Renting in Canada 2025: Your Smart & Cheaper Guide

How Expensive is Renting in Canada in 2025?

In 2025, rental prices in Canada vary widely depending on location. According to the latest data from Rentals.ca (2025), the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment across Canada is approximately CAD $1,950 per month. Cities like Toronto and Vancouver continue to top the list, while smaller cities and suburban areas offer significantly cheaper options.

For example, the average monthly rent in:

• Toronto, ON: CAD $2,460
• Vancouver, BC: CAD $2,580
• Halifax, NS: CAD $1,540
• Winnipeg, MB: CAD $1,250
• Regina, SK: CAD $1,080
• The key is looking beyond the biggest urban centers. Places like Saskatoon, Regina, and Thunder Bay offer a much lower cost of living while still providing quality housing, internet access, and essential services.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Rent a Cheap House in Canada

1. Start with Government and Non-Profit Resources Check local housing authorities and non-profits that specialize in affordable housing. For instance, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) provides information on subsidized and rent-geared-to-income housing. Provincial housing programs in British Columbia, Quebec, and Ontario offer applications for low-income renters.
2. Expand Your Search Radius Living slightly outside major downtown cores can reduce rent by up to 35%. For example, while central Vancouver rents might hit CAD $2,800, nearby cities like Burnaby or Surrey offer similar quality for under CAD $2,100.
3. Use Niche Local Websites and Facebook Groups Websites like RentBoard.ca, PadMapper, and local Facebook groups often have listings that aren’t on major sites. Some landlords prefer direct communication and avoid listing on big platforms to save fees.
4. Avoid Furnished Units When Possible Furnished rentals often carry a 20–30% premium. Bringing or renting your own furniture for long-term stays can lead to significant savings.
5. Consider Shared Housing or Basement Units In 2025, shared houses or legal basement suites can rent for 40–60% less than full apartments. These are especially common in the Greater Toronto Area, Edmonton, and Montreal.
6. Negotiate Longer Lease Terms Some landlords are open to rent reductions for 12-month commitments, especially in lower-demand markets like Regina or Moncton.

Where to Find the Best Deals

To truly rent cheaply, you need to look beyond Toronto and Vancouver. Mid-sized markets and secondary cities offer far friendlier prices.

Here’s a snapshot of average one-bedroom rent and the highlights each city offers:

What Makes a Rental Truly Affordable?

Affordability is more than just rent. You must also consider utilities, commuting costs, and internet access. In 2025, with remote work becoming even more widespread, fast and affordable internet is essential.

Choosing When to Search

Seasonality matters. Rental markets cool between November and February. Listings dip then, and landlords often accommodate lower offers or longer leases. Post-COIVD rent pressures have eased, but spring and summer still bring more competition .

Also consider shared housing. With shared rents down to an average of $945, splitting a place is often the smart move for single renters or students .

Basements, Laneway Homes, and House Shares

Alternative housing types have become mainstream in 2025. Basement suites, laneway homes, and house shares offer real savings without sacrificing quality.

In Edmonton, Calgary, and Vancouver suburbs, basement suites with private entrances, separate kitchens, and utilities often rent 20–30% cheaper. Laneway homes—small backyard units—rent around $1,500 in Vancouver, compared to over $2,800 downtown.

House sharing can bring costs down to $600–800 per person in three-bedroom homes across Halifax, Saskatoon, Ottawa, and Montreal. In a year, that could save over $10,000 versus solo apartments downtown.

How to Negotiate Smartly

A paper lease matters. One-year leases lock in rent and avoid monthly hikes—some landlords increase month-to-month rents aggressively. Ontario and B.C. cap increases around 2.5%, but only under fixed leases. Written agreements are your shield.

Transparency matters too. Listings that bundle utilities or internet may inflate costs. A $1,900 “all‑inclusive” rent might really be $1,500 rent + $200 utilities + $200 internet. Ask for clear breakdowns. Pay your own bills when you can for adjustment freedom.

Use Direct Outreach

Many affordable rentals never make it onto big platforms. Facebook housing groups, community boards, or print flyers in target neighbourhoods can be goldmines. Landlords of upcoming vacancies often appreciate reliable, pre-screened renters. One-page intro letters with references dropped in mailboxes sometimes do better than online applications.

Government Help to Watch for

Renter support programs have expanded in response to the housing crunch:

• Ontario offers the Canada–Ontario Housing Benefit (COHB), which covers the gap between 30% of income and up to 80% of average rent peelregion.capeelregion.ca+4wowa.ca+4rrdssab.ca+4.
• Toronto’s COHB program in early 2025 has already filled its budget for year five toronto.ca.
• Ottawa has new municipal rent allowance programs handling up to three-month rent relief .
• Canada-wide, low- and middle-income households may qualify for a one-time $430 rent relief payment sghcmt.com.
• These programs matter especially in pricier markets—be aware of what's open and qualifying criteria.

Bottom Line: Smart Tips Backed by Data

If you’re renting in Canada in 2025, here’s a solid plan:

• Hunt in quieter seasons (winter off-peak).
• Look in secondary cities like Regina, Saskatoon, Quebec City, Calgary.
• Favor basement suites, laneway homes, shared rentals.
• Go for 12-month leases where possible.
• Break down costs. Control your internet choice.
• Reach out directly, offline, and stay proactive.
• Know the current government help you can use.
• Affordable rent still exists—it’s about timing, transparency, persistence, and creativity.

So, How Do You Actually Rent Cheap in Canada?

Let’s break this down in a way that works. If you’re hunting for cheaper rent, what really matters is location, timing, and knowing how landlords think.

Go Outside the Core
Most big cities have nearby areas that are way cheaper. For example, instead of downtown Vancouver, look at Burnaby or New Westminster. The difference? Sometimes $500+ a month saved—just for being 20 minutes further out.

Use the Local Tricks
Not everything’s on Zillow or Realtor.ca. Some of the best deals are in Facebook Marketplace, community boards, or local rental websites like RentBoard or Kijiji. Landlords often list directly to avoid paying platform fees.

Apply Early in the Month
The best listings drop at the beginning of the month. By the 20th, the good ones are usually gone. If you can, be ready to apply fast—have your proof of income, references, and ID ready.

Skip Furnished Units (Unless Short-Term)
Furnished places sound nice, but they often cost 20–30% more. If you’re staying more than a few months, it's cheaper to buy second-hand furniture or bring your own.

Basement Units and Shared Houses
Basement suites in Canada are legal in many provinces and can save you serious cash. In areas like Mississauga or Edmonton, you might find a full basement unit for $1,200/month or less, including utilities.

Final Tip: Use What’s Around You

Most people overthink this. The best way to find cheap rent in Canada is to ask around. Facebook groups, coworkers, or even local immigrant communities often know where the better deals are. You don’t need a fancy agent—just patience and street smarts.

Final Thoughts

In 2025, affordable housing in Canada is within reach if you expand your location preferences, act fast on good listings, and pair your rent with affordable internet. Whether you're a student, new immigrant, or working remotely, planning and flexibility are your keys to saving hundreds every month.

References

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. (2025). Rental market report – May 2025. https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/professionals/housing-markets-data-and-research/housing-data/data-tables/rental-market-report

Rentals.ca. (2025). National rent rankings – May 2025. https://rentals.ca/national-rent-report

TekSavvy. (2025). Internet Plans. https://www.teksavvy.com