Student Accommodation in Toronto: Rent and Practical Tips

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.

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: 

• Checklist for International Students Going to Canada
• Canada Student Visa

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

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.

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.

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.

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:

Here are some popular attractions and benefits for different locations:

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.