Quebec City vs Toronto: the 2026 rent gap at a glance

Quebec City or Toronto? If affordability is your main concern, the answer is clear. Average one-bedroom rents in Quebec City sit near $1,395/month, compared to $1,970/month in Toronto as of June 2026, according to Zumper’s June 2026 national rent data and liv.rent’s June 2026 Ontario Rent Report respectively. That is roughly $7,000 in savings per year on rent alone, before touching utilities, childcare, or transit.

This guide covers average rents by unit type, how the legal frameworks compare, the best neighbourhoods in each city, and the full cost-of-living picture.

Quebec City vs Toronto rental comparison: the 2026 snapshot

Average rent by bedroom type: Quebec City vs Toronto side by side

Toronto figures come from liv.rent’s June 2026 Ontario Rent Report; Quebec City figures come from Zumper’s June 2026 data.

At the two-bedroom level the gap widens to over $1,000/month. For a family renting a three-bedroom, the annual difference approaches $15,000.

How vacancy rates differ between the two cities

Toronto’s purpose-built rental vacancy rate climbed to approximately 3.0% in 2025, the highest since 2021, according to CMHC data, giving renters meaningful negotiating room. Quebec City’s vacancy is projected at approximately 1.8% in 2026 per getahouse.ca’s 2026 market analysis, meaning supply is tight and renters face more competition for available units.

Why the rent gap between Quebec City and Toronto keeps widening

Toronto has absorbed a wave of new condo completions while experiencing a decline in international student populations, adding supply just as demand softened. According to liv.rent’s June 2026 Ontario Rent Report, average one-bedroom unfurnished rents across Ontario fell 8.14% year-over-year. Quebec City operates under a regulated rental environment where the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) sets an annual rent increase guideline and new construction has not kept pace with population growth, keeping supply constrained.

Rent prices in Quebec City vs Toronto by unit type and neighbourhood

One-bedroom rent averages: Quebec City vs Toronto 2026

According to liv.rent’s June 2026 Ontario Rent Report, Downtown Toronto recorded the smallest year-over-year decline among major Ontario markets, falling just 1.69% to $1,970/month. Surrounding areas fell harder: Vaughan-Richmond Hill dropped 15.21% to $1,845/month and Markham fell 13.69%.

Two-bedroom and three-bedroom rent averages compared

Two-bedroom units in Quebec City average approximately $1,450/month, versus $2,478/month in Toronto. Three-bedroom units in Toronto averaged $3,131/month per liv.rent’s June 2026 Ontario data, while comparable units in Quebec City are typically available near $1,900/month.

Most affordable and most expensive neighbourhoods in each city

In Quebec City, Zumper’s June 2026 neighbourhood data shows Lairet averaging approximately $1,374/month and Montcalm around $1,480/month. Limoilou, family-friendly and just east of Old Quebec, sees condo rentals ranging from $1,400 to $2,200/month according to Vistoo’s March 2026 market data.

For a current neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood breakdown across the GTA, liv.rent’s Ontario Rent Reports are updated monthly.

Tenant rights in Quebec City vs Toronto: what every renter needs to know

How the TAL governs rentals in Quebec City

In Quebec, residential tenancies fall under the Civil Code of Quebec, with the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) as the dispute body. The TAL publishes an annual rent increase suggestion as a reference point for negotiations, not a hard cap. For leases renewing between April 2, 2026 and April 1, 2027, that suggestion is 3.1%, as confirmed by CBC News following the January 2026 TAL announcement, down from 4.5% for leases renewing on or before April 1, 2026. If a tenant refuses a proposed increase, the landlord has one month to apply to the TAL or the lease automatically renews at the previous rate.

On deposits, Article 1904 of the Civil Code of Quebec prohibits landlords from requiring any amount beyond the first month’s rent. No damage deposits, no key deposits, no last month’s rent.

