Even Edmonton has lower rental rates than Calgary.
The places to avoid because of crowding,expansion and a skyrocketing cost of living are of course the places that have the highest pay scales. Calgary, Fort Mcmurray,Grand Prarie etc etc.
Actually, at the moment, you're better off in GP than in Edmonton. Grande Prairie's in a little slump, while Edmonton is skyrocketing. But you have to keep an eye out, these things can turn around pretty fast.