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Where to Find the Best Rooms for Rent in Canada (2025): Cities, Prices & Smart Tips

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This Blog Answers these questions

  • How much does it cost to rent a room in Scarborough or Hamilton in 2025?

  • Which cities in Ontario have the cheapest rooms for rent?

  • Is it better to rent a studio or a room in shared housing?

  • Are furnished basement rooms popular in Ontario?

  • How to find rooms for rent in Etobicoke or Burlington?

  • Are there good options for student housing in Scarborough?

  • What’s the average monthly rent for rooms in Halifax or Surrey?

  • Do rooms in Toronto come with separate entrances or shared?

  • What documents are needed to rent a room in Canada as a student?

  • How is room rental different from apartment rental in Ontario?

Introduction

In 2025, renting a room in Canada is one of the smartest and non-binding options of affording one a place to live. The average price of a one-bedroom apartment in big cities such as Toronto and Vancouver is more than $1,900/month, and thousands of Canadians and other new citizens are resorting to room rentals as a cost-effective alternative. Actually, shared accommodations have grown at 18% since 2023, based on information as collected by Rentals.ca.

Are you considering something like a room for rent in Scarborough, a studio room to rent in downtown Hamilton or even a basement room in Etobicoke? This guide will provide you with all the data, locations, and smart renter tips that make you smarter as a renter in 2025.

The Real Cost of Renting a Room in Canada

In Canada, the rooms for rent can be priced enormously differently based on city, location, and furnishings as well as meaning of costs (with or without utilities included).
The cost of room rentals in some of the most common cities follows:

  • Room for rent Scarborough: CAD 700–950/month
  • Room for rent Hamilton: CAD 650–900/month
  • Room for rent Burlington: CAD 750–1000/month
  • Room for rent Etobicoke: CAD 800–1100/month
  • Studio rooms to rent in Toronto: CAD 950–1300/month
  • Room for rent in Calgary: CAD 650–850/month

For more affordable options, cities like Guelph, London, St. Catharines, and Oshawa offer rooms for rent under CAD 700/month.

Factors That Influence Room Rental Prices

Although the most obvious cost driver is the location, here are rest of the factors that will influence the amount of money you pay:

  • Furnished vs. Unfurnished: Fully furnished rooms for rent in Oakville Ontario or Waterloo can be a hundred or two hundred dollars more a month.
  • Shared vs. Private Bathroom: Not all basement rooms for rent in Canada have shared (private bathroom).
  • All-inclusive vs. Separate Utilities: One thing that you have to look at when viewing a room for rent in Vaughan or Markham is what is included.
  • Proximity to Transit & Colleges: Student rooms for rent in GTA or Etobicoke near Humber College, as examples, would be in great demand.

Finding Quality Room Rentals in Top Cities

Scarborough

Popular for its diversity and affordability, rooms for rent in Scarborough Ontario are ideal for students, new immigrants, and families.

Hamilton & Burlington

Growing urban hubs with a strong community vibe. Rooms for rent in Hamilton and Burlington Ontario range from student-friendly to upscale.

Etobicoke & Toronto West

Perfect for commuters working downtown. A room for rent in Toronto Etobicoke offers quick subway access.

London, Guelph & St. Catharines

These secondary cities offer one room basement for rent options that are both spacious and affordable.

Calgary & Surrey BC

Out west, rooms for rent in Surrey BC and Calgary offer great value with newer homes and lower demand pressure.

You can explore listings from verified platforms like Tenantpay for safe and filtered results.

Smart Tips for Renting a Room in 2025

  • Visit Before You Commit: If you're checking out a room for rent in Richmond Hill, always schedule an in-person or video tour.

  • Watch for Lease Length: Short-term rooms for rent Halifax or Waterloo may charge more monthly but offer flexibility.

  • Clarify Amenities: Ask about laundry, internet, and kitchen access.

  • Document Everything: Whether it's a room for rent Oshawa Durham region or a rent room in Kingston, always get a rental agreement in writing.

Use Verified Platforms: To avoid scams and save time, browse listings on trusted platforms like TenantPay.com — where you can securely search, pay rent, and manage your rental all in one place.

Conclusion

As a student, a working professional, or a newcomer, finding a room for rent in Canada will enable you to save money and operate at a flexible schedule. Between Scarborough and Calgary, you have a lot to choose from, and one only has to research, visit, and verify before booking.

Are you set to embark on your rental journey? Look at listings in your city now and secure a space that will suit you in terms of lifestyle and budget.

Book a Demo and discover how TenantPay can help you save money, securely pay for your room for rent, and simplify the renting process in Canada!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does it cost to rent a room in Scarborough or Hamilton in 2025?

Your actual money in this case will go between CAD 650 and 950 corresponding to location, furnishing, and inclusions.

2. Which cities in Ontario have the cheapest rooms for rent?


Guelph, London, and St. Catharines provide rooms with the price beginning with CAD 550/month.

3. Is it better to rent a studio or a room in shared housing?

The studios are more expensive but are preferred in case you want privacy. The costs of shared rooms are cheaper, and often include utilities.

4. Are furnished basement rooms popular in Ontario?


Yes, particularly in such cities as Mississauga, Etobicoke, and Brampton.

5. How to find rooms for rent in Etobicoke or Burlington?


Use well-known sources such as Rentals.ca, Kijiji, and Facebook Marketplace, and narrow down your search with such filters as “utilities included” or “basement.”

6. Are there good options for student housing in Scarborough?


Absolutely. In the locality of Centennial College and University of Toronto Scarborough, there are both shared and private listings.

7. What’s the average monthly rent for rooms in Halifax or Surrey?


In Halifax: CAD 650–800; Surrey: CAD 700–900 reliance on the location.

8. Do rooms in Toronto come with separate entrances or shared?


It varies. Basement units in Scarborough or Etobicoke usually possess their own private entrances.

9. What documents are needed to rent a room in Canada as a student?


ID, student visa, school admission letter, and at times proof of funds or guarantor.

10. How is room rental different from apartment rental in Ontario?

Naturally, room rentals tend to be the low-cost version of shared homes and it is more relaxed. Apartments are part of the highly-priced arrangements, which promise full privacy.

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