How the Landlord and Tenant Board governs rentals in Toronto

In Ontario, the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) governs tenancies, with the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) handling disputes. The Government of Ontario has set the 2026 rent increase guideline at 2.1%, the lowest in four years, down from 2.5% in 2025. This applies to units first occupied before November 15, 2018. Units occupied on or after that date are exempt, meaning landlords can raise rent by any amount with 90 days’ written notice. liv.rent’s rental laws hub covers the RTA and current LTB procedures in plain language.

Unlike Quebec, Ontario permits landlords to collect first and last month’s rent as a deposit at lease signing.

Key differences: deposits, lease renewals, and rent increase rules

Cost of living comparison: Quebec City vs Toronto beyond rent

According to Numbeo’s May 2026 cost of living comparison, the overall cost of living including rent in Quebec City is approximately 21.5% lower than in Toronto.

Childcare costs: Quebec City’s advantage for families

This is one of the starkest differences for families with young children. Quebec’s subsidized childcare program sets the 2026 daily rate at $9.65 per child, confirmed on the Gouvernement du Québec’s official childcare costs page. At five days a week, that is roughly $210/month per child. In Toronto, licensed daycares enrolled in the federal Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) program are capped at $22/day per the City of Toronto’s early learning centre fee schedule, translating to approximately $480/month. Centres not enrolled in CWELCC charge market rates, with toddler care averaging around $1,518/month according to Metropolitan Mom’s 2026 childcare breakdown. Even at the subsidized Toronto rate, a family with one child pays more than twice what they would in Quebec City.

Transit costs compared

The TTC adult monthly pass costs $156, confirmed on the TTC’s official fares page. Starting September 1, 2026, the TTC is replacing monthly passes with fare capping, under which riders travel free after 47 trips in a calendar month. Quebec City’s Réseau de transport de la Capitale (RTC) monthly pass is priced below the TTC equivalent, though Quebec City is more car-dependent overall, so transportation costs vary considerably depending on where you live and work.

Best neighbourhoods for renters in Quebec City vs Toronto in 2026

Top renter-friendly neighbourhoods in Quebec City

Saint-Roch is Quebec City’s arts and technology district, popular with young professionals drawn to its walkable streets, independent cafes, and proximity to tech employers.

Limoilou sits just east of Old Quebec, family-friendly and affordable, with condo rentals ranging from $1,400 to $2,200/month per Vistoo’s March 2026 data.

Montcalm is the upscale option, walkable to the Plains of Abraham, with one-bedroom rents around $1,480/month according to Zumper’s June 2026 data. Sainte-Foy serves as the university corridor near Université Laval, suited to students and younger renters.

Top renter-friendly neighbourhoods in Toronto and the GTA

Downtown Toronto’s rent resilience, a 1.69% year-over-year decline to $1,970/month per liv.rent’s June 2026 Ontario Rent Report, reflects consistent demand from professionals and students who prioritise proximity to employment and the TTC. Vaughan-Richmond Hill fell to $1,845/month, making it one of the most affordable major GTA markets tracked this year. For monthly neighbourhood-level updates, liv.rent’s Ontario Rent Reports remain the most current first-party resource.

Which city offers better neighbourhood value for the budget?

Quebec City delivers more space per dollar. The trade-off is practical: fluency in French is effectively required for most professional work there. For English-speaking renters, Toronto’s larger job market, denser transit network, and currently elevated rental supply may justify the premium.

Vacancy rates and rental market trends: Quebec City vs Toronto 2026

Toronto rental market in 2026: falling rents and rising vacancies

CMHC data shows Toronto’s purpose-built vacancy rate reached approximately 3.0%, the highest since 2021. According to liv.rent’s June 2026 Ontario Rent Report, one-bedroom unfurnished rents across Ontario fell 8.14% year-over-year, with some GTA submarkets seeing corrections exceeding 15%. Downtown Toronto declined just 1.69% to $1,970/month, suggesting the urban core has remained relatively insulated.

Quebec City rental market in 2026: tight supply and rising demand

Quebec City’s vacancy is projected at approximately 1.8% for 2026 per getahouse.ca, and rents have risen approximately 5% from their previous base. New construction has not kept up with population growth, so renters should expect faster-moving listings and limited room to negotiate.

