Canada’s rental market is in the midst of an unprecedented upheaval, with skyrocketing costs leaving renters reeling.
Since 2019, average asking rents for one-bedroom apartments have surged by nearly 50% nationwide, and in some cities, prices have nearly doubled.
This seismic shift in the Canadian housing landscape, driven by data from Statistics Canada’s quarterly rent program, paints a stark picture of a cost-of-living crisis that’s hitting renters hard.
From modest markets in Quebec to bustling urban hubs like Toronto and Vancouver, no corner of the country has been spared.
In this deep dive, we explore the staggering rent increases across Canada’s major cities, uncover the hardest-hit areas, and reveal what this means for renters in 2025.
Table of Contents
A Nationwide Rental Surge: The Big Picture
The cost of living in Canada has been climbing steadily, with everything from groceries to fuel becoming pricier.
However, the rental market has seen some of the most dramatic increases, making affordable housing a distant dream for many.
According to Statistics Canada’s latest data, the average asking rent for a one-bedroom apartment across 39 major population centers jumped from $1,050 in 2019 to $1,554 in 2025—a jaw-dropping 48% increase in just six years.
This data, drawn from major rental platforms, tracks asking rents for available apartments, offering a clear snapshot of what new tenants face in today’s market.
While the national average tells a compelling story, the reality varies significantly by region.
Some cities, particularly those that were once considered affordable, have experienced rent hikes far exceeding the national average, while pricier markets like Toronto and Vancouver have seen relatively modest increases.
For this analysis, we focus on one-bedroom apartments—a popular choice for solo renters, young professionals, and couples—to provide a consistent benchmark.
The data covers census metropolitan areas (CMAs), which include large cities and their integrated surrounding communities.
For example, the Toronto CMA spans from Oakville to Ajax, while Vancouver’s CMA includes nearby suburbs.
Below, we break down the rent increases across Canada’s major cities, ranked from the smallest to the most staggering spikes.
Cities with Modest Rent Increases: Toronto and Vancouver Defy Expectations
Toronto: Surprisingly Stable
- Population: 7,106,379
- 2019 Rent: $1,990
- 2025 Rent: $2,170
- Increase: 9%
Toronto, Canada’s largest city, might seem like the epicenter of the rental crisis, but it actually recorded the smallest rent increase among the 39 CMAs analyzed.
With a modest 9% rise over six years, Toronto’s one-bedroom rents climbed from $1,990 in 2019 to $2,170 in 2025.
However, this stability is deceptive.
The city saw a dramatic 14% drop in rents between 2020 and 2021, likely due to pandemic-related factors, followed by a sharp 33.1% surge from 2021 to 2024.
Despite being overtaken by Vancouver as Canada’s priciest rental market in 2020, Toronto remains a costly place to call home.
Vancouver: Still Canada’s Most Expensive
- Population: 3,108,941
- 2019 Rent: $1,870
- 2025 Rent: $2,380
- Increase: 27.3%
Vancouver, now Canada’s most expensive city for renters, saw a 27.3% increase in one-bedroom rents, rising from $1,870 in 2019 to $2,380 in 2025.
Like Toronto, Vancouver experienced a significant spike of 37.5% between 2021 and 2024, reflecting intense demand in this coastal metropolis.
While its six-year increase is notable, it’s relatively tame compared to other cities, suggesting that Vancouver’s already high rents may be reaching a ceiling.
Edmonton: Affordable but Rising
- Population: 1,631,614
- 2019 Rent: $1,030
- 2025 Rent: $1,280
- Increase: 24.3%
Edmonton, known for its affordability, saw one-bedroom rents rise by 24.3%, from $1,030 to $1,280.
While still more budget-friendly than Toronto or Vancouver, Edmonton’s rental market is catching up, putting pressure on residents in Alberta’s capital.
Kelowna: A Growing Hotspot
- Population: 251,756
- 2019 Rent: $1,320
- 2025 Rent: $1,740
- Increase: 31.8%
Kelowna, a popular destination in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, saw rents climb by 31.8%, from $1,320 to $1,740.
Its growing popularity and limited housing supply are driving costs higher, making it less affordable for locals and newcomers alike.
