Average Rent in Edmonton by Housing Type: Apartments, Houses, and Townhouses
The average rent in Edmonton varies significantly by housing type: apartments average $1,450 per month, houses average $1,800 per month, and the overall city-wide average across all property types sits at $1,500 per month as of June 2026. Choosing the right housing type in Edmonton is not just a lifestyle decision — it is a financial one, with houses typically costing $300–$400 more per month than a comparable apartment, while offering more space, a yard, and easier pet policies. This guide breaks down average rent in Edmonton by housing type, bedroom count, and neighbourhood so you can compare accurately before signing a lease.
Apartments vs Houses vs Townhouses: The Key Differences in Edmonton
Edmonton's rental market is roughly 80% apartment-based in purpose-built rental stock, with houses, townhouses, and basement suites making up the remainder — typically rented by individual homeowners rather than professional landlords. The gap between housing types is consistent and meaningful.
- Apartments (purpose-built rental): The most common and most affordable rental type in Edmonton. Heat and water are often included in central buildings, particularly in Oliver and Downtown. Vacancy rates in Edmonton's purpose-built rental sector were around 4–5% as of early 2026 per CMHC, giving renters meaningful negotiating power including incentives like first month free or reduced deposits.
- Condominiums (investor-owned, rented out): Typically newer, with more amenities than older purpose-built rentals. Rents run 10–20% above comparable purpose-built apartment units, since individual condo owners factor in strata fees, property taxes, and market appreciation into their pricing. Heat and water are rarely included.
- Townhouses: A middle ground between apartments and detached houses — more space than an apartment, often with a small yard or patio, but typically without the full privacy of a house. Common in suburban Edmonton neighbourhoods like Rutherford, Summerside, and Terwillegar.
- Detached houses: The most expensive rental type and least common in Edmonton's primary rental stock. Most rented houses in Edmonton are secondary rentals from homeowners. Utilities are almost always billed separately, and backyards and garages are common. Average rent is $1,800/month per Zumper's June 2026 data.
- Basement suites: A significant part of Edmonton's informal rental market. Typically the most affordable option, often renting for $900–$1,300 per month for a self-contained unit. Heat and water are often included. Less regulated than purpose-built rentals and more variable in quality.
Average Rent in Edmonton by Housing Type and Bedroom Count
The table below compares average monthly rents across housing types and bedroom counts in Edmonton, based on Zumper's June 2026 market data, CMHC's October 2025 Rental Market Survey for the Edmonton CMA, and RentCafe's June 2026 listing analysis.
| Housing Type | Bachelor / Studio | 1-Bedroom | 2-Bedroom | 3-Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment (purpose-built) | $900–$1,000 | $1,100–$1,250 | $1,300–$1,600 | $1,500–$1,800 |
| Condominium (investor-owned) | n/a (rare) | $1,300–$1,600 | $1,600–$2,000 | $1,900–$2,400 |
| Townhouse | n/a | $1,400–$1,700 | $1,700–$2,100 | $2,000–$2,500 |
| Detached House | n/a | $1,500–$1,800 | $1,800–$2,200 | $2,100–$2,800 |
| Basement Suite | $850–$1,100 | $900–$1,300 | $1,100–$1,500 | n/a (rare) |
Apartment figures are based on CMHC's October 2025 Rental Market Survey for the Edmonton CMA and Alberta Regional Dashboard data (2-bedroom $1,581 in 2025, 1-bedroom $1,298). House average ($1,800) and apartment average ($1,450) are from Zumper's June 2026 Edmonton market data. Condominium, townhouse, and basement suite figures are based on RentCafe and Door Insight market-wide listing data for June 2026. Ranges reflect the spread between affordable suburban areas (low end) and premium central neighbourhoods (high end). Cells marked "n/a" reflect unit types rarely available in that category.
How Rent Varies by Neighbourhood and Housing Type
In Edmonton, the neighbourhood you choose often matters more than the housing type when it comes to total monthly cost — a two-bedroom apartment in Oliver costs more than a two-bedroom house in Northeast Edmonton.
| Neighbourhood | Most Common Rental Type | Typical 1BR Range | Typical 2BR Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown / Oliver | High-rise apartment, condo | $1,400–$1,700 | $1,800–$2,200 |
| Strathcona / Whyte Ave | Walk-up apartment, older condo | $1,200–$1,450 | $1,500–$1,900 |
| Garneau / University area | Walk-up apartment, basement suite | $1,100–$1,350 | $1,400–$1,700 |
| Terwillegar / Rutherford (SW) | Townhouse, detached house | $1,400–$1,700 | $1,800–$2,300 |
| Mill Woods (SE) | Apartment, townhouse, house | $1,000–$1,250 | $1,300–$1,600 |
| Northeast Edmonton / Clareview | Apartment, basement suite, house | $950–$1,150 | $1,200–$1,500 |
Downtown Zumper June 2026 data: apartment average $1,585, house average $1,875, 1-bedroom apartment $1,443, 2-bedroom apartment $1,938. Neighbourhood ranges for other areas are based on RentYEG's December 2025 Edmonton market guide and Two Small Men's May 2026 Edmonton rental market analysis, cross-referenced with CMHC zone data.
