For many reasons, a 2-bedroom apartment is often the right rental accommodation choice for newcomers to Canada and international students. The primary advantage, however, is having a roommate to share the cost of the rent.
According to Rentals.ca, the asking price for a two-bedroom apartment in Toronto in September 2024 is $3,133 per month (a one-bedroom is $2,402). That’s expensive.
The good news is that a two-bedroom in Hamilton rents for $2,165; in Windsor, Ontario, it’s $1,829. Go further west in Canada, and a two-bedroom in Edmonton, Alberta, costs $1,717.
There are many 2-bedroom options nationwide for newcomers and students. Check out Rentals for Newcomers for current listings across Canada.
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Two-bedroom units appeal to younger Millennials, GenZ renters, and immigrants arriving with families, so it’s no wonder they have the highest rent demand in urban areas.
There are more than 2.13 million apartment units across Canada, and according to Statistica, the majority are two-bedroom.
Deciding how many bedrooms you need for you and your family depends on your needs and finances.
Usually, a family of five can live in a 2-bedroom apartment. Be upfront with the landlord about how many people will live in the rental, but know that landlords cannot refuse to rent out their property because of the size of your family.
Also, when choosing a two-bedroom apartment, consider its size. Check the size and layout to ensure everyone can live comfortably.
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In addition to giving you and your roommate/family more living (and closet) space, a two-bedroom layout gives you more design options for furniture and more freedom to customize your living space.
Why Do People Prefer a 2-Bedroom Apartment?
Sharing a 2-bedroom apartment means sharing utility and other costs with a roommate to reduce housing expenses. If your costs are lower, this could allow you to live closer to work or school.
Or, a 2-bedroom apartment can give you:
- A work-from-home office
- Extra room or space for visiting family and friends
- A larger balcony, handy in the summer.
A larger apartment is good for starting a family in Canada. Also, if you plan to buy a home within three to five years, a two-bedroom allows you to remain in one spot until you do. In other words, no moving.
Four Common Floor Plans for 2-bedroom Apartments
1. Small 2-Bedroom Apartment
The smallest 2-bedroom apartment floor plan usually has two bedrooms and one full bathroom with access to the bathroom from a hallway outside of either bedroom. This allows people to access the bathroom without entering a bedroom and is the perfect layout for two roommates. In addition, the two bedrooms are (almost) equal in size. Be sure to check out the amount of storage.
2. Medium-sized Apartment
The medium-sized 2-bedroom apartment may have 1.5 bathrooms and be on one or two floors. The two-story layout often has a living room, kitchen, half bathroom downstairs, two bedrooms, and a separate full bathroom upstairs. A one-story layout may have a half bath near the living room and kitchen and a full bath near the bedrooms. An extra half bathroom is useful for newcomers with families or many guests.
3. Large Apartment
A large two-bedroom apartment plan features two bathrooms, usually found in many condo rentals. The main bedroom has an attached full bathroom in this layout, while the second bedroom does not. The second full bathroom is usually off a hallway, allowing guests to use it without entering the bedroom.
4. Deluxe 2-Bedroom Apartment
The 2-bedroom deluxe layout, common to condo rentals, may have 2.5 bathrooms. It usually includes walk-in closets for the main bedroom. and may include fixture upgrades and a larger kitchen/dining area.
A 2-bedroom apartment offers newcomer renters the chance to balance affordability, maximize living space, and maintain flexibility while doing longer-term life planning, such as buying a home.
It’s no wonder 2-bedroom apartments are in such demand in Canada.
*Rent prices were accurate when this article was published but may change over time.
Stephen Tustin is the Editor for Rentals for Newcomers and a contributing editor for Prepare for Canada. He is also the former managing editor of Storeys.com and a former senior editor at the Globe and Mail and the Toronto Star.
© Prepare for Canada 2024
