With the cost of living staying at an all-time high, it seems like moving out and renting a place is an impossible task. Gen Z and millennials have been searching across Canada for areas with affordable rent. Well, according to a recent report, there are actually cities where renting a home is in demand.
RentCafe.com, an apartment search website in Canada and the US, shared its city-based research and real estate market insights in its latest study. It analyzed millions of interactions based on four key indicators: Availability of apartments, listing views, apartments saved as favourites and personalized saved searches. Read on for the top renter-friendly cities that may surprise you.
1. Winnipeg, MB
Winnipeg is the top city of choice for renters. Not only did it rank high for being a sought-after renter city, but it ranks second nationwide for its most favourited apartments. Winnipeg has a diverse economy in manufacturing, education and healthcare, which attracts young workers starting off as renters.
2. Saskatoon, SK
Coming in second place is Saskatoon. The second-trending city saw a rise in online traffic and a 34 per cent rise in favourited apartment listings compared to last year. It’s also Canada’s youngest and fastest-growing city in the Prairies, attracting newcomers and young families searching for affordable housing and better job prospects.
Related: The Canadian Cities Expected to Grow the Most in 2025
3. Edmonton, AB
Edmonton is in the third spot for renter-friendly cities in Canada. Not only is it the largest city by population in the top ten, but it tops the list for most favourite listings. Edmonton also has a diverse economy in oil and gas, trade, manufacturing, education and healthcare, drawing in young professionals from a variety of backgrounds. While the city’s population grows rapidly — driven by new immigrants and those moving from other provinces — Edmonton remains quite affordable. If you’re thinking of renting a place, Edmonton might be it.
Related: These Canadian Cities Are Named the Best in the World
4. Victoria, BC
Claiming the fourth spot is the beautiful West Coast city of Victoria. This may be surprising considering how expensive BC is in general. However, the picturesque city is trending among renters. It’s a great spot for professionals from various job sectors like government, education and technology. Victoria is for those who are looking for a high quality of life in a smaller location.
5. Ottawa, ON
In fifth place is Ottawa, the nation’s capital city. Its strong economy, including a stable government employment base and a growing tech sector, attracts young professionals and families looking to rent and settle. In terms of favourited listings, Ottawa came in third place.
6. Regina, SK
Another prairie city to highlight is Regina with a 29 per cent increase in available listings compared to last year and favourited cities. Between urban conveniences and access to green spaces, Regina makes it appealing to renters who are seeking a high quality of life.
7. Nanaimo, BC
In seventh place of surprising renter-friendly cities is Nanaimo, BC. The Vancouver Island communities are more affordable options compared to Victoria or mainland British Columbia cities like Vancouver, Abbotsford and Kelowna. Aside from the affordability factor, Nanaimo has plenty of green spaces, a balance of urban amenities, access to public transit and proximity to schools. It’s no wonder Nanaimo is the new renter place to be.
Related: What It’s Like to Live in B.C. vs. Nova Scotia
8. Kingston, ON
Much of the apartments and renters in Kingston mostly come from students attending Queen’s University and St. Lawrence College, so you know it needs to be affordable to rent. The city also has a surge in urban development and infrastructure upgrades, boosting its appeal in areas like downtown and the waterfront.
9. London, ON
Coming in ninth spot is London, ON. Growing industries like battery development, energy storage, agri-food and technology are attracting skilled workers while institutions like Western University are attracting students to make the move and rent. There is also a large interest from cities like Montreal residents looking to relocate.
Related: The Most Affordable Cities in Canada for Solo Homebuyers: Report
10. Niagara Falls, ON
Rounding up the top list in 10th place is home to one of the most famous attractions in the country: Niagara Falls. Although it saw a decline in favourited apartment listings (58 per cent), with the proximity to local attractions, the city is trending to those seeking a balance between scenic beauty and affordable urban living.
