The 9 Lowest Rental Neighbourhoods in Toronto [2022]

Lowest Rental Neighbourhoods in Toronto

If you’re looking for an affordable place to rent in Toronto, you may have to get creative. The city is known for its high rental prices, but there are still some pockets of the city where you can find relative bargains.

If you’re on the hunt for a new place to call home and want to keep your rental costs low, here are nine of the most affordable neighbourhoods in Toronto. From cozy apartments to family-friendly homes in the suburbs, there’s something for everyone on this list.

So whether you’re a student, a young professional, or a family of four, you can find an affordable place to call home in Toronto.

Summary

How We Chose The Best Low Rental Neighbourhoods in Toronto

We picked the low rent locations based on current trends and areas that are up for affordable rent and the diversity of activities and transit available.
  • Selections: We chose locations with great scenery, convenient grocery shopping, restaurants, and transit all nearby.
  • Price: We chose locations with reasonable rental costs with amenities that will be worth what you paid for.
  • Customer Reviews:  We included customer reviews to check that past customers had a positive experience in the area, and that they found everything they needed there.

The Best Neighbourhoods in Toronto for Low Rent

Now that you know what to look for when selecting the best lowest rental neighbourhoods, continue reading to see the best 9 rental neighbourhoods in Toronto!

1. Mimico - New Toronto

Google/GTD Aquitaine

Mimico is the entry point to Toronto’s west-end waterfront communities. This well-established town is well-known for its picturesque lakefront parks and superb leisure amenities. 

Mimico is a short drive from downtown Toronto and has its own Go Transit train station on Royal York Road. This community is filled with green space and is located in the southwest section of Toronto on Lake Ontario, with an average rent of $820 per month. 

It is ideal for individuals or families seeking a balance between nature and city life. It’s also a short drive from downtown Toronto. 

This neighbourhood contains a wide range of housing types, including condos, detached houses, townhouses, and apartments. A new Mimico-Go Station is now being built in the region, making it easier to explore the city in minutes.

Review Highlights:

“Actual Mimico (Along Lakeshore/Royal York down to Alexander St) is quite nice. Good area to raise young kids, lots of young families hence the amount of schools in the area. I grew up there so it's an ideal location.”
“It is more convenient than you realize. If you need to be downtown and in the west end / airport, it is super convenient depending on how close you are to the highway. You'll end up always using the 427”

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
Grocery selections fromNo Frills near Mimico and Royal York.  Long Branch Sobeys offers a fantastic flower store. Area can get a bit noisy at times
Humber River trail nearby

2. Rexdale

Google/ SimonP

Rexdale is a tranquil community that is home to Humber College’s north campus, which has a huge arboretum and parks with fields and forested paths along the West Humber River. 

In addition, there are multiple conference centres, horse racing at Woodbine Racetrack, and the Woodbine Mall, which features the indoor Fantasy Fair entertainment park. The food scene is diversified, including Indian, Caribbean, and Somali options.

Rental costs in the area north of Rexdale Boulevard and south of West Humber River Valley, between Highway 27 and Islington Avenue, average $887 per month. 

Rexdale is a peaceful small neighbourhood next to the Rexdale Commercial Centre, Woodbine Mall, and the Woodbine Race Track. All commercial and shopping establishments, such as the Rexdale Shopping Mall, are conveniently located nearby, making food shopping a breeze! 

This is a little town with people from many walks of life, yet it is still quite tranquil and family-oriented. Small parks and pieces of wildlife can also be found here.

Review Highlights:

“ Amazing Jamacian, Italian and South Indian food, close to York University and numerous hospitals, except of the townhouse style dwellings homes with fairly very large properties, close to highways (well at least east to west access), close to shopping (at least by car big boxes on Hwy 7 and Vaughn)...”

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
Convenient grocery stores and shops nearby TTC not being as good
Great parks and establishments 

3. Keelesdale - Eglinton West

Google/ The Wikipeadian guy

Keelesdale-Eglinton West is a community located south of Eglinton on Black Creek Drive and Eglinton Avenue West. Residents can choose to enjoy the lively scene along Eglinton Ave. W or to seek peace and quiet on side streets.

There are several areas of commerce, restaurants, and stores that are frequently crowded with people. There are also a variety of housing styles in the region, including townhouses, condominiums, apartments, bungalows, and two-story residences. 

