Student Accommodation in Toronto: Rent and Practical Tips
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Student Accommodation in Toronto: Rent and Practical Tips

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Raj
Raj Vimal
Assistant Manager Editorial
Updated on Sep 7, 2025 22:05 IST

Toronto offers students a wide range of housing options. This includes on campus and off campus accommodation. Recently, Toronto’s student rental market is improving. House rents dropped from INR 1.80 Lakhs to INR 1.60 Lakhs, a 10% fall. The housing occupancy in the city rose slightly in 2025.

Student Accommodation in Toronto

Toronto is the most student friendly city in Canada. Here, the universities are not only reputed but also offer a variety of study programs. However, securing the right student accommodation in Toronto can significantly improve your overall study abroad experience. It is a dream for every student to get selected at any of the universities in Toronto for higher studies. 

The city offers a diverse range of housing options for international students. There is good news for Indian students who are going to study in Canada. Recently, Toronto’s student rental market is improving. House rents dropped from INR 1.80 Lakhs to INR 1.60 Lakhs, a 10% fall. Now, prices are cooling, and some landlords even offer a free month to attract tenants.

This comprehensive guide is to help Indian students with accommodation in Toronto, including average rent (Updated), key neighbourhoods, and practical tips to find the perfect student housing.

Related Read: 

Table of content
  • Types of Student Accommodation in Toronto
  • On Campus Housing in Toronto
  • Off Campus Student Housing in Toronto
  • Homestays in Toronto
  • Popular Localities in Toronto
  • Tips for Indian Students to Find Accommodation in Toronto

Types of Student Accommodation in Toronto

Toronto offers students a wide range of housing options. This includes on campus and off campus accommodation. These houses provide convenience and community. Off campus rentals include private apartments, shared flats, and homestays.

Good news for new students who are going to study in Toronto. The housing occupancy in the city rose slightly in 2025, but affordability remains tight for many students.

Rents peaked earlier but reduced in 2025. Average 1-bedroom market rents hover around INR 1.35 Lakhs to INR 1.60 Lakhs per month, while on-campus yearly residence fees run roughly INR 7.34 Lakhs to 8.56 Lakhs (meals vary). Here are different types of student housing in Toronto:

  1. On Campus Housing in Toronto
  2. Off Campus Housing in Toronto
  3. Home Stays

Note that, according to QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2026, Toronto (#22th) is the third student friendly city in Canada.

On Campus Housing in Toronto

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Many universities in Toronto, including the University of Toronto, Toronto Metropolitan University, George Brown College, and OCAD University, offer student hostels (on campus) or affiliated student residences. These are ideal for first year international students who are seeking convenience and community.

Update: The University of Toronto is creating new student residences. The University has many more spaces, as many as 5,000 new residence spaces.

Aspect Details
Rent (Yearly) INR 9.1 to INR 24 lakh, depending on residence and meal plan
Facilities
  • Fully furnished rooms
  • Laundry
  • Study spaces
  • High-speed internet
  • 24/7 security
  • Veg/Non Veg Meal
Pros
  • Walking distance to classes
  • Utilities included
  • Vibrant student community
  • Access to support services
Cons
  • Higher cost
  • Limited availability
  • Early applications essential
Room Types
  • Single rooms
  • Double/shared rooms
  • Apartment-style suites

Off Campus Student Housing in Toronto

Most international students eventually move to off-campus housing after some time. Mostly after 1st year. Neighbourhoods such as Downtown Toronto, North York, Kensington Market, The Annex, and Liberty Village are popular in the city.

You can get furnished apartments and shared flats in these locations offer more independence and flexibility. Many properties are located near major campuses with bills included, making budgeting easier and stress-free.

Aspect Details
Rent (Per Month)
  • For Shared Rooms: INR 43,000 to INR 73,000
  • Studios/1 bedroom: INR 55,000 to INR 91,800
Amenities
  • Modern furnished units
  • Fully equipped kitchens
  • Utilities (electricity, gas, water)
  • High-speed internet
  • Laundry facilities
  • Gyms & study areas (in some buildings)
Pros
  • Greater privacy & independence
  • Choose your roommates
  • Cook your own meals
  • Flexible lease options
Cons
  • Responsible for bills & contracts
  • Possible commute time
  • Need to understand tenant rights
Room Types
  • Shared rooms
  • Studios
  • 1-bedroom apartments

Check Out: Cost of Living in Canada







Homestays in Toronto

For international students who want to experience Canadian culture firsthand or prefer a family atmosphere, homestays provide accommodation with local families. Whole Canada is a second home for Indian students. You can easily get a homestay in Toronto. 