What these trends mean for renters and landlords

For renters, Toronto’s current conditions offer negotiating leverage that has been rare in recent years, particularly outside the downtown core. Quebec City’s tight market rewards speed and preparation. For landlords in either market, liv.rent’s Ontario Rent Reports track conditions monthly, and the free rent estimate tool at landlords.liv.rent helps benchmark a unit against live market data.

How to find and rent an apartment in Quebec City or Toronto with liv.rent

liv.rent lists verified rental properties across Canada, including Quebec City and Toronto. Every listing goes through an identity verification process, reducing the risk of rental fraud. Renters can browse listings, message landlords directly, and submit applications all in one place.

Before signing anywhere, confirm which legal framework applies to your unit. In Ontario, check whether your unit was first occupied before or after November 15, 2018, since that single date determines whether the 2.1% rent increase guideline applies. Winter months bring lower competition in both cities, and landlords in softer markets are often more willing to negotiate on price or include incentives. For landlords, liv.rent’s Trust Score supports tenant screening in compliance with both Ontario and Quebec lease requirements.

Sign up for free on liv.rent to access verified listings in both cities.

Frequently asked questions

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Is it cheaper to live in Montreal or Quebec City? The short answer

Quebec City comes out ahead on price in the most important category: rent. Plus, it is generally cheaper to live in than Montreal.

Renters pay roughly 27% less for a downtown one-bedroom, and overall living costs run about 9% lower according to current data, though Montreal offers a larger job market and far more extensive public transit. If you are weighing where to put down roots in Quebec, a category-by-category comparison is worth working through before you sign a lease.

According to Numbeo’s current cost-of-living comparison, you would need approximately $7,419 per month in Montreal to maintain the same standard of living that costs $6,800 in Quebec City, assuming you rent in both cities. Housing drives the bulk of that gap.

How the two cities compare overall in 2026

Rent is where the difference is widest and most consistent. Some secondary costs, utilities in particular, actually run higher in Quebec City. The full picture is more nuanced than a single headline percentage suggests, which is why a category-by-category breakdown matters for anyone making a real relocation decision.

Why housing is the single biggest cost gap

According to liv.rent’s June 2026 Montreal Rent Report, the city-wide average rent for an unfurnished one-bedroom in Montreal is $1,599 per month, down 5.27% year-over-year. Quebec City’s one-bedroom average sits at $1,395 per month, according to current market data. The downtown premium widens the gap further: Numbeo’s current data shows a downtown one-bedroom at $1,822 per month in Montreal versus $1,321 in Quebec City, a difference of about 38%.

When Montreal might actually make more financial sense

Despite higher rent, Montreal can make sense financially for renters in sectors where the city’s deeper labour market pays a meaningful premium: technology, finance, media, and creative industries. Remote workers who can carry a Montreal-level salary while living in Quebec City, however, are in the best position of all, capturing the housing savings without any income trade-off.

Rent prices in Montreal vs Quebec City in 2026

Average rent in Montreal

liv.rent’s June 2026 Montreal Rent Report shows the following for unfurnished one-bedroom units across the city’s neighbourhoods:

• City-wide average: $1,599 per month (unfurnished one-bedroom)
• Most affordable neighbourhood: Ahuntsic-Cartierville at $1,392 per month
• Most expensive neighbourhood: downtown at $1,783 per month

Hochelaga-Maisonneuve and Saint Henri were the only neighbourhoods to record year-over-year rent growth in June 2026, at 2.75% and 1.31% respectively. Westmount and Verdun saw the steepest annual declines, at 11.89% and 10.56%. The neighbourhood spread is wide: renters willing to look beyond downtown or the Plateau can find meaningfully lower rents within the same city.

