Affordable Short-Term Rentals in Canada for Immigrants 2026
Complete Guide: Find Budget Housing from $650/Month While You Get Settled
Landing in Canada as a new immigrant means finding somewhere to live—fast—without committing to a long lease or draining your savings. Short-term rentals offer the perfect solution: flexible stays from weeks to months, furnished units with utilities included, and landlords who understand newcomers don’t have Canadian credit history. With options starting at $650/month for shared rooms and $900–$1,800 for private units, you can get settled affordably while sorting out your visa, job, and permanent housing.
Why Short-Term Rentals Work for Immigrants
- No credit history required: Most landlords accept passport and visa proof instead
- Flexible terms: 1–6 month stays, no long-term commitment
- Furnished with utilities: Move in immediately, no setup costs
- Immigrant-friendly landlords: Many specifically cater to newcomers
- Strategic locations: Near transit, job centers, and settlement services
Best Cities for Immigrant Short-Term Rentals
| City | Monthly Cost | Why It’s Great for Immigrants |
| Toronto | $1,000–$1,800 | Largest job market, diverse communities, settlement services |
| Vancouver | $1,200–$2,000 | Mild weather, strong Asian communities, tech jobs |
| Montreal | $900–$1,500 | Most affordable major city, bilingual, cultural hub |
| Calgary | $800–$1,400 | Oil/gas jobs, family-friendly, lowest major city costs |
| Ottawa | $1,000–$1,600 | Government jobs, safe, excellent public services |
| Winnipeg | $700–$1,200 | Cheapest option, strong immigrant support programs |
| Edmonton | $800–$1,300 | Affordable, growing job market, welcoming community |
Province-by-Province Guide
🍁 Ontario (Toronto, Ottawa)
Cost: $1,000–$1,800/month | Best for: Highest job opportunities, diverse industries, largest immigrant communities
🏔️ British Columbia (Vancouver, Surrey)
Cost: $900–$2,000/month | Tip: Vancouver is expensive—suburbs like Surrey and Burnaby offer $900–$1,500 options
⛽ Alberta (Calgary, Edmonton)
Cost: $800–$1,400/month | Best for: Lowest rents among major cities, oil/gas and trades jobs
🗣️ Quebec (Montreal)
Cost: $900–$1,500/month | Best for: French speakers, arts/culture, most affordable major city
💰 Manitoba & Saskatchewan (Winnipeg, Saskatoon)
Cost: $650–$1,200/month | Best for: Budget-conscious immigrants, strong settlement programs, lowest costs nationwide
Real Rental Examples (2026)
Toronto — Shared Room in Scarborough
- $650/month | Furnished, utilities included | Perfect for single newcomers
Vancouver — Studio in Burnaby
- $1,300/month | 3-month minimum | Near SkyTrain transit
Montreal — Private Room in Rosemont
- $550/month | Bilingual house share | Great for French-speaking immigrants
Calgary — Basement Suite
- $900/month | Private entrance, kitchenette | Ideal for families
Where to Find Rentals
- Kijiji: Canada’s largest classifieds—filter ‘short-term’ + ‘furnished’
- Facebook Groups: ‘Toronto Immigrants Housing,’ ‘Newcomers to Canada Housing’
- Airbnb Monthly Stays: Discounted rates for 28+ night bookings
- ca / PadMapper: Immigrant-friendly filters available
- Craigslist Canada: Especially good for Vancouver and Toronto
- IRCC Newcomer Guides: Government-vetted rental listings
How to Apply: Step by Step
- Search online: Kijiji, Facebook groups, Airbnb monthly, Rentals.ca
- Contact landlords: Mention you’re a new immigrant—many are flexible
- Provide documents: Passport, visa, proof of funds, reference if available
- Sign short-term agreement: Usually 1–6 months, no credit check
- Pay deposit + first month: Often 50% upfront
- Move in: Register address with IRCC for mail and services
Government Programs That Help
- CMHC Rental Assistance: Subsidies for low-income newcomers
- Provincial Housing Funds: Ontario and BC offer grants for temporary housing
- IRCC Settlement Services: Free help finding housing in your area
- Local Immigrant Housing Initiatives: City-specific programs for visa holders
Tips to Save Money
- Choose shared rooms: Save $300–$600/month vs private units
- Look for ‘all-inclusive’: Utilities and Wi-Fi included
- Negotiate longer stays: 10–20% discounts for 3+ months
- Avoid summer: Winter months have cheaper rates
- Consider suburbs: Surrey vs Vancouver, Scarborough vs downtown Toronto
- Use Facebook groups: Often better deals than listing sites
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the cheapest city for short-term rentals?
Winnipeg and Saskatoon offer options under $1,000/month. Montreal is the cheapest major city.
Do I need a credit check?
Most short-term landlords don’t require credit checks—passport and visa proof are usually enough.
Can I pay monthly?
Yes, most rentals accept monthly payments. Some require first and last month upfront.
How do I find immigrant-friendly landlords?
Search Facebook groups like ‘Toronto Immigrants Housing’ or mention your status when contacting landlords.
Start Your Search Today
Canada welcomes over 400,000 immigrants annually—and the rental market has adapted. Short-term furnished housing gives you flexibility without commitment, affordable options from $650/month, and landlords who understand newcomers’ needs. Start your search on Kijiji and Facebook groups, target cities that match your budget and job goals, and secure your Canadian landing spot.
Your Canadian journey starts with a place to call home. Find it today.