Residents have access to some of the city’s lowest rentals and enjoy prices for families and individuals that start at $897 per month!

Review Highlights:

“I feel more of a community vibe here, we know our neighbours which I could never say in any apartment I've rented. Some of the shops cater heavily to their demographics (Carribean and Portuguese) and despite being WASPy AF we've never felt out of place.”

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
It is walkable, groceries are quick and inexpensive, and there are several bakeries and cafes. Expect a longer commute near financial district 
Able to find well priced condo

4. Guildwood Village, Scarborough

Google/ Jeff Hitchcock

Guildwood Village is a scenic lakefront suburb located on Kingston Road near the Scarborough Bluffs so it’s great for those who enjoy nature as well. 

You’ll discover detached and semi-detached rancher style Guildwood houses for rent with attractive yards and gardens. Guildwood condos for rent are made up of modern mid-rise condo projects with beautiful views. 

In comparison to city norms, the rent in this neighbourhood is fairly inexpensive. If you don’t mind using public transportation or driving to your destination, this Toronto neighbourhood has a lot to offer. Housing rates start at $950 per month and include a variety of sceneries. 

Not to mention, Guildwood is served by the Guildwood GO station if you prefer to commute by train. The trip from Guildwood to Union takes around 20 minutes and it is convenient for students at the University of Toronto to take the bus or drive to the Scarborough campus in the same amount of time!

Just as Scarborough’s natural beauty attracts people from a wide range of origins, lifestyles, and nationalities, so does this small “town” that yearns for something more suburban or outdoorsy.

Review Highlights:

“I actually think Scarborough in general (yes you need to know which pockets to avoid) is one of the better values and it’s not that far from DT. Guildwood itself IMO is a great choice. I am very familiar with number of condos there, if you have a condo in mind you can send me PM, chances are I may have a status certificate copy and can provide more info.”

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
Close to a lot of trails and parks  TTC delays 
GO station nearby

5. Weston

Google/ Dnllnd

Weston is located in the northwest of the city, south of Highway 401, north of Eglinton Avenue, east of the Humber River, and west of Jane Street. 

Weston features a vast collection of Victorian-style residences from its days as a hamlet in the mid to late 1800s. These Victorian style homes, as well as several early 1900 Edwardian style homes, may be seen south of Church Street and the Humber Memorial Church Hospital.

The average rental price is $960. Weston, was formerly a “village” that was absorbed into Toronto in 1998, is the area’s commercial hub, home to numerous local companies and services.

Review Highlights:

“Weston is almost like it’s own little town. It’s got a good mix of older homes and new apartment buildings. It’s one of the cheapest areas to rent in the city, but offers a lot more local services…“
“I love Weston, actually. I provide support to those living with life limiting illness requiring home based care and Weston is part of my catchment. It was founded in 1793 with the help of Loyalists who relocated after the Revolution. The architecture of some of the older homes is impressive.”

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
Great access to 401 or 400 highway Some area needs investments for improvement
Nearby GO Station

6. Black Creek

Google/ John Vetterli

Black Creek Village, located in the Jane and Finch area of the city, is a diverse community with a predominantly Jamaican, Vietnamese, and Italian population. 

Black Creek is dominated by multi-story apartment complexes, with a few homes and townhouses spread throughout. The concentration increases towards the more residential Brookhaven-Amesbury, where lovely mature trees line the calm lanes.

This area of Toronto is popular with families since the rent is lower than in other sections of the city. Renters should expect to spend $1,011 per month on average. For 1 bedroom it is $912, 2 bedroom is $1068 and 3 bedroom is $1297. Also, studio or bachelor is around $800.

The cost of housing in Black Creek is significantly lower than the city’s average. Tenants can discover affordable rental prices for Black Creek apartments for rent with one to three bedrooms and balconies. Also, Brookhaven-Amesbury has a plethora of low-rises and Black Creek homes for rent.

Review Highlights:

“i've been living here my whole life and i wouldn't recommend it, especially for a young family”

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
Lots of coffee shops, restaurants, services Hard to find quality jobs around here

7. East York

Google/ SimonP

For individuals on a limited budget, Toronto’s East York neighbourhood is one of the greatest places to rent. East York is located northeast of Danforth Avenue and the DVP.  