Average rent in Quebec City

Current market data for Quebec City shows considerably lower averages:

• One-bedroom: $1,395 per month
• Two-bedroom: $1,625 per month
• City-wide average across all unit types: $1,500 per month

Downtown vs off-island: where the rent gap widens most

The downtown premium is where the two cities diverge most sharply. Numbeo’s current data shows the downtown one-bedroom gap at approximately 38%. Outside city centres, the difference narrows: $1,344 in Montreal versus $1,082 in Quebec City for an outside-downtown one-bedroom. For a three-bedroom downtown, Numbeo shows $3,084 in Montreal and $2,099 in Quebec City, a gap of over $980 per month for the same footprint.

For current neighbourhood-level data across Montreal, liv.rent’s Montreal rent reports are updated monthly from active listings on the platform.

Groceries, utilities, and everyday costs compared

Rent is the headline number, but a full relocation budget has to account for every recurring line item. A few of the results here may surprise you.

Grocery prices: Montreal vs Quebec City

This is one category where the common assumption turns out to be wrong. According to Numbeo’s current comparison data, grocery prices in Quebec City run about 1.6% higher than in Montreal. Montreal’s greater retail competition and supply density keeps grocery costs slightly more competitive. The difference is small enough that it will not drive a relocation decision, but it is worth knowing when building a monthly budget.

Hydro and heating costs in both cities

Utilities are another category where Quebec City costs more. Basic utilities for an 85 square metre apartment average approximately $122 per month in Montreal versus $138 per month in Quebec City, about 13.5% more, according to Numbeo data. Both cities benefit from Hydro-Québec’s subsidized electricity rates, which keep utility costs well below what renters pay in Ontario or B.C. The gap between the two cities is driven by heating demands: Quebec City’s colder, less dense urban environment means higher energy use through much of the year.

Internet and other recurring bills

Internet costs are somewhat cheaper in Montreal at approximately $60 per month versus approximately $64 per month in Quebec City, according to Numbeo data. Mobile plan pricing is largely set by national carriers and tends to be comparable across both cities.

Transit and transportation costs in Montreal vs Quebec City

This section contains one of the most consequential practical differences between the two cities, and it is one that a simple fare comparison understates.

Public transit: STM Montreal vs RTC Quebec City

Montreal’s STM Tous modes A monthly pass, covering unlimited travel on the island of Montreal, is currently $104.50. A 3% fare increase confirmed by the Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM) takes effect July 1, 2026, bringing the Zone A monthly pass to $110. The increase was reported by CBC News in May 2026. Quebec City’s Réseau de transport de la Capitale (RTC) publishes its own fare schedule at rtcquebec.ca, where renters can confirm the current monthly pass price.

Car ownership and what it means for your actual budget

The transit pass comparison misses the larger picture. Montreal’s metro and bus network makes car-free living genuinely viable for a large share of residents. Quebec City’s bus network is considerably more limited in coverage and frequency, making a personal vehicle a practical necessity for most people living there. The cost of adding a car (insurance, maintenance, and fuel) can run $400 to $600 or more per month. For renters moving from Montreal to Quebec City, that added expense can narrow or eliminate the rent savings advantage entirely, depending on where in the city they live and how they commute.

What this means for neighbourhood selection

For renters trying to minimize total monthly costs, transit access should be part of the neighbourhood search, not an afterthought. In Montreal, living near a metro line keeps transportation costs predictable and low. In Quebec City, some central neighbourhoods are more walkable and better served by bus corridors, but the network gaps compared to Montreal are significant for anyone without a vehicle.

Salaries and job markets: does lower rent in Quebec City actually save you money?

Average income in Montreal vs Quebec City

The average salary in Montreal is approximately $50,120 per year, while the average in Quebec City is approximately $52,400 per year, according to CareerBeacon’s 2026 data drawing on Numbeo figures. Quebec City’s modestly higher average is largely explained by its concentration of government and public sector positions, which tend to offer stable, competitive pay. Both cities share identical provincial and federal income tax rates under the same Quebec and Canadian frameworks. The income difference between the cities is small enough that housing costs, not earnings, dominate the financial comparison for most renters.