Here, you can stay with any local family (It can be an Indian family). You won't feel you are away from your home in India. Culture, food, and living style will be almost the same. A perfect option for a first year student who is coming to Toronto.

Aspect Details
Rent (Per Month)

INR 49,000 to INR 68,000

Amenities
  • Private or shared bedroom
  • Home-cooked meals (Veg and Non veg)
  • Utilities included (electricity, water, internet)
  • Family support
Pros
  • Supportive family environment
  • Nutritious, home-cooked meals
  • Cultural exchange experience
Cons
  • Less independence & privacy
  • Need to follow house rules
  • Distance from campus can vary
Room Types
  • Private bedrooms
  • Shared bedrooms (Less common)

Popular Localities in Toronto

Here are some popular localities in Toronto (Canada), where Indian students can live. The accommodations available in these localities are safe and comfortable to live. Also, there are some other perks to live in these localities:

Location University Nearby Reason to Choose
Downtown Toronto U of T, Ryerson, OCAD
  • Easy walk to classes
  • City life
  • Trending cafes
  • Interesting nightlife
North York York University
  • Affordable
  • Quiet atmosphere
  • Beautiful parks with green spaces
Kensington Market & The Annex U of T
  • Artistic and vibrant atmosphere
  • Close to campus
Liberty Village Near downtown campuses
  • Modern apartments,
  • Trendy location
  • Indian groceries and resturants
Scarborough University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC)
  • Affordable houses
  • Multicultural societies
  • Close to UTSC

Here are some popular attractions and benefits for different locations:

Location / Area Food & Restaurants Community & Cultural Highlights
Gerrard India Bazaar (Little India)
  • Authentic North and South Indian cuisine
  • Dosas, curries, chaats and sweets
  • Festival of South Asia
  • Diwali Mela
  • Sanatan Mandir,
  • BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
North York
  • Indian vegetarian restaurants
  • South Asian grocery stores
  • Sri Radha Krishna Temple
  • Cultural events and student meetups
Downtown Toronto
  • Vegetarian & vegan-friendly
  • Indian restaurants and fusion cafes
  • ISKCON Toronto
  • India Day Festival
  • Community events
Scarborough
  • South Indian & North Indian cuisine
  • Grocery stores
  • Temples and community centers
  • Multicultural student gatherings
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Carleton University is popular for its courses in Journalism, Public Affairs, International Affairs, Architecture, and Technology. Apart from this, the university consistently ranks in the Top 5 among comprehensive universities in Canada. Furthermore, as per Maclean, Carleton was the first university in Canada to establish a graduate degree in Public Administration, and it is also home to the country's oldest 4-year journalism programs. Carleton University also boasts one of the largest Engineering faculty members in the country.

Tips for Indian Students to Find Accommodation in Toronto

Here are some tips to find accommodation in Toronto for Indian students:

  • Start Early: Begin searching 3 to 4 months before your course starts. It will help you to find the best house according to your needs.
  • Use Trusted Platforms: Check university housing portals and other verified student housing providers. Avoid unknown websites to be safe from scams.
  • Set a Realistic Budget: Have a budget to cover the cost of living in Toronto. It can be expensive, so plan wisely.
  • Visit or Take Virtual Tours: If you are in India, ask for a video or virtual tour of the room. Without this, do not pay anything.
  • Consider Transportation: Prioritise places near TTC subway/bus routes or within walking distance to campus. Factor travel time into your daily routine.
  • Focus on Safety: Look for secure buildings with 24/7 management. Make sure to check safety ratings and reviews from other students.

 For help with university applications, students seeking to study abroad can contact our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors. The comments section below allows candidates to contact us as well.

About the Author
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Written by
Raj Vimal
Assistant Manager Editorial
Hi, I am Raj. I help Indian students figure out study abroad without the confusion. For 8+ years, mostly in Ed-Tech, I have written about the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. I cover what peo Read Full Bio
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Reviewed by
Prayas
UG & PG expert
Armed with a decade of professional experience, Prayas is a connoisseur of the overseas education industry. He holds a post-graduate diploma in marketing and has the knack for finding ideal study options for student Read Full Bio
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