Expat Housing Guide: Moving to Toronto

Housing Market Overview

Toronto's housing market is notoriously competitive and expensive, ranking among the least affordable in North America. Prices have been on an upward trajectory for years, with occasional cooling periods. The city offers diverse housing options including high-rise condominiums, mid-rise apartments, semi-detached houses, detached homes, and townhouses. The market is highly international, attracting significant foreign investment and a diverse population of residents. Recent government policies aimed at cooling the market, including foreign buyer taxes and stress tests, have had varying impacts. Rental vacancy rates typically hover around 1-3%, creating a landlord-favorable market with quick turnover of desirable properties.

Quick Stats

Housing Score

3.0 /5

Cost of Living

2.0 /5

Avg Rent (2BR)

$1,700-$2,100

Neighborhoods

Estimated Costs

One-Time Costs

$14,985

Monthly Costs

$1,770/mo

Sample Costs

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One-Time

Shipping Container $4,500

Furnishing $3,800

Security Deposit $0

Monthly

Electricity $60/mo

Water $30/mo

Heating $50/mo

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Popular Neighborhoods

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Kensington Market

Safety 3.0

Schools 3.0

Transport 5.0

2BR: $2,300–$3,200/mo

Roncesvalles

Safety 4.0

Schools 4.0

Transport 4.0

2BR: $2,300–$3,200/mo

Leslieville

Safety 4.0

Schools 4.0

Transport 4.0

2BR: $2,400–$3,300/mo

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Practical Tips

Explore neighborhoods like Caledonia-Fairbank or parts of Scarborough for better value.

These areas offer developing amenities and more accessible price points compared to highly gentrified districts.

Look for rental listings on Facebook Marketplace instead of just Kijiji

landlords often post there first with better prices to avoid real estate agent fees

Be flexible with viewing times and communicate your availability clearly to agents.

Listing agents prioritize tenant availability and may offer various showing slots, not just a specific weekday window.

Get tenant insurance from Sonnet or Square One instead of major banks

they offer significantly lower rates for Toronto postal codes and faster digital approval

Useful Links

Toronto Housing Market Information Portal

Official government housing data from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation with Toronto-specific market conditions and trends.

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City of Toronto Housing & Shelter

Municipal government resource for affordable housing options, emergency shelter, tenant rights, and housing support services in Toronto.

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Landlord and Tenant Board Ontario

Official provincial tribunal resolving rental disputes and providing detailed information on housing regulations and tenant/landlord rights.

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Toronto Community Housing

Official public housing provider offering subsidized and affordable housing options across Toronto neighborhoods.

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Toronto Real Estate Board

Professional association providing market statistics, home buying guidance, and connections to licensed real estate professionals in Toronto.

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Frequently Asked Questions

A 2-bedroom apartment in Toronto typically costs between $1,700 and $2,100 per month for expats, depending on the neighborhood.

Kensington Market, Roncesvalles, Leslieville are popular choices for expat families in Toronto, offering good safety scores, international schools nearby, and family-friendly amenities.

When relocating to Toronto, expect one-time housing costs including a security deposit, real estate agent fees, and moving services. Create a free ReloPlanner account to see a personalized cost breakdown.

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Data verified: March 2026

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