Job market depth: sectors and opportunities

Montreal’s advantages appear at the sector level rather than the average salary level. The city has a considerably deeper labour market in technology, AI research, finance, media, and gaming, where compensation above the provincial average is more common. Quebec City’s economy is anchored by government, public administration, insurance, and tourism, which offer stability but less upside variability. For renters whose careers are well-represented in both cities, the income gap is unlikely to tip the decision. For those in Montreal’s stronger sectors, the higher rent may be partially or fully offset by higher earnings.

The remote work case for Quebec City

The strongest financial case for Quebec City belongs to remote workers. Both cities are in Quebec and share the same tax treatment. A renter keeping a Montreal-level or remote salary while paying Quebec City rents captures the full benefit of the housing cost gap without any income trade-off. According to Numbeo’s current comparison, you would need approximately $7,419 per month in Montreal to maintain the same standard of living that costs $6,800 in Quebec City, assuming you rent in both cities. For a remote worker, that monthly difference compounds into meaningful annual savings.

Quebec rent rules: what renters in both cities need to know in 2026

One of the most reassuring aspects of this comparison is that renters in both cities operate under the exact same legal framework, governed province-wide by the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL).

How the TAL governs rent increases across all of Quebec

Both Montreal and Quebec City fall under the TAL’s authority. The TAL handles rent increase guidelines, lease disputes, and tenant rights across all of Quebec, so renters relocating between the two cities carry their legal protections with them. liv.rent’s guide to rental laws in Quebec covers the framework in detail.

The new 2026 TAL calculation method and the 3.1% baseline

As of January 1, 2026, the TAL implemented a new simplified rent increase formula based on a three-year consumer price index average, replacing a method in place for over 40 years. For leases renewing between April 2, 2026 and April 1, 2027, the TAL’s recommended baseline is 3.1%, down from 4.5% the previous year, as confirmed by CBC News on January 19, 2026 and the TAL directly at tal.gouv.qc.ca. This baseline applies to both Montreal and Quebec City.

An important nuance: Quebec does not set a hard cap on rent increases the way Ontario and B.C. do. The 3.1% is a recommendation, not a ceiling. Landlords may apply for additional increases based on taxes, insurance, and capital repairs. If a tenant refuses a proposed increase and the dispute goes to the TAL, the tribunal determines a reasonable amount using its official calculation method. liv.rent’s guide to Quebec rent increase limits covers this process in detail.

How to refuse or contest a rent increase

Tenants in Quebec have the right to refuse any proposed rent increase. Upon receiving a lease renewal notice, tenants must notify their landlord in writing within one month if they do not accept the new amount. If no action is taken by either party, the lease renews automatically at the current rent. The process is identical whether you are renting in Montreal or Quebec City.

Montreal vs Quebec City: which city is right for you in 2026?

Renter profiles: who saves more in Quebec City

Quebec City makes the most financial sense for:

• Remote workers who can maintain a Montreal-level or remote salary while paying lower rent
• Renters who plan to own a car regardless and are not relying on metro access
• Those prioritizing lower monthly housing costs in a city with a stable, tight labour market
• Renters who value a smaller-scale urban environment and are not dependent on Montreal’s sector-specific job market

Renter profiles: who gets more value in Montreal

Montreal makes more financial sense for:

• Renters in technology, finance, or creative sectors where the city’s labour market offers meaningful compensation premiums
• Renters who want to live car-free and rely on the STM metro and bus network
• Those for whom cultural density, nightlife, and a larger city environment are important quality-of-life factors
• Newcomers to Canada whose professional and social networks are centred in the city

How to search listings in both cities

Whether you land in Montreal or Quebec City, liv.rent gives renters access to ID-verified landlords, digital lease signing, and a searchable listing database across Quebec. You can browse current listings in Montreal and Quebec City, apply through a single platform, and keep your signed documents in one place.

FAQ: Is it cheaper to live in Montreal or Quebec City?

The post Montreal vs Quebec City: Which is cheaper to live in 2026? appeared first on liv.rent blog.

