Performance
Score Breakdown
Al Mirfa
Airdrie
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Al Mirfa is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
65% lower compared to Airdrie.
Housing costs are a major driver: Al Mirfa's average rent is
100% lower than Airdrie's.
| Metric | Al Mirfa | Airdrie | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $0 | $1,840 | -100% |
| Groceries | $450 | $529 | -15% |
| Utilities | $180 | $196 | -8% |
| Transport | $120 | $256 | -53% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $0 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $1,000 | $2,821 | -65% |
| Cost Index | 105 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Airdrie offers 100% lower average salaries.
The minimum comfortable salary in Al Mirfa is estimated at
$45,000 vs $64,499 in Airdrie.
| Metric | Al Mirfa | Airdrie |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $0 | $43,126 |
| Salary Needed | $45,000 | $64,499 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Al Mirfa | Airdrie |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 65.00% | 48.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Airdrie has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
10,000 minutes (167 hours) per year compared to Al Mirfa.
Al Mirfa scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Al Mirfa leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Al Mirfa | Airdrie |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | min |
| Transit Score | 40.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Walkability | 65.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 25.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Airdrie is the larger city
— approximately 0.2x the population of Al Mirfa.
From a growth perspective, Airdrie is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Al Mirfa has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Al Mirfa | Airdrie |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 15,000 | 94,070 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 4.50% |
| Median Age | 34.0 | |
| Unemployment | 2.17% | 6.91% |
| GDP | $— | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Al Mirfa
Advantages
Al Mirfa offers a tranquil coastal lifestyle with pristine beaches and opportunities for water sports.
The town benefits from a well-connected road network, including the E11 highway, providing easy access to other parts of Abu Dhabi.
Key industries like fishing, oil & gas, and power generation provide stable employment opportunities and contribute to the local economy.
Al Mirfa is considered a safe and calm community, contributing to a high quality of life for residents.
Ongoing infrastructure projects, such as the Mirfa Beach Residential development and ADNOC's water project, indicate future growth and improved amenities.
Drawbacks
Compared to major cities like Abu Dhabi, Al Mirfa offers a slower pace of life and a more conservative environment, which may not appeal to everyone.
Specific and recent data for key economic and demographic metrics like median household income, average salary, and unemployment rate are not readily available.
Public transportation, while present, is not as extensive as in larger urban centers, leading to a medium car dependency.
Budget lodging options are limited, and specific average rent figures for residential properties are not consistently reported.
Entertainment and nightlife options are more subdued compared to major cities, focusing more on outdoor activities and cultural events.
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.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Al Mirfa
#20Abu Dhabi, UAE
65.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$0
Avg Salary
$0
Cost Index
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
40.0/10
Walkability
65.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
2.17%
Livability
70
Business
55
Airdrie
#6Alberta, 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
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