Let's Talk

Get in touch

Buying, Selling, or Investing?
Have questions?

Agent
Agent Photo

Navigating Toronto's Rental Market: Trends and Insights for 2024

As a real estate expert working closely with landlords and tenants in Toronto, I frequently encounter questions about the current state of rent prices. Understanding these dynamics is crucial, especially in a market as fluctuating as Toronto's. Here, I'll share insights into the rental trends for 2024, including seasonal fluctuations, price comparisons with other Canadian cities, and the overall market outlook.

Seasonal Fluctuations in Rent Prices
In Toronto, rent prices are notably seasonal. Typically, the period between April and August sees the highest rent prices. This trend is largely influenced by the weather; as the days grow warmer and sunnier, demand for rentals increases, driving up prices. Conversely, from September through March, as the cold sets in, there is a slight decline in rental prices. This pattern is consistent year after year, reflecting the significant impact of seasonality on Toronto's rental market.

Toronto vs. Other Canadian Cities
Recent reports, including one by rentals.ca, indicate that Toronto is on track to catch up with Vancouver as Canada's most expensive city for renters. This isn't surprising, given that both cities are major hubs for Canadian real estate and popular destinations for international movers. The May 2024 rentals.ca and Urban Nation rental report shows an average monthly rent of $2,188 across Canada, marking a 9.3% increase from April 2023.

Detailed Look at Rental Prices
Focusing on Toronto, a one-bedroom apartment currently costs about $2,450 per month, which is a slight decrease of 0.5% year-over-year. However, recent activities suggest that rental prices might climb closer to $2,500 as the year progresses. Interestingly, the market has witnessed a 3% decrease year-over-year due to several factors, including the completion of multiple rental buildings at the end of 2023, which introduced significant inventory to the market. This surge in availability led to competitive pricing as landlords attempted to fill units in new buildings.

The Top Cities for Rent in Canada
Toronto ranks third in the list of Canada's most expensive cities for renters, following Vancouver and Burnaby, BC. Other notable cities in the top ten include Etobicoke, Mississauga, Scarborough, Burlington, Brampton, and Victoria. A surprising addition to the list is Guelph, which ranks eleventh.


As we move into the warmer months of 2024, we anticipate an increase in rental activities. This is already evident from the uptick in property rentals following Toronto's first warm week of the year. The completion of new buildings has also started to impact the market, likely leading to higher prices as inventory decreases.