What to Consider When Choosing a Housing Type in Edmonton
- Utility inclusions change the real cost. A two-bedroom apartment in Oliver at $1,800/month with heat and water included may cost less per month than a $1,600/month house where you pay $250–$350 in utilities separately. Always calculate total monthly housing cost, not just the advertised rent. See our Edmonton utility bill guide for current cost ranges by housing type.
- Vacancy is higher, giving renters leverage. Edmonton's purpose-built rental vacancy reached 4–5% in early 2026 per CMHC, the highest in years. This is most pronounced for apartments — landlords in newer central buildings are offering incentives like first month free, included parking, or waived deposits. Houses and townhouses are slightly less competitive but still negotiable in most neighbourhoods.
- Basement suites offer the lowest entry cost but the most variability. A well-maintained basement suite in Strathcona or Garneau can be excellent value at $1,000–$1,200/month with utilities included. Quality varies much more than in regulated purpose-built rentals, so a thorough move-in inspection is essential.
- There is no rent control in Alberta. Regardless of housing type, landlords can raise rent by any amount at renewal with proper notice. Factor in potential increases when budgeting for a multi-year stay, particularly in higher-demand central neighbourhoods.
- Pet policies are easier in houses. Houses and basement suites in Edmonton are considerably more likely to allow pets than apartment buildings, and typically without the non-refundable pet fees ($150–$300) that are standard in many Edmonton apartments.
Use our Rent vs Buy Calculator to model whether buying in Edmonton makes more financial sense than renting given current home prices and mortgage rates. For a full breakdown of what you need to earn to comfortably afford each housing type, see our Edmonton income-to-rent guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Edmonton Rent by Housing Type
What is the average rent for an apartment in Edmonton?
The average rent for an apartment in Edmonton is $1,450 per month as of June 2026, per Zumper's market data. By bedroom count, purpose-built apartments average $900–$1,000 for a bachelor, $1,100–$1,250 for a one-bedroom, and $1,300–$1,600 for a two-bedroom, based on CMHC's October 2025 Rental Market Survey for the Edmonton CMA. Downtown apartments run 15–25% above these metro-wide averages.
How much does it cost to rent a house in Edmonton?
The average rent for a house in Edmonton is $1,800 per month as of June 2026, per Zumper's market data. Two-bedroom houses typically run $1,800–$2,200 per month and three-bedroom houses $2,100–$2,800 per month, depending on neighbourhood. Houses are most common as rentals in suburban areas like Mill Woods, Terwillegar, and Northeast Edmonton, where prices are on the lower end of the range.
Are utilities usually included in Edmonton rentals?
It depends on the housing type. Many older purpose-built apartment buildings in central Edmonton — particularly in Oliver and near Whyte Avenue — include heat and water in the rent. Condominiums, houses, townhouses, and newer purpose-built buildings almost always bill utilities separately. Internet is never included in Edmonton rentals. Always confirm exactly which utilities are included before signing a lease.
Is it cheaper to rent an apartment or a house in Edmonton?
Apartments are consistently cheaper than houses in Edmonton on a per-unit basis — the city average is $1,450 for apartments versus $1,800 for houses, a gap of $350 per month. However, if an apartment charges separately for utilities and a house includes them, the all-in cost difference can narrow significantly. Calculate total monthly housing cost, including all utilities, when comparing the two types.
Where are the cheapest rentals in Edmonton?
The most affordable neighbourhoods for all housing types are in Northeast Edmonton and Mill Woods. One-bedroom apartments in Clareview and Northeast Edmonton areas typically range from $950–$1,150 per month. The most affordable neighbourhoods overall by average rent as of June 2026 are Central McDougall ($1,149/month), Queen Mary Park ($1,279/month), and Inglewood ($1,339/month), per Zumper's June 2026 data.
Next Steps for Edmonton Renters
Edmonton remains one of Canada's most affordable major rental markets regardless of housing type. Apartments offer the best value for singles and couples, especially in central neighbourhoods where utilities are often included. Houses and townhouses offer more space and easier pet policies but come with higher all-in monthly costs once utilities are factored in.
For a full picture of renting in Edmonton, see our guides to utility costs, hidden rental costs, and income requirements — or use our Affordability Calculator to model your full monthly housing budget.
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