Priced Out: The state of youth housing in Canada’s urban centres

Housing dreams deferred: Coping with an unaffordable market

For youth in Canada, housing has become one of the most significant challenges of our time. Rising interest rates, skyrocketing rents, and stagnant wages have created a perfect storm, making it nearly impossible for many to afford a place to call home. Housing isn’t just a financial issue—it’s shaping life decisions, altering futures, and straining dreams of stability, family, and community.

Youthful Cities’ national survey, The State of Housing for Young People in Canada, uncovers the housing realities facing youth aged 18 to 33 across Canada’s 15 largest cities. Conducted in collaboration with six key partners—Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Canadian Urban Institute, Generation Squeeze, Smart Prosperity Institute, National Student Housing Initiative, and University of Toronto School of Cities—this data-driven snapshot highlights a crisis that demands urgent action.

Renting: The new reality

A staggering 58% of young people in Canada rent, illustrating just how challenging homeownership has become. Renting, while often a practical choice for mobility or flexibility, is increasingly a long-term reality for those who cannot access affordable ownership opportunities.

One respondent shared:

“Years of student debt and the affordability crisis mean that my partner and I will likely rent indefinitely. This will delay and likely prevent us from having children.”

The financial strain of renting doesn’t just limit savings—it’s delaying major life decisions like starting a family or putting down roots in a community.

The haves and have-nots of homeownership

While 21% of youth in Canada own their homes, many achieve this milestone only with significant financial help.

“I’m lucky in that my parents went into a condo with me, which allows me to own. I have no idea how I would pull this off without help.”

For most, homeownership is increasingly out of reach without significant income or family support. Among homeowners, 64.4% earn more than $60,000 annually, highlighting the financial threshold needed to enter the housing market. Even couples with high combined incomes struggle, particularly in high-demand, low affordability cities like Vancouver:

“We’re now seriously considering Calgary or Vancouver Island but it’s really sad to think about moving away from our family and friends. And the prices there are rapidly increasing too.”

The emotional toll

The housing crisis is deeply personal. For many youth, the instability and unaffordability of housing come with an emotional toll:

“I’ve done everything right… but it’s not enough. We are still struggling to figure out where we could buy a home with enough space. It’s sad to think about moving away from our family and friends.”

Housing instability is forcing youth to delay their goals, reconsider where they live, and make sacrifices that impact their relationships, mental health, and long-term plans.

Where Are Youth Living?

Affordability doesn’t just dictate if young people can find housing—it also determines where and how they live. Many youth face tough trade-offs between housing size, location, and cost. Smaller units and shared accommodations are common for renters trying to save money, while others are pushed further from city centres, trading convenience for lower costs.

The majority of youth live in two-bedroom (24%) or three-bedroom (21%) units, with smaller spaces like one-bedroom (14%) and studios (5%) being less common and often costly:

“I believe the rent prices are ridiculously high and it is virtually impossible for young people to afford living without having multiple roommates.”

Among young homeowners, larger spaces prevail, with half owning units with three or more bedrooms. Many cite aspirations for future family living:

“I personally would like to live in housing large enough to accommodate my parents and potential partner and children.”

Geographically, nearly half of youth (43%) live outside city centres, drawn to slightly more affordable housing but facing challenges like car dependency and limited infrastructure:

“Zoning laws and car-dependent infrastructure are ruining our cities/suburbs. We need a push for ‘missing middle’ housing options and better transit. I don’t want to own a car—I want walkable neighborhoods and Third Places where I can connect with my community.”

Suburban living accounts for 34% of youth housing, often accompanied by trade-offs like longer commutes and substandard accommodations:

“Every time we move, we have to move farther from the city and commute further for jobs. Our current rental has no windows in either ‘bedroom,’ but we had no choice but to agree to live here.”

Meanwhile, 19% of youth remain in downtown cores, where proximity to amenities and a desire for connected living outweigh the staggering costs:

“I won’t be able to afford a house, but I would love to buy a three-bedroom apartment close to downtown.”

These findings highlight the urgent need for more diverse and affordable housing options across neighborhoods. From multi-bedroom rentals to walkable, transit-friendly developments, young people are searching for spaces that fit their budgets while supporting their lives and ambitions.

What’s next?

These findings underscore an urgent need for systemic change. Youth in Canada are working hard, budgeting carefully, and making sacrifices—but the current system is stacked against them. If housing is to become a basic right rather than a luxury, we need bold solutions, policy shifts, and investments that prioritize youth.

This is the first in a series exploring the youth housing crisis in Canada. Stay tuned for future blog posts and infographics, and explore our Youth Cite tool, which features firsthand quotes from youth about their housing struggles and hopes. This interactive tool allows you to dive into the themes and personal stories behind the data, amplifying the voices of those most affected by the crisis.