Average Rent in Hamilton, Ontario

Hamilton's average asking rent was $1,929/month in July 2026 across all property types, according to Rentals.ca's Hamilton listing data (the latest month shown when we checked in October 2026). By bedroom, the averages were $1,654 for a one-bedroom, $2,235 for a two-bedroom and $2,661 for a three-bedroom. These are asking rents on units listed for rent.

CMHC's survey of the existing purpose-built rental stock puts Hamilton's average two-bedroom rent at $1,656, up 1.6%, with a vacancy rate of 3.6% (October 2025 survey, published December 11, 2025).

On the same Rentals.ca measure for July 2026, Hamilton's average asking rent was $651 a month lower than Toronto's ($1,929 vs $2,580), about 25% less. The gap holds at every unit size:

• One-bedroom: $1,654 in Hamilton vs $2,234 in Toronto ($580 less)
• Two-bedroom: $2,235 vs $2,947 ($712 less)
• Three-bedroom: $2,661 vs $3,649 ($988 less)

Hamilton was also below the Ontario average asking rent of $2,247 and the national average of $2,037 for the same month, according to Rentals.ca's August 2026 National Rent Report.

CMHC's two-bedroom average ($1,656) is $579 below Rentals.ca's ($2,235). Neither number is wrong; they measure different things. Rentals.ca averages asking rents on units currently listed for rent, so it reflects what a new tenant would be asked to pay. CMHC surveys the whole existing purpose-built rental stock, including many long-term tenants whose increases are capped by Ontario's annual guideline, so its average sits lower. The two figures are also nine months apart (October 2025 vs July 2026).

If you are looking for a place now, the Rentals.ca figures are the closer guide to what you will see in listings.

In its Fall 2025 Rental Market Report, CMHC said Hamilton's purpose-built vacancy rate rose to 3.6% in 2025, above its forecast and the highest level since the COVID-19 pandemic. It pointed to the continued outflow of international students and an increase in condominium apartments offered for rent. Vacancy was higher in the West End and Mountain zones, where McMaster University and Mohawk College students typically rent.

The turnover rent for two-bedroom units (the rent charged on a new lease for a vacated unit) showed little change, and rents for units with existing tenants were stagnant. CMHC also counted a near record 1,337 rental units under construction in the third quarter of 2025.

Hamilton follows Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act. For most existing tenancies, the annual rent increase guideline is 2.1% for 2026 and 1.9% for 2027. A landlord can raise the rent once every 12 months and must give at least 90 days' written notice. Units first occupied for residential purposes after November 15, 2018 are exempt from the guideline. See our Ontario rent increase rules guide for the details.