Rentals.ca’s recent report, unveiled on November 10, 2023, has sent shockwaves through Canada’s housing market. Brace yourself for a rollercoaster ride as we dissect the staggering 11.1% annual and 1.5% monthly increase in the average rent, reaching an all-time high of $2,149. We delve into the province-wise variations, city snapshots, and the unsettling trends that are reshaping the Canadian rental landscape.
Canada’s Rent Surge: A Deep Dive
Between June and September of this year, the clamor for rentals in Canada scaled an unprecedented 5.1%, translating to a monthly average increase of $107. This unexpected surge is not merely a blip but a testament to Canada’s record-high population influx and a sharp decline in homeownership affordability. September witnessed an eye-watering average asking rent of $2,078 for purpose-built and condominium units, marking a 1.6% monthly hike and a jaw-dropping 13.3% surge from the previous year.
The Unit Breakdown: One, Two, Three, and Studio Apartments
The stars of this dramatic rental opera are the one-bedroom units, stealing the show with a remarkable 15.5% annual increase, reaching an average rent of $1,905. Meanwhile, the two-bedroom counterparts saw a 13.1% surge to $2,268, and three-bedroom apartments were not far behind, witnessing an 11.4% annual spike to $2,514. Even the humble studio apartments, known for their affordability, experienced an average yearly rent uptick of 11.3%, settling at $1,511.
Provincial Ripples: From East to West
Nova Scotia and Alberta Lead the Charge
In September, Nova Scotia and Alberta emerged as the frontrunners in annual rent growth for purpose-built and condominium units, boasting growth rates of 15.4% and 15.3%, respectively. Nova Scotia’s average asking rent hit $2,088, while Alberta settled at $1,663. Following closely, Quebec and British Columbia showcased the third and second fastest yearly rise, recording growth rates of 13.1% and 12.3%, respectively.
Average Rent Across Canadian Provinces
| Province | Average Rent | Studio | 1 Bedroom | 2 Bedroom | 3 Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| British Columbia | $2,656 | $1,948 | $2,389 | $2,930 | $3,493 |
| Ontario | $2,486 | $1,887 | $2,281 | $2,755 | $3,091 |
| Nova Scotia | $2,088 | $1,628 | $1,892 | $2,213 | $2,521 |
| Quebec | $1,970 | $1,491 | $1,724 | $2,140 | $2,410 |
| Alberta | $1,663 | $1,046 | $1,499 | $1,848 | $1,893 |
| Manitoba | $1,431 | $824 | $1,218 | $1,618 | $1,963 |
| Saskatchewan | $1,115 | $855 | $1,041 | $1,205 | $1,430 |
British Columbia takes the crown with the highest average rent of $2,656, while Quebec remains below the national average at $1,970. The annual rent growth in Ontario witnessed a slowdown, dipping from 9.9% in August to 6.6% in September, with an average asking rent of $2,486.
City Chronicles: Renting in the Metropolis
Unsurprisingly, Vancouver continues its reign as the rental kingpin, commanding the highest average rent across all categories. Toronto and the Peel region trail closely, creating a trifecta of rental heavyweights. Let’s peek into the rental snapshots of the top 25 cities in Canada.
