Edmonton's Rental Market in 2026: Vacancy Rates, Prices & Best Areas for Renters

If you’re moving to Edmonton — or moving within the city — the rental market directly affects your timeline, your budget, and where you end up living. Here’s what the data says about renting in Edmonton in 2026, based on CMHC rental market reports and what our crews see on the ground every day.

Vacancy Rates Are Rising — Good News for Renters

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) tracks vacancy rates across Canadian cities. Edmonton’s trend:

• 2023: 2.4% vacancy rate — tight market, limited options

• 2024: 3.1% — starting to loosen

• 2025: 3.8% — meaningful improvement for renters

• 2026 (projected): 4.0–4.5% — the most renter-friendly market since 2020

What this means practically: More units are sitting vacant. Landlords are competing for tenants. You’ll see more incentives — first month free, reduced damage deposits, included parking. You have more negotiating power than at any point in recent years.

CMHC Rental Market Report data: CMHC Rental Market Data Tables

Average Rents by Unit Type

Based on CMHC’s October 2025 survey for the Edmonton Census Metropolitan Area:

Bachelor/Studio: $900–$1,000/month average. Highest concentration downtown and in Oliver.

1-Bedroom: $1,100–$1,250/month. The most common unit type in Edmonton’s rental stock.

2-Bedroom: $1,300–$1,500/month. Family-suitable units. Prices vary widely by neighbourhood — Mill Woods and northeast Edmonton are at the low end; downtown and Oliver at the high end.

3-Bedroom: $1,500–$1,800/month. Limited availability in purpose-built rentals. Many 3-bedroom rentals are secondary suites or condo rentals.

Important context: These are averages across the entire metro area. Downtown Edmonton rents are 15–25% above these averages. Suburban areas like Mill Woods, Clareview, and parts of northeast Edmonton run 10–20% below.

Best Edmonton Neighbourhoods for Renters

Downtown / Oliver

Highest density of rental units in the city. Walk to work, restaurants, Rogers Place, and the river valley. Transit access is excellent. But: highest rents, toughest building moving rules (strict elevator bookings, COI requirements, limited loading zones), and parking is expensive ($150–$250/month). Best for: young professionals who don’t need a car. See our condo moving rules guide for building-specific tips: Edmonton Condo & Apartment Moving Rules

Mill Woods

Affordable, family-friendly, and increasingly well-connected. The Valley Line LRT now connects Mill Woods Town Centre to downtown. Rents are among the lowest in the city. Large units are more available here than downtown. Best for: families, budget-conscious renters. Note: car-dependent for most errands despite the LRT.

Bonnie Doon / Holyrood

Mid-range pricing with proximity to Whyte Avenue and the river valley. Good mix of older apartment buildings (affordable) and newer infill (pricier). Transit access is solid. Best for: renters who want walkability without downtown prices.

Garneau / McKernan

Close to the University of Alberta. Heavy student population means September is chaos — avoid moving during the first two weeks of September if possible. Lots of older walk-up apartments. Rents are moderate. Best for: students and anyone who wants to be near the university. Warning: parking is extremely limited.

Sherwood Park (Strathcona County)

Technically a separate municipality, but functions as an Edmonton suburb. Slightly lower rents than comparable Edmonton neighbourhoods. Newer buildings with modern amenities. Best for: families who want suburban lifestyle with easy commute via Sherwood Park Freeway. Note: you absolutely need a car.

Clareview / Northeast Edmonton

Most affordable area in the metro. LRT access at Clareview station. New development is improving amenities. Best for: budget-first renters and newcomers to Canada (large immigrant community with cultural amenities and specialty grocery stores).

Major Rental Management Companies in Edmonton

If you’re apartment hunting, you’ll encounter these companies frequently:

Boardwalk (boardwalk.com)

Edmonton’s largest residential landlord. Professionally managed buildings across the city. Moving rules: generally after 6 PM on weekdays, anytime weekends. COI required from your moving company. Tenant insurance required.

Mainstreet Equity (mainst.biz)

Significant presence in Edmonton. Offers inter-property transfers if you need to move between their buildings. Requires tenant insurance. Moving policies vary by building — always confirm with your specific building manager.

Avenue Living (avenueliving.ca)

Growing portfolio focused on workforce housing. More affordable than Boardwalk. Policies tend to be more flexible. Present in suburban locations.

Tips for Apartment Hunting While Planning a Move

• Start looking 30–45 days before your target move date. Edmonton’s market moves fast enough that units listed today may be gone next week.

• Ask about moving rules BEFORE signing the lease: elevator booking requirements, moving hours, damage deposits, COI requirements, loading zone availability.

• Confirm parking for a moving truck. Some buildings have no loading zone — your movers will need to park on the street, which may require a City of Edmonton permit.

• Get renter’s insurance before move-in day. Many Edmonton buildings require proof of insurance on the day you take possession. Typical cost: $20–$40/month for a standard policy.

• If you’re moving from out of province, ask about utility deposit requirements. EPCOR may require a security deposit for new accounts without Alberta credit history. See our utility setup guide: Setting Up Utilities After Moving to Edmonton

• Visit the building in person before signing if at all possible. Photos don’t show the parking situation, the elevator size, or how far the loading zone is from your unit — all of which affect your moving experience.

For security deposit rules, notice periods, and your rights as a tenant, see our Alberta tenant rights guide. For the full Edmonton moving experience — neighbourhood difficulty ratings, bylaw information, and pricing data — visit our Edmonton location page. Ready to get your move planned? Start with a free quote.