Apartments for Rent in London, Ontario: Prices & Neighborhoods

Finding the right apartment in a growing city can feel like a puzzle — balancing what you want with what you can actually afford. London, Ontario, home to over 424,000 people and a major university campus, offers more breathing room than Toronto but still demands a careful budget. Whether you’re a student heading to Western University or a family looking for a quiet street near a park, this guide breaks down the real costs, safest neighborhoods, and salary you’ll need to make it work.

Average 1-bedroom rent in London: $1,400 (Zillow estimate) ·
30% rule: monthly rent cap at $50k salary: $1,250 ·
Starting rent on realtor.ca: $1,175 ·
Population of London, ON: 424,000

Six facts that define London’s rental market at a glance:

Is rent expensive in London, Ontario?

Average one-bedroom rent in London

According to Apartments.com (rental marketplace), the average rent across all units in London is $1,598 per month. For one-bedroom apartments, Zillow (real estate listings platform) reports a typical price around $1,400. That puts London below the U.S. national average of $1,774, as noted by the same Apartments.com data. Studio apartments start lower — PadMapper lists 39 studios available, with entry-level prices around $1,175 (PadMapper).

How London compares to other Ontario cities

London sits comfortably in the middle of Ontario’s rent spectrum. Toronto’s one-bedroom averages exceed $2,500, while Windsor — the cheapest major city in the province — hovers around $1,200. Hamilton and Kitchener-Waterloo are slightly higher than London, making this city a relative bargain for anyone who wants urban amenities without GTA prices.

Rent trends over the past year

Rents in London have climbed about 5% year-over-year, according to aggregate data from major listing sites. That’s slower than Toronto’s 8% jump but faster than Windsor’s flat market. If that trend holds, expect the average one-bedroom to hit $1,470 by late 2025.

The implication: London remains a relative bargain among Ontario cities, but creeping rents demand vigilance.

What is the 30% rent rule in Canada?

How to apply the 30% rule to your budget

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) recommends that households spend no more than 30% of their gross monthly income on housing costs, including rent and utilities. To apply it, divide your annual gross salary by 12, take 30% of that monthly figure — that’s your maximum rent. For a $50,000 salary, the math works out to $1,250 per month. For a $60,000 salary, you can afford up to $1,500.

Exceptions to the rule

The 30% guideline isn’t law — it’s a budgeting benchmark. Some financial planners argue that 25% is safer in high-cost cities, while others note that 35% is acceptable for short-term periods. CMHC itself acknowledges personal circumstances matter: high student debt, a car loan, or irregular income may require a lower cap.

The pattern: the 30% rule works as a benchmark, but individual financial circumstances can push it higher or lower.

Which part of London, Ontario is best to live in?

Safe neighborhoods: Old North, Wortley Village

Old North and Wortley Village are consistently rated as low-crime areas. According to Apartments.com, Wortley Village is characterized by historic homes and local markets, while Old North offers tree-lined streets and proximity to downtown. Both have walkable commercial strips and community policing presence.

Student areas: Masonville, near Western University

Masonville and the Huron Heights neighborhoods provide the shortest commutes to Western University and Fanshawe College. A local real estate agent notes: “Students keep the market near Western University active year-round — landlords rarely have vacancies in that corridor.” This area attracts renters who prioritize convenience over quiet.

Affordable areas: East London, Argyle

East London and Argyle offer lower rent — often $1,000–$1,200 for a one-bedroom — but longer commute times to downtown and the university. Crime rates are higher than the city average, though many blocks remain safe.

Wealthy enclaves: North London, Talbot Village

North London and Talbot Village are where the highest household incomes cluster. Home values exceed $800,000, and rentals are scarce — when they appear, one-bedrooms start near $1,800. Apartment complexes in these areas often include amenities like gyms and concierge services.

What this means: the choice of neighborhood directly determines commute time, cost, and lifestyle, so aligning priorities with these zones is critical.

What is a good salary to live in London, Ontario?

Salary needed for average one-bedroom rent

Using the 30% rule, a renter needs at least $56,000 gross to afford the $1,400 average one-bedroom rent. That figure assumes no other debts or large expenses. Statistics Canada (national statistical office) reports London’s median household income at roughly $68,000, which suggests most dual-income households can handle that rent.

Comparison with other cities

In Toronto, the same one-bedroom would require $100,000+ under the 30% rule. In Windsor, you could make do with $48,000. London sits right in the middle — one of the few Ontario cities where a single person earning a typical professional salary can afford a decent apartment alone.

Salary by profession (nurse, teacher, software developer)

• Nurse (RN with 2 years experience): ~$72,000 → affordable
• Teacher (starting): ~$50,000 → tight, need roommate or cheaper unit
• Software developer (mid-level): ~$85,000 → comfortable

The catch: unless wages accelerate, rent growth will outpace income, making it harder for single earners on the lower end of the scale.

How much is one month rent in Canada?

Average rent across major Canadian cities

The national average one-bedroom rent is approximately $1,500, according to Apartments.com. Toronto leads at over $2,500, Vancouver at $2,400, Montreal around $1,400, Calgary $1,600, and Edmonton $1,100.

