Calgary rental market data
Calgary’s rental market remained balanced in 2025, with strong population-driven demand absorbing new supply. Unlike Vancouver and Toronto where vacancy rates surged, Calgary’s held steady — though rent growth slowed sharply as landlords competed to retain tenants.
CMHC reported that the Calgary CMA vacancy rate remained at 3.3%, unchanged from October 2024, while rent growth decelerated significantly. For national trends, see the Canada rental market overview.
| Metric | October 2025 | Year-over-year |
|---|---|---|
| Vacancy rate | 3.3% | Unchanged |
| Average 2-bedroom rent | ~$1,750 | Slowed growth |
| Turnover 2-bedroom rent | Declined | Down YoY |
CMHC noted that Calgary’s vacancy rate was unchanged “despite a large influx of rental supply,” reflecting “strong demand driven by population growth.” Local market intelligence reported that generous incentives during initial lease-up phases helped prevent vacancies from rising.
Average rent by bedroom type
| Bedroom Type | Estimated Average |
|---|---|
| Studio | ~$1,150 |
| 1 Bedroom | ~$1,450 |
| 2 Bedroom | ~$1,750 |
| 3 Bedroom+ | ~$2,000 |
Calgary rents are significantly more affordable than Vancouver (~$2,100 for a 2-bedroom) or Toronto (~$2,046). Combined with Calgary’s higher household income ($168,400 average), Calgary offers the best rent-to-income ratio among Canada’s largest cities.
CMHC reported that landlords in Calgary “held 2-bedroom rents steady to keep tenants and avoid vacancies” — a notable shift from the strong increases of 2023–2024.
Vacancy rate trends
Calgary has historically had higher vacancy rates than eastern Canadian cities, partly reflecting the boom-bust cycles of the energy sector:
Calgary CMA Vacancy Rate — Purpose-Built Rentals (2015–2025)
After plunging to just 1.4% in 2023 — the tightest market in years — the vacancy rate rebounded to 3.3% in 2024 and held there in 2025. This is within the normal historical range for Calgary and far healthier than the extremely tight conditions of 2022–2023.
Rent affordability in Calgary
Calgary’s combination of moderate rents and high incomes makes it highly affordable:
| Bedroom Type | Monthly Rent (asking) | Income Needed (30% rule) | Calgary Median HHI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | ~$1,600 | $64,000 | $140,200 |
| 2 Bedroom | ~$2,000 | $80,000 | $140,200 |
A household earning the median income in Calgary can comfortably afford a 2-bedroom apartment under the 30% rule — a sharp contrast to Vancouver or Toronto where even a 1-bedroom stretches affordability. Use our rent affordability calculator for a personalized estimate.
Alberta rent rules
Alberta has no rent control. Key rules:
- No limit on rent increases — Landlords can raise rent by any amount
- Notice required — 3 months written notice for periodic tenancies; at lease term end for fixed leases
- Frequency — Rent can only be increased once every 12 months
- No vacancy decontrol distinction — Since there’s no rent control, there’s no turnover premium; rents adjust freely to market
This means Calgary rents are more responsive to market conditions than in rent-controlled cities like Toronto or Vancouver. In a softening market like 2025, rents can decrease — but in a tightening market, they can also rise quickly.
Why Calgary’s market stayed balanced
Strong population growth: Alberta has been Canada’s fastest-growing province by interprovincial migration. Many Canadians relocated from Ontario and BC to take advantage of higher incomes and more affordable housing, supporting rental demand.
New supply absorbed: Despite strong rental construction completions — well above historical trends — demand kept pace. CMHC noted that “generous incentives during initial lease-up phases helped prevent vacancies from rising.”
Rent growth moderated: After two years of significant increases, landlords shifted from raising rents to retaining tenants. This resulted in flattening rents and some landlord incentives on new leases.
Related pages
- Canada Rental Market Data — national vacancy rates and average rent
- Toronto Rental Market — detailed Toronto rental data
- Edmonton Rental Market — Alberta’s capital city
- Calgary Housing Market — home prices and market trends
- Income in Calgary — household income data
- Average Rent in Canada — rent comparison by city
Sources
- CMHC Rental Market Survey — Housing Market Information Portal
- CMHC 2025 Rental Market Report — December 2025
- Alberta Residential Tenancies Act — rent increase rules