Mid-Tier Increases: Rising Costs in Smaller Cities
Winnipeg: A Steady Climb
- Population: 941,641
- 2019 Rent: $960
- 2025 Rent: $1,270
- Increase: 32.3%
Winnipeg’s one-bedroom rents rose by 32.3%, from $960 to $1,270.
As one of Canada’s more affordable major cities, Winnipeg’s rental market is starting to feel the pinch, particularly for young renters and students.
Red Deer: Small City, Big Jump
- Population: 112,759
- 2019 Rent: $890
- 2025 Rent: $1,180
- Increase: 32.6%
Red Deer, a smaller Alberta city, saw a 32.6% increase, with rents rising from $890 to $1,180.
This reflects broader trends in Alberta, where even smaller markets are experiencing significant rental pressure.
Hamilton: A Commuter’s Challenge
- Population: 860,266
- 2019 Rent: $1,320
- 2025 Rent: $1,800
- Increase: 36.4%
Hamilton, a popular choice for those commuting to Toronto, saw one-bedroom rents jump by 36.4%, from $1,320 to $1,800.
Its proximity to the Greater Toronto Area has fueled demand, driving up costs.
Belleville – Quinte West: Rising Fast
- Population: 123,572
- 2019 Rent: $1,140
- 2025 Rent: $1,560
- Increase: 36.8%
This smaller Ontario CMA saw a 36.8% increase, with rents rising from $1,140 to $1,560.
As more affordable markets catch up to pricier ones, Belleville is becoming less of a budget-friendly option.
The Middle Ground: 40-50% Increases
Calgary: A Roller Coaster Ride
- Population: 1,778,881
- 2019 Rent: $1,150
- 2025 Rent: $1,630
- Increase: 41.7%
Calgary’s rental market has been a wild ride, with a 20% surge between 2022 and 2023, followed by a 16% jump in 2024.
A slight 6.3% drop in 2025 brought rents down to $1,630, but the overall 41.7% increase since 2019 underscores the city’s growing unaffordability.
Victoria: Coastal Costs Climb
- Population: 441,491
- 2019 Rent: $1,440
- 2025 Rent: $2,090
- Increase: 45.1%
Victoria, British Columbia’s capital, saw one-bedroom rents rise by 45.1%, from $1,440 to $2,090.
Its scenic appeal and limited housing supply are pushing costs higher, challenging renters in this picturesque city.
Ottawa: The Capital’s Costly Shift
- Population: 1,287,592
- 2019 Rent: $1,360
- 2025 Rent: $2,010
- Increase: 47.8%
Ottawa, Canada’s capital, saw a 47.8% increase, with one-bedroom rents rising from $1,360 to $2,010.
As a hub for government workers and students, Ottawa’s rental market is under intense pressure.
Kitchener – Cambridge – Waterloo: Tech Hub Troubles
- Population: 696,417
- 2019 Rent: $1,200
- 2025 Rent: $1,810
- Increase: 50.8%
This Ontario tech hub saw rents climb by 50.8%, from $1,200 to $1,810.
The region’s growing tech industry and proximity to Toronto are driving demand, making it harder for renters to find affordable options.
The Hardest-Hit Cities: Rents Nearly Double
Montreal: A Major Metro’s Massive Spike
- Population: 4,615,154
- 2019 Rent: $980
- 2025 Rent: $1,540
- Increase: 57.1%
Montreal, Canada’s second-largest metro area, experienced the largest rent increase among cities with over a million residents.
One-bedroom rents soared by 57.1%, from $980 to $1,540, signaling a significant affordability challenge in this cultural hub.
Halifax: East Coast Escalation
- Population: 530,167
- 2019 Rent: $1,040
- 2025 Rent: $1,770
- Increase: 70.2%
Halifax saw a staggering 70.2% increase, with one-bedroom rents rising from $1,040 to $1,770.
The Nova Scotia capital’s growing popularity and limited housing supply are driving this dramatic spike.
Quebec City: A Quiet City’s Big Jump
- Population: 900,343
- 2019 Rent: $710
- 2025 Rent: $1,210
- Increase: 70.4%
Quebec City, once known for its affordability, saw a 70.4% increase, with rents climbing from $710 to $1,210.
