The 6 best places to find cheap rent in Edmonton

Edmonton is the capital city of Alberta and Canada’s fifth-largest city, but more importantly for renters, it continues to be one of the best places to find cheap rent in the country. As rates continue to rise in major rental markets like Vancouver, Toronto, and even Calgary, Edmonton remains comparatively affordable – making it an increasingly popular destination for renters on a budget. To help you navigate the city’s rental landscape, liv.rent has compiled this guide to the cheapest areas to rent in Edmonton, based on data from our latest Calgary & Edmonton Rent Report.

Average rent in Edmonton

Edmonton consistently has some of the cheapest rent prices among major cities in Canada, despite rates increasing in recent years. Below, you can find the city-wide average rent for one-bedroom furnished and unfurnished units as of liv.rent’s July 2024 Calgary & Edmonton Rent Report.

Where is the cheapest area to rent in Edmonton?

The best places to find cheap rent in Edmonton tend to vary according to seasonal trends and based on renters’ search preferences, but there are some areas that consistently have lower rental rates than others. As of the time of publishing, West Edmonton has the cheapest average rent prices in terms of one-bedroom unfurnished units. It’s important to note that this is an average rate and is subject to change based on supply, demand, and other factors.

When choosing where to rent in Edmonton, it’s important to take into account proximity to work and school, amenities, and overall vibe to find a perfect fit with your lifestyle. Below, we’ve ranked the top 6 areas to find cheap rent in Edmonton, comparing key attributes of each sector to help renters decide where in the city they’d like to move to.

1. West Edmonton

Average rent in West Edmonton

West Edmonton is consistently among the cheapest areas to rent in the city, with an average rent price of $1,251/month for an unfurnished one-bedroom unit as of July 2024.

Quadrant breakdown: West Edmonton

About: West Edmonton offers a blend of suburban tranquillity and urban conveniences, highlighted by the iconic West Edmonton Mall, boasting extensive shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Families enjoy the plethora of parks and green spaces, alongside a variety of housing choices from single-family homes to apartments. Renters benefit from good access to major highways, facilitating commuting, and a range of amenities within easy reach.

Rental housing in West Edmonton:

• West Edmonton studio apartments for rent
• West Edmonton one-bedroom units for rent
• West Edmonton two-bedroom units for rent

2. Northeast Edmonton

Average rent in Northeast Edmonton

Edmonton’s Northeast is second in terms of cheap rent prices as of the time of publishing, with a one-bedroom unfurnished unit renting for an average of $1,253/month.

Quadrant breakdown: Northeast Edmonton

About: Northeast Edmonton boasts a diverse mix of established neighbourhoods and newer developments, fostering a vibrant, multicultural atmosphere. Manning Town Centre provides convenient shopping and amenities, complementing the affordable housing options available. Renters appreciate the area’s accessibility via public transportation and major roadways, coupled with a welcoming community vibe.

Rental housing in Northeast Edmonton:

• Northeast Edmonton studio apartments for rent
• Northeast Edmonton one-bedroom units for rent
• Northeast Edmonton two-bedroom units for rent

3. Northwest Edmonton

Average rent in Northwest Edmonton

Northwest Edmonton is home to some of the city’s most popular residential neighbourhoods and plenty of green space. Despite these benefits, the sector has some of the cheapest rent prices in the city with a one-bedroom unfurnished unit currently renting for an average of $1,306, which makes it the third-cheapest area of the city.

Quadrant breakdown: Northwest Edmonton

About: Northwest Edmonton charms residents with expansive green spaces, including parks and trails, creating a serene, family-friendly environment. With close proximity to outdoor attractions like the Edmonton Corn Maze, the area offers a suburban lifestyle with a peaceful, close-knit community feel. Renters enjoy a variety of housing options, from single-family homes to apartments, along with accessible amenities and nearby schools.

Rental housing in Northwest Edmonton:

• Northwest Edmonton studio apartments for rent
• Northwest Edmonton one-bedroom units for rent
• Northwest Edmonton two-bedroom units for rent

4. Downtown Edmonton

Average rent in Downtown Edmonton

Downtown Edmonton is home to some of the city’s best shopping, restaurants, and more – and unsurprisingly its rent prices are among the highest in the city. As of the time of writing, a one-bedroom unfurnished unit in Downtown Edmonton rents for an average of $1,314/month.

Quadrant breakdown: Downtown Edmonton

About: Downtown Edmonton boasts a vibrant city core teeming with dining, entertainment, and cultural offerings. High-rise apartments and condos dominate the housing scene, providing a walkable lifestyle with convenient access to public transportation and nearby amenities. Renters revel in the bustling atmosphere and proximity to major attractions like Rogers Place and the Royal Alberta Museum.

Rental housing in Downtown Edmonton:

• Downtown Edmonton studio apartments for rent
• Downtown Edmonton one-bedroom units for rent
• Downtown Edmonton two-bedroom units for rent

5. Southeast Edmonton

Average rent in Southeast Edmonton

Southeast Edmonton offers something for everyone, not least of all relatively cheap rent prices. As of July 2024, a one-bedroom unfurnished unit in the sector rents for an average of $1,392, making it the fourth-cheapest place to rent in the city.