While the city has long been noted for its senior population, its demographics are shifting. This place is home to some of Toronto’s most prominent families, as well as a large number of immigrants. It is ideal for those searching for room and size that they won’t find in the core, as well as newcomers looking for a taste of home.

Younger families continue to relocate into the neighbourhood, owing in part to the area’s low rents, which average $1,082 per month.

Furthermore, it is also home to the famed Danforth, has a plethora of wonderful food, which comes alive each summer with the Taste of the Danforth event. 

Chorley Park, a dog-friendly green park established on a former historical site, is located near Governor’s Bridge. Leaside has superb schools and big-box retail that you won’t find anywhere else in the city’s eastern outskirts.

Review Highlights:

“Love East York. Amazing area. Values will definitely keep rising because the area has no real disadvantages compared to the other Toronto hot spots. Once you cross Main, it starts to become Scarborough. That’s when the Toronto vibes end. But west of main and north of Danforth is beautiful, convenient, quiet but close to the action - just a great “15 minute” neighbourhood. Oh and the proximity to the ravine, too!”

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
Dog friendly green park Not a place for those who want to be in the heart of Toronto
Lots of fun events and festivals(Taste of Danforth)

8. Scarborough City Centre

Google/ SimonP

Scarborough City Centre is conveniently located between Highway 401 to the north, Ellesmere Rd. to the south, Markham Rd. to the east, and Midland Ave. to the west, offers a variety of job options for people. 

You’ll notice that this neighbourhood features high-rise apartments linked with malls, industrial, and commercial areas. The neighbourhood provides some lower cost than living downtown. Due to the tiny size of the neighbourhood, apartments can be difficult to find, but you may be able to find a one or two-bedroom apartment for rent in Scarborough City Centre.

The Scarborough region has a diverse range of services, ranging from modest cafés to international cuisine and businesses of various kinds. Residents can expect a lower average monthly rent of $1,067 in one of the GTA’s major commercial areas.

Review Highlights:

“I grew up in Scarborough many years ago, and it was a pretty good experience. Geographically anyway. The thing I like about Scarborough is that the preferred mode of transportation is by car. Because it is lower density, and has decent roads. As opposed to downtown, where the traffic is clogged, but the transit is better. So if you are a car person, Scarborough could be good. If you are a transit person, you may be happier closer to downtown.”

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
Accessible commute options with proximity to the 401 TTC delays happen often
Lots of grocery stores, malls, over 230 retailers within reach

9. Liberty Village

Google/The City of Toronto

As Toronto grows, there is a greater demand for residential places, and Liberty Village is one of these. This community, which is made up of condominiums and flats, is popular among individuals who want to get away from the hectic lifestyle of the downtown centre. 

It is merely a 10-minute drive away for individuals who need to work downtown. If you’re searching for things to do in the vicinity, there are a lot of cafés, restaurants, and stores to satisfy your requirements without having to venture into the centre. 

With an average listing price of $1,671, this town is one of the more inexpensive locations. There are currently just four rentals available in this location, but more are on the way.

Not to mention, rents at Liberty Village’s east end which is closer to downtown, are typically $150 to $200 per month more than in the neighbourhood’s west end. There are also several Liberty Village properties for rent scattered across the neighbourhood.

Review Highlights:

“Great location with all the amenities you can ask for. Your enjoyment living in that area will depend on the type of people you find compatible with your current lifestyle.”

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
Closer to Lakeshore/Gardiner Far from the subway 
You’ll almost never need to leave the region for amenities or socializing (restaurants, pubs, activities)

FAQs About Toronto Neighbourhoods

For condos, it typically includes all utilities in the rental price (which is electricity). In certain cases, the renter must additionally pay for water, which is commonly the case in modern buildings.
Some of the most affordable rents are in Rexdale, Morningside, Woburn, West Humber-Clairville, Yonge-Eglinton, Mimico etc.
The winter months (October to April) have the lowest rental rates, with demand and prices at their lowest between January and March. An apartment search should begin in the middle of the month preceding the anticipated move date.
The average rent for condos and apartments of all sizes in Toronto was $1,987.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for low rental neighbourhoods, look no further than the list of 9 best low rental areas in Toronto above! These neighbourhoods are ideal for young families and with amazing parks, trails, greenery, views of lakes, and convenient transit.

Along with easily accessible grocery stores, restaurants, malls, schools and much more! These rental prices can range from $800 to $1200+ so be sure to check out these areas today!

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