The average rent for a 1-bedroom in Halifax is approximately $1,900/month in 2026. Halifax has seen some of Canada’s steepest rent increases, driven by rapid population growth and tight supply.
Average Rent by Unit Type
| Unit Type | Average Rent | vs. National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,500 | +7% |
| 1-Bedroom | $1,900 | +6% |
| 2-Bedroom | $2,400 | +9% |
| 3-Bedroom | $2,800 | +8% |
Rent by Neighbourhood
| Neighbourhood | 1-BR Avg | 2-BR Avg | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Halifax | $2,100 | $2,700 | Waterfront, walkable |
| South End | $2,000 | $2,500 | Near universities |
| North End | $1,700 | $2,200 | Gentrifying, arts |
| West End | $1,800 | $2,200 | Residential |
| Clayton Park | $1,700 | $2,100 | Suburban, malls |
| Dartmouth (Downtown) | $1,700 | $2,100 | Across the harbour |
| Dartmouth (suburbs) | $1,500 | $1,900 | More affordable |
| Bedford | $1,800 | $2,200 | Family-friendly |
| Lower Sackville | $1,500 | $1,900 | Budget option |
Rent Growth
| Year | 1-BR Average | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $1,200 | — |
| 2021 | $1,350 | +12.5% |
| 2022 | $1,600 | +18.5% |
| 2023 | $1,800 | +12.5% |
| 2024 | $1,850 | +2.8% |
| 2025 | $1,900 | +2.7% |
| 2026 | $1,900 | +0% |
Rents have risen 58% since 2020 — among the steepest increases in Canada.
Income Needed
| Unit Type | Monthly Rent | Gross Income Needed |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom | $1,900 | $76,000/year |
| 2-Bedroom | $2,400 | $96,000/year |
| Dartmouth suburbs 1-BR | $1,500 | $60,000/year |
Bottom Line
Halifax’s rent has surged to $1,900/month for a 1-bedroom — now comparable to Ottawa. Dartmouth and suburban options offer savings of $200–$400/month. Despite the increases, Halifax remains more affordable than Toronto and Vancouver, with a growing job market and excellent quality of life.
See our average rent in Canada or cost of living Halifax for more.