Quadrant breakdown: Southeast Edmonton

About: Southeast Edmonton embraces natural beauty, featuring parks like Mill Creek Ravine Park, alongside easy access to Anthony Henday Drive for commuting. The area’s residential landscape blends newer developments with established communities, providing a quieter alternative to downtown living. Renters benefit from a growing neighbourhood with a range of housing options, family-friendly amenities, and proximity to schools and recreational facilities.

Rental housing in Southeast Edmonton:

• Southeast Edmonton studio apartments for rent
• Southeast Edmonton one-bedroom units for rent
• Southeast Edmonton two-bedroom units for rent

6. Southwest Edmonton

Average rent in Southwest Edmonton

A highly desirable part of the city consisting of scenic green spaces and residential suburbs, Southwest Edmonton is also the most expensive area of Edmonton to rent in. As of the time of publishing, a one-bedroom unfurnished unit in Southwest Edmonton rents for an average of $1,398/month.

Quadrant breakdown: Southwest Edmonton

About:

Southwest Edmonton offers renters a blend of suburban tranquillity and urban convenience, boasting a plethora of parks, green spaces, and family-friendly amenities. With diverse housing options ranging from cozy apartments to spacious townhomes, coupled with competitive rental rates, it’s an inviting locale for those seeking affordability without sacrificing quality of life.

Rental housing in Southwest Edmonton:

• Southwest Edmonton studio apartments for rent
• Southwest Edmonton one-bedroom units for rent
• Southwest Edmonton two-bedroom units for rent

How to find cheap places to rent in Edmonton

The best way to find cheap apartments and homes for rent in Edmonton is to browse listings online. In today’s rental market, most landlords will post their properties for rent on one of the many popular listing sites, where renters can message them for details, submit applications, and even sign a lease agreement.

Searching for listings on liv.rent is quick, easy, and safe. Watch the video below for a step-by-step tutorial on searching efficiently using liv.rent’s various filters and features:

How to avoid rental scams in Edmonton

When choosing where to search for listings, it’s always best to prioritize platforms with built-in security measures, since rental scams are becoming more prevalent across Canada. To help combat this danger, liv.rent manually verifies both landlords and listings to keep our users safe. We request that landlords verify their identity through government-issued photo ID, with listings verified through documents like property tax forms, or through a one-time code mailed to the address on file.

Regardless of where you search, these are some warning signs to look out for that mean you may be dealing with a rental scam:

• Scam #1 Rent is too low
  If the rental rate seems shockingly below the rental average for the city, it could be a fake listing.
• Scam #2 Urgent demands for cash
  Renters don’t have to pay for anything until a lease is signed. So, if someone’s pressuring you to send cash now, don’t do it.
• Scam #3 Too much info
  Until you’re 100% ready to move forward with a lease, you’re not obligated to share your bank account or SIN number.
• Scam #4 Not enough details
  While some smaller landlords may withhold unit numbers for privacy, you should know the exact address of the unit you’re looking at. without that info, it could be a scam.

Pro tip: rent from ID-verified landlords on liv.rent to avoid scams.

Resources for Edmonton renters

For more information on renting in Edmonton including Alberta rental law resources and guides for using liv.rent to streamline your rental process, renters can consult the posts below or see our blog for more.

• Calgary & Edmonton Rent Reports
• Rental Scams Resource Hub
• Understanding the Alberta Residential Tenancy Agreement
• FAQ: Landlord & tenant responsibilities in Alberta
• FAQ: Everything you need to know about rent deposits in Alberta
• The Ultimate Renter’s Guide To Using liv.rent

FAQ: The cheapest areas to rent in Edmonton

Where is the cheapest place to live in Edmonton?

As of July 2024, the best place to find cheap rent in Edmonton is the West sector, based on liv.rent data. Rental rates are always fluctuating, so be sure to consult our latest monthly rent report for the most up-to-date information.

What is the average cost of rent per month in Edmonton?

Looking at a city-wide average, a one-bedroom unfurnished unit rents for $1,319/month in Edmonton. One-bedroom furnished units rent for an average of $1,577/month.

As you can see from this post though, prices vary across Edmonton’s different sectors so doing your research when browsing for listings is key.

Where is the highest rent in Edmonton?

At the time of writing in July 2024, the quadrant with the highest average rent prices in Edmonton is Southwest with a one-bedroom unit costing $1,398/month.

Is it hard to rent in Edmonton?

While rates have increased in Alberta and across the country recently, most renters shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a place to rent in Edmonton. The city still offers some of the cheapest average rent prices in the country as far as large cities go, with a reasonable supply of different types of units throughout the year. To make your search more efficient, it’s a good idea to set up listing alerts with your search parameters saved and cast a wide net when applying for places.

Rethink The Way You Rent

Not on liv.rent yet? Experience the ease of digital applications & contracts, verified tenants & landlords, virtual tours and more – all on one platform. Sign up for free or download the app.

Subscribe to receive the latest tenant & landlord tips and get notified about changes in the Canadian rental market.

>> Stay up-to-date on the average rent in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal: Rent Reports.