TORONTO — New data comparing rental prices from coast to coast reveals how much more, or less, your neighbours are paying every month.
RentSeeker.ca, one of Canada’s largest and most visited online apartment finders, has published the average costs for apartment rentals in cities across Canada.
It’s no surprise that living in large centres in Canada comes with a larger rent bill. Apartment rental prices in B.C.’s lower mainland and the Greater Toronto Area top the list when it comes to high rental prices. Toronto’s average price for a two-bedroom unit is $1,269 and in Vancouver it is $1,345.
The award for highest average rent on the list goes to Burlington, Ont., at $1,558 for a two-bedroom unit. Burlington is located just west of Toronto, with a population of 175,779, according to the 2011 Census. The city is bursting with new housing developments, and it’s popular with people who work in Toronto but want to live away from the hustle of the big city.
READ MORE: The highest and lowest rents in Canada
It doesn’t take much to live like a king (or queen) in La Belle Province: a two-bedroom rental in Montreal sits at $742 per month. Saguenay, Que., boasts the lowest rental prices on the list at $583 for a two-bedroom unit. The city of 157,790 people is located about 200 kilometres north of Quebec City. In the fall of 2014 the city was profiled as having a “sluggish job market and less favourable demographic environment” by the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), as an explanation for a slowdown of demand for new homes.
So is the grass really greener, or at least cheaper, in another city or province? Here’s an entirely unscientific look at what (roughly) $1,200 will get you in a handful of cities across Canada.
Vancouver
Located in desirable Kitsilano, this bachelor apartment is close to the beach, multiple parks, and a quick commute to downtown Vancouver. The $1,195 per month rent comes with heat and hot water. The unit, while spacious by studio standards at 550 square feet, is for single occupants only.
The building has a Walk Score of 97, landing it in the “Walker’s Paradise” category, meaning daily errands do not require a car.
Edmonton
This Edmonton condo rental is just north of Whyte Avenue, a street lined with popular shops and restaurants. It’s close to the University of Alberta and a number of green spaces.
The apartment, at $1,195 a month, includes utilities and a parking stall.
Winnipeg
This spacious two bedroom apartment in the Prairie city’s downtown is within walking distance of the Manitoba Legislature, the University of Winnipeg, The Forks, and the MTS Centre, where the Winnipeg Jets pack the stands every game.
At $1,215 a month, this all-inclusive rental comes with hardwood floors, pre-wired Internet, surround sound and a fully equipped gym in the building.
Halifax
This “luxury” rental in Halifax boasts two-bedrooms, two bathrooms, in-suite laundry and two parking spaces. The building has a common room and a gym.
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