Rental Market Report highlights
Source:Ìý
- VacancyÌýrate increased to 2.1%, up fromÌýthe 1% rate it held for 3 years.Ìý
- The average rent for a two-bedroom unit is $Ìý1,707 (up by 3.8%)
- DemandÌýfor newer premium units slowed, particularlyÌýthose downtown, resulting in some incentives fromÌýlandlords
- More affordable properties remained in high demand, with the vacancy rate for units under $1300 below 1%
- Rents for units becoming available that turn over to new tenants increased byÌýroughly 28%
Average monthly rental cost by apartment size
Bachelor:
$1,182
One bedroom:
$1,403
Two bedroom:
$1,707
3+ bedroom:
$2,170
Published December 2024
Based on aggregatedÌýlistings as of August 2025 (132 listings)Ìýin theÌýHalifaxÌýarea,ÌýÌýpublished theÌýcurrentÌýaverage rentÌýprices as follows:
Bachelor/Studio:
$1,638
One bedroom:
$2,095
Two bedroom:
$2,570
3+ bedroom:
$2,699+
Overall, rental prices haveÌýremainedÌýrelatively steadyÌýover the last several months and have decreased by 8% in the last year.
Some factors to consider
- Rents will vary depending on the apartment location, age, and condition.
- It isÌýgenerally moreÌýexpensive to live in locations close to Ä¢¹½AVÌýcampuses than elsewhere in the Halifax Regional Municipality or Town of Truro. 
- These are the average housing costs in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM).ÌýHousing outside of the HRM are usually lower but transportation costs must be considered.  
Creating a budget
When creating a budget, consider the following:
- Upfront,Ìýyou will have to pay a security deposit (equal to a half a month's rent),Ìý³Ù±ð²Ô²¹²Ô³Ù'²õ i²Ô²õ³Ü°ù²¹²Ô³¦±ðÌýand the first month's rent.
- Continuously,Ìýyou will be paying:
- Rent
- Utilities (internet, power, phone bills)
Budgeting resources
Utilities
Check with yourÌýlandlord, ifÌýyou’reÌýnot sureÌýwhichÌýutilities are included in your rent.ÌýIf you do have to arrange for your own utilities or services, many providers offer special packages or information for students.
Electricity
Set up an account 7-10 days in advance
VisitÌýÌýfor more information on setting up an account.Ìý
Telephone, internet and television
Multiple providers available:Ìý,Ìý,ÌýÌý(internet only)
Pricing available for individual services or in bundles
Average/approximate costs
Electricity/home heating
$100-$150/month (varies based on consumption and method of heat)
BasicÌýsmartÌýphone (plan only)
$55-60/³¾´Ç²Ô³Ù³ó 
HighÌýspeedÌýinternet
$80-110/month
Keep in mind that hooking up services, such as electricity, will involve a one-time connection fee. Costs are provided as estimates only.
Disclaimer:ÌýThird-party service providers and their associated properties, products or services are not affiliated with Ä¢¹½AV Off-Campus Housing. They are intended as a resource only, and Ä¢¹½AV cannot and does not guarantee the accuracy, adequacy, or completeness of the content or information contained under the links. Risk of loss arising out of use is solely the responsibility of the user.