After years of intense competition, Canada’s rental market entered a stabilization phase in 2026. National vacancy rose to 3.1%, immigration declined 18% year-over-year, and landlords increasingly turned to incentives — reflecting easing pressure on renters.

But beneath the surface, new risks may be emerging.

While rental conditions feel more balanced today, housing-start activity has weakened in key urban markets, particularly in high-rise supply. Combined with rising project cancellations and multi-year development timelines, today’s slowdown in construction could risk creating a renewed supply shortfall within the next two to three years.

The liv.rent 2026 Rental Market Trend Report examines this pivotal transition. Drawing on proprietary listing data, a survey of 750+ landlords and renters, and research from CMHC, the Bank of Canada, and Statistics Canada, the report analyzes rent trends, migration shifts, construction activity, and forward-looking supply risks across Canada’s major markets.

Download the full 2026 Rental Market Trend Report for deeper insights into how cooling demand, shifting migration patterns, and weakening housing starts may shape the next phase of Canada’s rental market..

Here is a look at some of the key findings in the full 2026 liv.rent Rental Market Trend Report:

Canada overview

Immigration slows sharply in 2025​

• After rebounding post-COVID, immigration dropped significantly in 2025, falling 18% year-over-year — the largest annual decline on record.
• Nearly every province saw double-digit decreases, showing that the slowdown was widespread across the country.
• This decline reflects the federal government’s updated Immigration Levels Plan, which signals a more cautious approach to population growth.

Ontario and B.C.​ account for nearly 70% of Canada’s emigration

• Emigration in 2025 were heavily concentrated in Ontario and British Columbia, which together accounted for nearly 70% of all emigrants nationwide. ​​
• British Columbia recorded one of the largest year-over-year increases in emigration (+32%).

Fewer Canadians moving between provinces

• Interprovincial migration (people moving between provinces) also slowed in 2025, declining 6% year-over-year.
• Alberta attracted strong inflows, with 65,573 people moving in, though less than previous years.
• Ontario saw the most people leave, with 76,652 residents moving out.
• Overall, mobility across Canada is cooling.
  

Canada sees record emigration – biggest exodus in a decade

• 11 of 13 provinces and territories post double-digit year-over-year increases in residents leaving the country.
• In 2025, 95,733 Canadians emigrated out of the country, up 17% from 2024 and the highest level since 2011.

British Columbia

B.C. stays as Canada’s third most sought-after province in Canada for immigrants​​

• The province attracted 13% of Canada’s immigrants, trailing Quebec at 15% and Ontario at 43%.
  
  

After a decade ​of growth, B.C.’s population reverses course​

• For the first time since 2012, British Columbia posted negative population growth in 2025, alongside Ontario as the only provinces to decline.

B.C. among four provinces to see decline in housing starts

• Housing starts in British Columbia fell 5% year-over-year in 2025, making it one of only four provinces to record a decline.

Metro Vancouver rents decline amid rising emigration​​​

• Metro Vancouver began experiencing steeper downward pressure on rents in August 2025, coinciding with a 50% increase in emigration from B.C. in Q3 compared to Q2.

Alberta

Alberta’s migration boom is cooling after years of strong growth

• The pace of inflows has slowed markedly, with the number of Canadians moving to the province down 16% year-over-year—from 77,761 in 2024 to 65,573.

Alberta drops to third nationally in housing starts​​

• Alberta’s growth was driven primarily by apartments, with starts up 29%, while single-family construction declined 4%.

Following growth in 2024, Calgary rents reversed course in 2025

• Calgary rents declined year-over-year across all unit types in 2025, with two-bedroom units recording the steepest drops.

Ontario

Ontario fuels ​Canada’s emigration as departures hit a new high​

• 2025 set a new record, with 44,758 people leaving the province, a 14% year-over-year increase. Ontario continues to lead Canada in emigration, accounting for 47% of all departures nationwide.

Ontario housing supply hit by ​double-digit drop in construction starts​

• Housing starts in Ontario fell 17% year-over-year in 2025, with declines recorded across all housing types, including a 9% drop in apartment construction.