This significant rise reflects broader trends in Quebec’s rental market.
Fredericton: Record-Breaking Annual Surge
- Population: 122,500
- 2019 Rent: $750
- 2025 Rent: $1,320
- Increase: 76%
Fredericton holds the record for the largest single-year rent increase, with a 24% spike between 2019 and 2020.
Over six years, one-bedroom rents rose by 76%, from $750 to $1,320, making this New Brunswick city far less affordable.
Moncton: Matching Fredericton’s Rise
- Population: 188,036
- 2019 Rent: $750
- 2025 Rent: $1,320
- Increase: 76%
Moncton, another New Brunswick city, saw an identical 76% increase, with rents rising from $750 to $1,320.
The East Coast’s affordability advantage is rapidly eroding.
Gatineau: Quebec’s Steep Climb
- Population: 372,677
- 2019 Rent: $830
- 2025 Rent: $1,520
- Increase: 83.1%
Gatineau, part of the National Capital Region, saw an 83.1% increase, with one-bedroom rents jumping from $830 to $1,520.
Its proximity to Ottawa is likely fueling this surge.
Trois-Rivières: Still Canada’s Cheapest
- Population: 173,288
- 2019 Rent: $480
- 2025 Rent: $910
- Increase: 89.6%
Trois-Rivières remains Canada’s cheapest CMA for one-bedroom apartments, but even here, rents nearly doubled, rising 89.6% from $480 to $910.
This dramatic increase highlights the challenges facing even the most affordable markets.
Sherbrooke: The Biggest Jump
- Population: 243,517
- 2019 Rent: $540
- 2025 Rent: $1,030
- Increase: 90.7%
Sherbrooke, Quebec, saw the steepest rent increase of all, with one-bedroom rents soaring by 90.7% from $540 to $1,030.
Just $50 shy of doubling, Sherbrooke’s rental market is undergoing a seismic shift.
What’s Driving the Rental Crisis?
Several factors are fueling Canada’s rental crisis.
A growing population, driven by immigration and urbanization, has increased demand for housing in major cities.
At the same time, housing supply has struggled to keep pace, particularly in high-demand areas like Vancouver, Toronto, and emerging hotspots like Halifax and Fredericton.
Economic recovery post-pandemic has also pushed rents higher, as demand for urban living rebounded sharply.
Smaller cities, once considered affordable, are now playing catch-up.
Places like Sherbrooke, Trois-Rivières, and Moncton, which had low rents in 2019, have seen the steepest increases as demand spills over from pricier markets.
Meanwhile, cities like Toronto and Vancouver, already at the high end, are seeing slower growth, suggesting a potential ceiling in these markets.
What This Means for Renters in 2025
For renters, the message is clear: Canada’s rental market is tougher than ever.
Whether you’re a student in Fredericton, a young professional in Montreal, or a family in Vancouver, finding an affordable apartment is increasingly challenging.
The data suggests that once-affordable cities are no longer the safe havens they once were, as rent increases outpace wage growth for many Canadians.
As the cost-of-living crisis deepens, renters are left with tough choices: move to smaller, still-relatively-affordable cities like Trois-Rivières, face longer commutes from suburbs, or allocate a larger share of their income to housing.
For those apartment hunting in 2025, staying informed about market trends and exploring emerging neighborhoods may offer some relief.
A Market in Flux
Canada’s rental market has undergone a dramatic transformation since 2019, with one-bedroom rents rising by nearly 50% on average and some cities approaching double their pre-pandemic levels.
While major hubs like Toronto and Vancouver remain pricey, smaller cities like Sherbrooke, Trois-Rivières, and Fredericton are catching up fast, eroding Canada’s affordable housing options.
As the rental crisis continues to unfold, renters must navigate a landscape where costs are rising, supply is tight, and affordability is increasingly out of reach.
For the latest updates on Canada’s housing market and tips for finding affordable rentals, keep an eye on trusted sources like Statistics Canada and local rental platforms.
The rental market may be changing fast, but staying informed can help you stay one step ahead.
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