London is southwestern Ontario's largest city — home to Western University and a major healthcare hub, with rents well below the GTA.
London, Ontario is a mid-sized city of approximately 550,000 people, anchored by Western University (one of Canada's top research universities), Fanshawe College, London Health Sciences Centre, and a significant manufacturing and logistics sector. The city offers a stable, diverse economy and rental prices that are noticeably more affordable than the GTA or even Kitchener-Waterloo.
London has been growing steadily as remote workers from Toronto discover it as an affordable alternative with good amenities, a university-city atmosphere, and easy highway access (about 2 hours to Toronto via the 401). The rental market has tightened from its pandemic-era lows, but vacancy rates around 2.5% still give renters more options than in eastern cities.
| Neighbourhood | Studio | 1-Bedroom | 2-Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown London / Old East Village | $1,300 | $1,650 | $2,150 |
| Western University Area (Richmond) | $1,400 | $1,800 | $2,350 |
| Old North / Masonville | $1,350 | $1,750 | $2,250 |
| Byron / Westmount | $1,350 | $1,700 | $2,200 |
| East London / Fanshawe | $1,200 | $1,550 | $2,000 |
| South London / White Oaks | $1,200 | $1,550 | $2,000 |
| Lambeth / South West | $1,300 | $1,650 | $2,150 |
| North London / Hyde Park | $1,350 | $1,700 | $2,200 |
The area around Western University — particularly along Richmond Street, Cheapside Street, and in Old North — is in high demand from students and staff. Purpose-built student housing has been expanding, but off-campus apartments near the university consistently command a premium. If you're a student, consider looking farther from campus (East London or South London) and using the university's bus service for significant savings.
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Get KOHO Free — Use Code 45ET55JSYALondon Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph's Health Care are among London's largest employers, creating consistent demand for rental housing from healthcare professionals. Nurses, residents, and allied health workers form a significant portion of the rental market, particularly in Old North and the areas around the hospital campuses on Wellington and Commissioners Road.
London renters are protected under Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act. Rent increase guidelines, eviction protections, and maintenance obligations all apply. The Landlord and Tenant Board handles disputes. Full details: Ontario renter rights.
The average 1-bedroom in London Ontario costs approximately $1,700/month in 2026, about 31% less than Toronto's average.
Yes — London offers strong value with a university-city atmosphere, excellent healthcare infrastructure, and rents well below the GTA. Ideal for students, healthcare workers, and remote workers.
See also: Kitchener-Waterloo rent, Hamilton rent, rental application tips Canada.