Average Rent in 25 Major Cities of Canada
| City | Average Rent | Studio | 1 Bedroom | 2 Bedroom | 3 Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vancouver | $3,339 | $2,578 | $3,015 | $4,002 | $4,372 |
| Toronto | $2,902 | $2,107 | $2,623 | $3,426 | $3,951 |
| Brampton | $2,704 | $1,975 | $2,339 | $2,816 | $3,199 |
| Mississauga | $2,687 | $2,051 | $2,384 | $2,904 | $3,215 |
| Etobicoke | $2,634 | $1,957 | $2,286 | $2,940 | $3,280 |
| Burlington | $2,536 | $1,944 | $2,217 | $2,642 | $3,236 |
| Guelph | $2,313 | $1,899 | $2,206 | $2,454 | $2,799 |
| Ottawa | $2,203 | $1,725 | $2,051 | $2,523 | $2,723 |
| Kitchener | $2,171 | NA | $1,942 | $2,372 | $2,419 |
| Calgary | $2,091 | $1,445 | $1,825 | $2,297 | $2,655 |
| Hamilton | $2,086 | $1,457 | $1,898 | $2,285 | $2,439 |
| Halifax | $2,055 | $1,633 | $1,872 | $2,193 | $2,440 |
| Oshawa | $2,034 | $1,613 | $1,840 | $2,171 | $2,518 |
| Montreal | $2,030 | $1,507 | $1,784 | $2,263 | $2,523 |
| London | $1,993 | $1,415 | $1,770 | $2,130 | $2,532 |
| Laval | $1,976 | NA | $1,593 | $2,008 | $2,670 |
| St. Catharines | $1,857 | $1,447 | $1,696 | $1,952 | $2,116 |
| Gatineau | $1,834 | $1,358 | $1,770 | $1,909 | $1,938 |
| Edmonton | $1,439 | $957 | $1,306 | $1,618 | $1,760 |
| Winnipeg | NA | $824 | $1,221 | $1,636 | $2,050 |
| Quebec City | $1,418 | $1,012 | $1,217 | $1,630 | $1,810 |
| Fort McMurray | $1,353 | $1,079 | $1,217 | $1,487 | $1,677 |
| Lethbridge | $1,306 | $1,079 | $1,221 | $1,427 | $1,600 |
| Regina | $1,257 | $882 | $1,159 | $1,379 | NA |
| Saskatoon | $1,144 | $874 | $1,070 | $1,222 | $1,428 |
Market Trends: The Ebb and Flow
Calgary maintains its grip on the top spot among cities with a million or more residents, witnessing a 14.3% annual increase in asking rentals, reaching an average of $2,091. Montreal is not far behind, experiencing a 10.2% yearly hike, settling at $2,030. However, Toronto is singing a different tune, with rent growth dwindling from 8.7% to a mere 2.3% annually, the slowest increase in the last two years. The city remains relatively stable month over month, with a marginal 0.1% rise.
Shared Accommodations: The New Normal?
In a bid to offset mounting mortgage payments, landlords are flooding the market with shared accommodation listings. Over the past three months, shared accommodation ads have surged by 27%, a desperate attempt to navigate the turbulent waters of rising expenses. British Columbia and Ontario lead the charge with staggering increases of 40% and 78%, respectively. September alone witnessed an 18% year-over-year surge in the average monthly asking rent for shared lodgings, reaching $944.
Regional Rundown: The Shared Rental Landscape
- In Alberta, shared housing rentals witnessed a 20% annual increase, averaging $857 per month.
- British Columbia surpassed all provinces with shared rental rates averaging $1,156 per month, a 17% yearly increase.
- Ontario and Quebec clock in at $1,049 and $864, respectively, with yearly increases of 8% and 19%.
Notable Cities: Vancouver and Toronto
In September, Vancouver and Toronto stole the limelight with the highest rent requests for shared apartments, at $1,590 and $1,308, respectively.
Unraveling the Mysteries: FAQs
1. What is the average rent in Canada?
As of November 2023, the average asking rent in Canada stands at $2,149.
2. Where is the rent cheapest in Canada?
The most budget-friendly rentals are typically found in smaller cities and rural areas. Cities like Windsor, Thunder Bay, Moncton, Trois-Rivières, and Saguenay are known for their relatively lower rental costs.
3. Where is the cheapest place to live in Ontario?
The title of the most affordable place to live in Ontario goes to Windsor.
4. Why the surge in shared accommodations?
Landlords are increasingly listing shared accommodations, witnessing a 27% surge over the past three months. This surge is particularly pronounced in British Columbia and Ontario.
5. Which cities top the chart for shared accommodation rent?
In September, Vancouver and Toronto emerged as the cities with the highest rent requests for shared apartments, at $1,590 and $1,308, respectively.
