How Much Is the Average Rent in Canada?

Rental costs in Canada vary significantly, influenced by many factors. Understanding these dynamics provides insight for residents and those considering a move. This article provides an overview of average rental costs, examining trends at national and city levels. It also explores primary influences on prices and guides readers on how to access reliable rental information.

Average Rent Across Canada

National averages provide a general benchmark for renting in Canada. In January 2024, the average rent for all residential property types reached approximately $2,196, increasing to $2,201 by July 2024, a 5.9% rise from the previous year. As of September 2024, the median rent for a one-bedroom suite was around $1,900, and a two-bedroom unit averaged $2,339.

Rental costs vary considerably by region. British Columbia and Ontario consistently rank among the provinces with the highest average rents. As of December 2023, British Columbia’s average apartment rent was $2,500, with Ontario at $2,446. Alberta recorded an average of $1,691, Quebec $1,953, and Nova Scotia $2,129 during the same period. These figures highlight the diverse rental landscape.

Rent by Major Canadian Cities

Rental prices become more granular when examined at the city level, revealing substantial differences across major urban centers. Vancouver consistently holds the distinction as Canada’s most expensive city for renters. As of August 2025, a one-bedroom apartment in Vancouver averaged $2,495, with two-bedroom units costing around $3,450. Earlier in January 2024, one-bedroom units were reported at $2,700 and two-bedroom units at $3,660.

Toronto, Canada’s most populous city, also features some of the nation’s highest rental costs. In January 2024, average rents in Toronto were approximately $2,521 for a one-bedroom and $3,314 for a two-bedroom apartment. These figures underscore the elevated housing expenses in Canada’s largest metropolitan areas compared to national averages.

Montreal typically offers more affordable rents compared to its larger counterparts, Vancouver and Toronto. As of April 2024, a bachelor apartment in Montreal averaged $1,471, a one-bedroom $1,775, and a two-bedroom $2,281. This makes Montreal a relatively more accessible option for renters in a major Canadian city.

Moving west, Calgary’s rental market has seen fluctuations, with a one-bedroom averaging $1,743 and a two-bedroom $2,145 in June 2024. By August 2025, these figures were around $1,685 for a one-bedroom and $1,999 for a two-bedroom. Edmonton generally presents lower rental costs, with a one-bedroom apartment averaging $1,389 and a two-bedroom $1,716 in August 2024. As of August 2025, Edmonton’s average for a one-bedroom was $1,295 and for a two-bedroom was $1,629.

Ottawa, the nation’s capital, had average rents of $1,950 for a one-bedroom and $2,450 for a two-bedroom apartment in August 2025. Halifax, on the East Coast, reported average rents of $2,050 for a one-bedroom and $2,680 for a two-bedroom in August 2024. By August 2025, these were $2,095 for a one-bedroom and $2,595 for a two-bedroom. Winnipeg, in the prairies, maintained more modest rental costs, with a one-bedroom averaging $1,480 and a two-bedroom $1,740 in September 2024. Within these cities, specific neighborhoods or proximity to amenities like public transit and job centers can further influence rental rates, often leading to higher prices in more desirable locations.

Key Influences on Rental Costs

Rental costs across Canada are shaped by economic and market forces. A primary factor is the balance between housing supply and demand. Canada’s growing population, influenced by immigration, drives up demand for rental housing. Many Canadian cities face persistent housing shortages, leading to competitive markets and increasing prices. The national vacancy rate for purpose-built rental apartments reached a low of 1.5% in 2023, indicating a tight market where demand outpaces available units.

Broader economic conditions also pressure rental rates. Rising interest rates make homeownership less accessible by increasing mortgage costs, diverting individuals to the rental market. Inflation and the rising cost of living affect tenants and landlords. Landlords face increased expenses for property taxes, maintenance, and insurance, which can necessitate rent increases. A strong job market provides individuals with stable incomes, further supporting demand for rental units.

Government policies also play a role in shaping rental markets. Initiatives encouraging new rental unit construction can help increase supply and moderate rent increases. Conversely, regulations like rent control influence how landlords manage properties and set prices. Beyond market-wide factors, individual property characteristics are important, including location, type, size, layout, age, and amenities. Properties in desirable neighborhoods with good access to schools, public transportation, and services command higher rents.

Finding Reliable Rental Information

Accessing current and accurate data is essential for prospective renters. Reputable sources provide insights into average costs and market trends. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is a primary resource, offering detailed reports on rental market conditions, including average rents and vacancy rates across major Canadian cities. CMHC’s annual Rental Market Report offers comprehensive analysis.

Several online real estate listing platforms also compile and publish rental market data. Websites such as Rentals.ca, Zumper, and PadMapper frequently release reports detailing average rents for various unit types in different cities. These platforms aggregate data from their listings, providing a snapshot of asking rents. Local real estate boards and municipal government sources may also offer localized rental statistics.

When reviewing data, consider the reporting date, as rental prices can change quickly. Understanding the difference between average and median rent provides a more nuanced perspective. While an average is the sum of all values divided by the count, the median represents the middle value in a dataset, which can be less skewed by outliers. Consulting multiple sources helps build a comprehensive understanding of current rental costs.