasing costs.
Employers report difficulties in attracting and retaining skilled staff, particularly in hospitality, trades, and healthcare sectors.
Olympia
Advantages
Olympia's projected population growth rate of 1.7% for 2026 indicates a growing and dynamic community.
The city offers a vibrant arts and culture scene, along with extensive outdoor recreational opportunities due to its natural surroundings.
Utility costs in Olympia are approximately 10% lower than the national average, providing some financial relief to residents.
The average commute time of 20 minutes is relatively short compared to many larger metropolitan areas.
Olympia's median household income of $81,302 in 2024 is higher than the national median, supporting a comfortable lifestyle for many residents.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Olympia is 13% higher than the national average, primarily driven by housing expenses.
Average rent for apartments in Olympia increased by 6% year-over-year as of June 2026, indicating rising housing costs.
Healthcare costs in Olympia are significantly higher, approximately 24% above the national average.
Transportation expenses are 28% higher than the national average, impacting daily budgets for commuters.
The unemployment rate in Olympia was 4.8% in April 2026, slightly higher than the national average.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Airdrie
#1Alberta, Canada
75.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,840
Avg Salary
$43,126
Cost Index
105
Commute
min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
4.50%
Unemployment
6.91%
Livability
80
Business
70
Olympia
#5Washington, USA
75.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$80,000
Cost Index
113
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
45.0/10
Walkability
55.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.70%
Unemployment
4.80%
Livability
80
Business
70
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