Finding affordable housing in major Canadian cities
Comfortable, affordable and convenient housing can make or break your study abroad experience in Canada. Navigating the housing market in big cities like Toronto and Vancouver can feel especially challenging. But here’s the good news: With the right tools and preparation, you can secure a place that fits your budget and your living preferences!
Start your search early
This might sound obvious, but the sooner you can start your housing search the better. Canada is one of the most popular countries for international students, which means student housing in big cities can fill up quickly – particularly near colleges and universities. A great place to start your search is with your school. In most cases, Canadian schools will have dedicated housing resources for students, including housing boards with on- and off-campus rental listings.
Know your budget
When you start your search for housing in Canada, you need to know how much you can afford to pay every month. It’s a good idea to keep this amount a little lower than what you can actually afford since rent doesn’t typically include utilities and internet – unless you’re living on-campus, of course. It’s also smart to open a Canadian banking account as you’re preparing to move abroad. This will help you set aside money for your rent each month without incurring potentially high foreign exchange and transfer fees. You can learn more about student banking in Canada with TD Bank.*
Explore on-campus housing options first
Living on-campus can be the most affordable option for international students, and the cost often includes utilities, internet and meal plans. Plus, when you live on campus, you avoid excessive transportation costs since you won’t have to commute to your classes. Living on-campus is also a great way to meet other students. But remember, on-campus housing is often limited. Apply early to secure an on-campus option such as a dorm room or shared apartment.
Look for off-campus housing with roommates
Off-campus housing, especially if you have roommates, can be just as affordable as on-campus housing – although it doesn’t usually offer the same convenience. But where on-campus housing offers convenience, off-campus housing offers a more full experience of Canadian culture since you’ll be living like a true local. To start your off-campus search, determine your monthly budget and your location preferences. Then, explore the variety of reputable Canadian housing websites like RentBoard, Casita and other platforms specific to your city.
Sharing a house or apartment with other students is one of the most cost-effective ways to live in major Canadian cities like Toronto or Vancouver where rent prices can be high. Websites like Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace and Roomster can help you find roommates. Remember to always meet potential roommates and visit the space before committing to anything. If a deal is too good to be true, or if someone is demanding money upfront, it might be a sign of a potential scam.
Go beyond downtown
In major cities, the downtown neighborhoods are often the most expensive. The solution? Expand your search to just a few miles outside of downtown to find lower prices. You might be able to research which neighborhoods are popular for students since many take this approach. But keep in mind that the further away from campus you live, the more you’ll have to pay in transportation costs.
Let’s recap
Finding affordable housing in a major Canadian city might take some extra effort and planning – but as long as you start early, know your budget, and consider all your options, you’ll be able to find options that fit your preferences and your budget. If you’re having trouble finding a place before your academic period starts, look into short-term rentals (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.). While these options are less affordable, they can help you get settled in your new city while continuing your search for longer-term housing. Happy apartment hunting!
*MPOWER has referral agreements with TD Bank and may earn referral fees from this relationship.
