1. Share a Room or Find a Roommate
Rent in Toronto can be expensive, so the best way to save money is by sharing:
Share a room with someone: You and another person can split the cost of one room.
Join a shared apartment: Rent a room in an apartment that others are already sharing.
This will help you keep costs low while still having a comfortable place to live.
2. Commuting is Normal
Living a bit further from downtown is cheaper. Don’t worry—Toronto has great public transportation:
TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) and GO Transit make it easy to travel around the city. You can live outside the busy downtown area and still get to school easily, saving you money on rent.
Discounts for Public Transportation https://www.prestocard.ca/en/about/fare-types-and-discounts
3. Where to Search: Facebook Marketplace & Kijiji
To find affordable rooms, search on Facebook Marketplace and Kijiji. You can filter your search to look for rooms around $400-$500. Look for shared rooms or apartments where you can split costs with others.
You can filter using these key terms, like “room for $400”, “international student room” or “student shared room for rent”.
4. Contact the Landlord
Once you find a place you like, always call the landlord to ask questions. Ask about the rent, the room, and anything else important to you. This will help you make sure the place is a good fit.
5. Check How Far Away It Is
Enter the address of your potential rental on Google Maps to check the distance from your campus. Make sure there's a bus or subway station within a 10-minute walk, and try to avoid a commute longer than 1 hour and 30 minutes to school. Check a map!
6. Avoid Paying Last Month’s Rent if Possible
Some landlords ask for both the first and last month’s rent upfront. If you're tight on cash, try to negotiate and avoid paying the last month right away. Some landlords might agree if you explain your situation.
Final Thoughts
You can find affordable accommodation in Toronto on a $400-$500 budget by sharing a room or living slightly farther from downtown. Use Facebook Marketplace and Kijiji to search for rooms, and don’t hesitate to contact landlords directly. With good public transit, commuting is simple, and you can save a lot by living outside downtown.
Good luck, and welcome to Toronto!