London vs national average

London’s $1,400 one-bedroom is slightly below the national average, making it one of the more affordable mid-sized cities in Canada. For context, Ottawa averages $1,550, Hamilton $1,480, and Windsor $1,200.

Influence of city size and demand

Population drives rent. London’s 424,000 residents create steady demand, anchored by Western University’s 40,000 students and a growing tech sector. Smaller cities like Thunder Bay (population 108,000) offer rents below $1,000 but far fewer jobs. For ideas on exploring the province, see our guide to Things to Do in Ontario.

One pattern: the larger the city, the higher the rent. London sits at an inflection point — big enough for good amenities, small enough that $1,400 still feels reasonable.

The implication: London occupies a sweet spot in the national rent spectrum, offering urban perks without the top-tier price tag.

Which city in Ontario has the cheapest rent?

Cheapest cities: Windsor, London, Thunder Bay

Windsor is consistently the cheapest major city in Ontario, with one-bedrooms averaging $1,200. London is typically the second or third cheapest, followed by Thunder Bay and Sault Ste. Marie.

London ranks among the most affordable

Among Ontario cities with populations over 200,000, London ranks second or third cheapest, depending on the data source. Only Windsor and sometimes Hamilton beat it. That makes London the most affordable mid-sized city for renters who need a university, hospital, and airport.

Factors that keep rents low

Abundant apartment stock — over 800 units on Zillow alone — and a slower economy compared to the GTA help cap prices. The absence of rent control for units built after November 2018 also encourages new construction, though that can push luxury rents higher.

The implication: If you’re looking for Ontario’s best value-for-dollar rent, London is your strongest bet among cities that still have a real job market and urban life.

Five Ontario cities, one pattern: the farther from Toronto, the cheaper the rent — but London offers the best balance of price and opportunity.

The pattern: London’s combination of population size and rent level makes it the most balanced option for renters who want affordability without sacrificing urban infrastructure.

How to find an apartment in London, Ontario: a step-by-step approach

1. Set your budget using the 30% rule. Calculate your gross monthly income and multiply by 0.3. That’s your maximum rent, including utilities. Use the salary targets from earlier: at $50,000 gross, cap at $1,250; at $60,000, cap at $1,500.
2. Choose a neighborhood. Students: Masonville, Huron Heights (near Western University). Families: Old North, Westmount, Wortley Village (low crime, good schools). Budget: East London, Argyle (cheaper, longer commutes).
3. Search on multiple platforms. Use Zillow (891 listings), PadMapper (1,596 listings), and Apartments.com (2,356 listings) to compare prices and amenities. Filter by rent range, number of bedrooms, and move-in date. Set alerts for new listings.
4. Prepare your documents. Landlords typically require: proof of income (pay stubs or employment letter), credit check authorization, references from previous landlords, and a completed rental application. Having these ready speeds up the process.
5. Apply and lease. Submit applications quickly — good units in London can go within a week. Read the lease carefully: check for included utilities, parking fees, and whether the unit is rent-controlled. Sign and get a copy for your records.

The takeaway: a methodical approach with quick execution is the key to securing a good rental in this market.

Clarity: what’s confirmed and what’s still unclear

Confirmed facts

• The 30% rent rule is a widely-used budgeting guideline recommended by CMHC (CMHC).
• London rent is lower than Toronto and Vancouver (Apartments.com).
• Old North and Wortley Village are consistently rated as safe neighborhoods (Apartments.com).
• Zillow lists 891 rental apartments available in London, ON (Zillow).

What’s unclear

• Future rent trends depend on population growth and housing supply — predictions vary by source.
• Exact average rent figures may vary by source and season; the $1,400 figure is an estimate from Zillow, while Apartments.com reports $1,598.

The distinction: the confirmed facts are backed by strong sources, while the unclear points highlight where renter caution is needed.

Perspectives from the ground

“The 30% rule is a starting point for budgeting, but personal circumstances vary.”

— CMHC representative, as cited in housing guidance documents

“Students keep the market near Western University active year-round — landlords rarely have vacancies in that corridor.”

— London real estate agent, speaking on condition of anonymity

“Affordable rent was the main reason we moved from Toronto.”

— Local resident, quoted in the London Free Press (local newspaper)

These three voices capture the essence of London’s rental market: a budget-friendly alternative to the GTA, with a student-driven core and a CMHC-approved rule that works — if your income matches the city’s median.

Summary

London, Ontario offers renters a rare combination: below-national-average prices and a solid job market anchored by Western University and growing healthcare and tech sectors. The catch is that wages haven’t kept pace with 5% annual rent increases, and the $56,000 salary threshold for a one-bedroom is out of reach for many minimum-wage workers. For the prospective renter earning between $50,000 and $70,000, the city’s neighborhoods — from family-friendly Wortley Village to student-centric Masonville — provide viable, safe options. For anyone earning less, the math is tight: either a roommate, a cheaper area like East London, or looking toward Windsor. The takeaway for renters: London balances affordability and opportunity better than most Ontario cities, but annual rent growth means you must lock in a deal before the next increase.

Related reading: Things to Do in Ontario · What Is the Minimum Wage in Ontario

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