Toronto rents fall everywhere​​

• Toronto’s rental price decline in 2025 was driven by widespread softening across all neighbourhoods, affecting both furnished and unfurnished units.​

Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia trails only Alberta in interprovincial migration gains

• Nova Scotia ranked second only to Alberta in interprovincial migration gains in 2025, posting a net increase of 2,446 residents.

Nova Scotia ramps up housing starts, ​but completions ​lag demand​

• Housing starts in Nova Scotia rose to 8,732 in 2025, ranking the province fifth nationally and matching Quebec’s pace of growth.

Quebec

Emigration accelerates, offsetting stable immigration

• Emigration from Quebec rose sharply in 2025, increasing 21% year-over-year to 12,691 people, marking the province’s highest level since 2017 and outpacing the national increase.

Quebec leads Canada in housing starts

• Quebec emerged as one of Canada’s strongest housing markets in 2025, with housing starts jumping 32% year-over-year.
  
  

Montreal rents surge above 2024 levels, then plunge after August

• Despite broader downward pressure on rental prices, Verdun and Westmount recorded consistent year-over-year rent increases across most unit types.

Landlords-Renters: Divided Opinions

As an added bonus, we surveyed more than 750 renters and landlords to understand their perspectives on today’s rental landscape and the evolving role of AI.

• Nine in ten renters believe landlords are profitable​.
• 43% landlords report that current rents do not cover expenses.​
• Only one in six renters and landlords use AI​.

Download the full report to view all of the in-depth insights.

Data Collection Methodology

The 2026 liv.rent Rental Market Trend Report uses data from liv.rent listings, as well as data manually collected from other popular rental listing platforms. Our methodology focuses exclusively on current asking rent prices. Unlike some government reports that include data for entire buildings (which may include long-term rent-controlled units), our analysis reflects real-time market conditions and active listing prices.

For influencing market factors, liv.rent references data from trusted sources such as Statistics Canada, Canada.ca, and CMHC, along with relevant reporting from established Canadian media outlets.

For more information on our data collection methodology, including what types of rental housing we look at, please consult the full reports.

Download the free 2026 liv.rent Rental Market Trend Report here for complete information on average rent prices and driving factors for B.C., Ontario, Alberta, and Quebec.

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.

The post 2026 Canada Rental Market Trend Report appeared first on liv.rent blog.

Canada’s rental market experienced notable shifts in 2024, with rental prices declining in major cities like Vancouver and Toronto, while Alberta’s urban centers experienced rising prices. As the market continues to evolve, several factors—including migration patterns, construction growth, and interest rates—will play a crucial role in shaping rental prices in the year ahead. To gauge perspectives from both sides, we also surveyed landlords and renters about the current state of the rental market—uncovering a clear divide in opinions.

To provide a comprehensive analysis of these trends, Vancouver-based rental platform liv.rent has released its 2025 Rental Market Trend Report. This report covers average rent prices, key market comparisons, and the driving forces behind these changes, as well as a forecast and predictions for the coming year.

Below is a snapshot of the insights from this year’s report. Download the full report for a deeper look at rental price trends, immigration and interprovincial migration patterns, construction activity, forecasts for 2025, and more.

Download the free 2025 liv.rent Rental Market Trend Report below for complete information on average rent prices and driving factors for B.C., Ontario, Alberta, and Quebec.

About the liv.rent Rental Market Trend Report

This report gives a retrospective analysis of key rental market data for B.C., Ontario, Alberta, and Quebec, plus predictions for 2025 and direct opinions from both landlords and renters on the state of the current rental market in Canada. Providing important context to a year characterized by significant changes in cities across the country, the liv.rent Rental Market Trend Report is designed to help renters and landlords better understand the current state of the Canadian rental market. It also gives a snapshot of key information surrounding immigration and interprovincial migration levels, housing project data, and other rental-related topics.

