The average rent for a 1-bedroom in Hamilton is approximately $1,800/month in 2026. Just 60–90 minutes from Toronto by GO Transit, Hamilton has become a popular option for GTA workers seeking affordability.
Average Rent by Unit Type
| Unit Type | Average Rent | vs. National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,400 | 0% |
| 1-Bedroom | $1,800 | 0% |
| 2-Bedroom | $2,200 | 0% |
| 3-Bedroom | $2,600 | 0% |
Rent by Neighbourhood
| Neighbourhood | 1-BR Avg | 2-BR Avg | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Hamilton | $1,700 | $2,100 | Central, revitalizing |
| Westdale | $1,800 | $2,200 | McMaster area |
| Locke Street | $1,900 | $2,300 | Trendy, shops |
| The Escarpment (Upper) | $1,700 | $2,100 | Mountain views |
| Dundas | $1,800 | $2,200 | Charming, quieter |
| Stoney Creek | $1,700 | $2,100 | Family-friendly |
| Ancaster | $1,900 | $2,300 | Upscale suburban |
| Waterdown | $1,850 | $2,250 | Burlington-adjacent |
| East Hamilton | $1,500 | $1,900 | Most affordable |
Hamilton vs. Toronto
| Factor | Hamilton | Toronto |
|---|---|---|
| 1-BR rent | $1,800 | $2,400 |
| Monthly savings | $600 | — |
| Annual savings | $7,200 | — |
| GO Transit to Union Station | 60–90 min | — |
| Monthly GO pass | ~$400 | N/A |
| Net savings | $200/month ($2,400/yr) | — |
Even after GO Transit costs, Hamilton saves about $2,400/year over Toronto.
Income Needed
| Unit Type | Monthly Rent | Gross Income Needed |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom | $1,800 | $72,000/year |
| 2-Bedroom | $2,200 | $88,000/year |
| East Hamilton 1-BR | $1,500 | $60,000/year |
Bottom Line
Hamilton at $1,800/month offers meaningful savings over Toronto while maintaining GTA commuter access. East Hamilton and the mountain provide the best value. For those who don’t need to commute daily, the savings are even more compelling.
See our average rent in Canada or average rent Toronto for comparison.