Why a 2-Bedroom Apartment is a Smart Choice for Newcomers

For many reasons, a 2-bedroom apartment is often the smart accommodation choice for newcomers to Canada and international students. The primary advantage is having a roommate to share the costs and make the rent price affordable. Discover what you can expect to pay for 2-bedroom rentals across Canada and the added benefits.

How Much are 2-Bedroom Apartments in Canada?

According to Rentals.ca, the asking price for a 2-bedroom apartment in Toronto in October 2024 is $3,091 per month (a one-bedroom is $2,380), down 9.7 percent from October 2023.

For newcomers looking for something more affordable in Ontario, a two-bedroom in Hamilton rents for $2,102, and in Windsor, Ontario at $1,786 per month.

Go further west in Canada, and a two-bedroom in Edmonton, Alberta, costs an even more affordable $1,703, according to Rentals.ca.

On Canada’s east coast, the asking price for a 2-bedroom apartment in Halifax in October was $2,487.

Vancouver, Toronto, and Burnaby were the most expensive cities in Canada to rent a two-bedroom apartment in October 2024. In all three cities, the average two-bedroom rent exceeded $3000; in Vancouver, it was $3,430 monthly.

The most affordable 2-bedroom apartments in Canada are in Fort McMurray, Saskatoon and Regina. All are under $1,500.

Still, rent prices in Canada are falling, with experts predicting it’s becoming a renters market. In October, the rental market nationally saw the first decline in annual rents since July 2021. The average cost of rent is down $50 a month from a record high in June 2024. 

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Why Are Two-bedroom Units Popular?

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. Deciding how many bedrooms you need for you and your family depends on your needs, finances, and how you budget for affordable living.

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. 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 and layout to ensure everyone can live comfortably. 

There are more than 2.13 million apartment units across Canada, and according to Statistica, the majority are two-bedroom. 

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In addition to more living (and closet) space, a two-bedroom gives you more design options for furniture and the freedom to customize your living space.

Why Do People Prefer a 2-Bedroom Apartment?

Sharing a two-bedroom apartment means sharing utility and other costs with a roommate to reduce housing expenses, and to make the rent affordable. If your rental costs are lower, you can live closer to work or school and avoid transportation costs.

Also, a 2-bedroom apartment can give you:

• A work-from-home office

• Extra space for visiting family and friends

• A guest bedroom

• A larger balcony, handy in the summer.

A larger apartment is a smart living choice for starting a family in Canada. Also, if you plan, like many newcomers to Canada, to buy a home within three to five years after arriving, a two-bedroom allows you to remain in one spot until you do. In other words, there are no moving or relocation costs or hassles.

Four Common Floor Plans for 2-bedroom Apartments

1. Small 2-Bedroom Apartment

The smallest 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 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 helpful for newcomers with families or for guests.

3. Large Apartment

A large 2-bedroom apartment plan features two bathrooms, usually 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. It may include fixture upgrades and a larger kitchen and dining area.

A 2-bedroom apartment offers newcomer renters the chance to balance affordability, maximize smart living space, and maintain flexibility while doing longer-term life planning, such as buying a home.

You may discover that renting a 2-bedroom apartment is an affordable living option with many benefits!

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*Rent prices were accurate when this article was published but may change over time.

WRITTEN BY

Steve Tustin

Senior Editor, Prepare for Canada

Steve 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 2025