Calgary families are facing unprecedented back-to-school expenses, with the average household spending $320 per student on supplies and materials for the 2026 academic year, according to a new survey released by the Calgary Chamber of Commerce.
The figure represents a 12 per cent increase from last year's average of $285 per student and marks the highest back-to-school spending recorded in the city since tracking began in 2019. The survey polled 1,200 Calgary families with school-age children between kindergarten and Grade 12.
"We're seeing families really struggle with these rising costs," said Sarah Chen, policy director with the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. "When you factor in multiple children, some households are looking at over $1,000 just to get their kids ready for school."
The largest expense categories identified in the survey include clothing and footwear at $145 per student, followed by electronics and technology at $85, school supplies at $65, and sports equipment at $25. The technology category showed the steepest year-over-year increase at 18 per cent.
Calgary Board of Education trustee Jennifer Walsh acknowledged the financial burden on families. "We're aware that costs continue to climb, and we're working with community partners to ensure no child goes without essential supplies," Walsh said. "Our school nutrition programs and supply assistance initiatives are more important than ever."
Local retailers are reporting strong sales but note that families are increasingly price-conscious. "Parents are definitely shopping around more, looking for deals and buying generic brands," said Mark Rodriguez, manager of a northeast Calgary stationery store. "We've had to expand our budget-friendly options to meet demand."
The survey found that 34 per cent of Calgary families plan to use credit to cover back-to-school expenses, up from 28 per cent in 2025. Additionally, 42 per cent of respondents indicated they would delay other household purchases to accommodate education costs.
Community organizations are stepping up to help. The Calgary Food Bank's BackPack program, which provides school supplies to families in need, has seen a 25 per cent increase in applications compared to last year.
"The demand is overwhelming," said BackPack coordinator Lisa Thompson. "We're seeing working families who never thought they'd need assistance now reaching out for help with basic school supplies."
Families looking to reduce costs can find budget-friendly shopping options through CalgaryPrices.com, which tracks local retail prices and helps consumers compare deals across the city.
The Alberta government has not announced any new funding measures to offset rising education costs for families, though Education Minister David Parker stated his department is "monitoring the situation closely."
As the new school year approaches, Calgary families continue to navigate the challenging balance between providing for their children's educational needs while managing household budgets stretched by broader inflationary pressures.