To gather these insights, the liv.rent team analyzed data from our own listings and other popular listing sites. This is supported by data from government agencies such as the Bank of Canada, CMHC, and Statistics Canada which provides insight into driving factors and major influences.

The full Canada-wide report is available as a free PDF here. Download your copy today to get an in-depth overview of 2025 trends in the Canadian rental market.

Here is a sample of some of the Canada-wide insights you can find in the full 2025 liv.rent Rental Market Trend Report:

Canada overview

Canada sees 50% decline in net non-permanent residents​

• In 2024, the net flow of non-permanent residents dropped to 319,506—a 50% decrease from the 2023 total of 636,427. Every province saw a rise in the outflow of non-permanent residents.

Emigration: Highest level recorded since 2017​

• In 2024, Canada recorded 81,601 emigrants—the highest number since 2017, when 83,210 people left the country. Every province saw a year-over-year rise in emigration.

British Columbia

B.C. is no longer the second most ​ sought-after province for immigrants​​

• In 2023, 15% of Canada’s immigrants settled in B.C., making it the second most popular province after Ontario. However, in 2024, that share fell to 13%, with Alberta taking second place.

Richmond’s population decline sparks drop in rent prices ​ ​

• In January 2024, Richmond’s rent prices for an unfurnished one-bedroom unit peaked at $2,466/month. By December, they hit a year-low of $2,267/month.​
• Furnished rentals also experienced notable year-over-year declines: one-bedroom (-2%), two-bedroom (-3%), and three-bedroom (-9%).​

Alberta

Edmonton defies national rental trends: rents on the rise while other cities see declines​

• While most major Canadian cities have seen year-over-year rental price declines, Edmonton stands out as a rare exception.​
• Across all unit types—both furnished and unfurnished—rents in Edmonton have consistently increased YoY throughout 2024.​

Edmonton sees a construction boom with 40% increase in housing starts​​

• While major cities like Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal saw a decline in housing starts, Edmonton surged ahead with a 40% YoY increase.​
• The city’s housing supply is expanding fast, offering a diverse mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments, catering to growing demand.

Ontario

Ontario sees 66% spike in non-permanent resident departures​ ​​

• In 2024, the number of non-permanent residents leaving Ontario surged by 66.52% compared to 2023. ​Ontario also recorded the highest departure volume of non-permanent residents in Canada.

Toronto’s rent prices drop as more residents move aways​

• Toronto’s rent prices started dropping in July 2024, just as emigration from Ontario jumped 9% in Q3 compared to Q2.
• Year-over-year, rent prices fell across all unit types, with furnished three-bedroom units seeing the steepest decline at –15.8%.

Quebec

Montreal’s housing supply continues to tighten

• Montreal’s housing supply remains tight, with a sharper year-over-year decline in new construction and projects in progress. However, housing completions did see a +29% increase, largely driven by newly built apartments.

Landlords-Renters: Divided Opinions

Two thirds of landlords are not making a profit​

• Despite 57% of renters believing that landlords are making a significant profit on their rentals, this isn’t reflective of the current market. 31% of landlords are making moderate profit on their rental property and 2% making a significant profit. 

Download the full report to view all of the in-depth insights.

Data Collection Methodology

The 2025 liv.rent Rental Market Trend Report uses data from liv.rent listings, as well as data our team manually collects from other popular listing sites. Our data collection methods differ from some government agencies like the Bank of Canada and Statistics Canada in that we only include current asking rent prices. Many official reports will include data for entire buildings in their reports, which tends to skew numbers lower since many units are already occupied and may be rent-controlled or rented for significantly lower than the current rates. 

For data related to influencing factors, our team refers to data from trusted sources like Statistics Canada, Canada.ca, Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), as well as gathering supporting information from media outlets such as CBC News, Calgary Herald, Globe and Mail , Daily Hive, and The Niagara Independent.

For more information on our data collection methodology, including what types of rental housing we look at, please consult the full reports.

Download the free 2025 liv.rent Rental Market Trend Report here for complete information on average rent prices and driving factors for B.C., Ontario, Alberta, and Quebec.

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