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Climate, taxes, health care, schools, jobs, risks and drive times in one table. Pick up to three places; the link in your address bar is shareable.
| Measure | Banff | Austin | Whistler |
|---|---|---|---|
| Climate | |||
| January / July average | -9°C / 15°C | 11°C / 30°C | -4°C / 17°C |
| Sunny days a year | 300 | 230 | 160 |
| Snow a year | 230 cm | 2 cm | 400 cm |
| Money | |||
| Cost of living index (100 = average) | 145 | 105 | 140 |
| Typical home price | C$1,300,000 | US$550,000 | C$1,450,000 |
| Property tax a year, typical home | C$5,200 | US$9,900 | C$3,625 |
| Provincial or state income tax | Low | None | Medium |
| Life | |||
| Health care | Public plan, no premium | Private, ~US$520/mo (approx.) | Public plan, no premium |
| School rating | 7.8 / 10 | 7.7 / 10 | 7.5 / 10 |
| Unemployment | 4% | 3.5% | 4.8% |
| Main industries | Tourism, hospitality, parks | Tech, government, music | Tourism, hospitality |
| Getting around (typical drive) | |||
| Airport | 1h 30m | 20 min | 2h |
| Ski hill | 10 min | 3h+ | In town |
| Beach or lake | 10 min | 15 min | 10 min |
| Downtown | 1h 30m | In town | In town |
| Risks | |||
| Wildfire | Risk: High | Risk: Moderate | Risk: Moderate |
| Flood | Risk: Low | Risk: Moderate | Risk: Low |
| Extreme heat | Risk: Low | Risk: High | Risk: Low |
| Air quality (smoke) | Risk: High | Risk: Low | Risk: Moderate |
| Lifestyle | |||
| ☀️ Warm winters | – | ✓ | – |
| ⛷️ Skiing | ✓ | – | ✓ |
| 🥾 Hiking | ✓ | – | ✓ |
| 🛶 Lake life | ✓ | – | ✓ |
| 🌃 Nightlife | – | ✓ | – |
| 🎸 Live music | – | ✓ | – |
| 🍜 Food scene | – | ✓ | – |
| 💻 Remote-work hub | – | ✓ | – |
| 🏙️ Big city | – | ✓ | – |
| 🏡 Small town | ✓ | – | ✓ |
| See homes | See homes | See homes | |
All figures are approximate and for comparison only: averages and estimates, not official statistics. Prices are in each place's local currency. Risk levels are illustrative; check government hazard maps (FEMA, NOAA, Natural Resources Canada) before you buy.