One of the questions that most often arises for people planning to move to Edmonton, especially those who are being forced to leave their country due to work or other circumstances, is the question of furnished accommodation. Is it possible to rent a furnished apartment in Edmonton so that you don't have to spend time and money buying furniture and furnishing your apartment? The short answer is yes, it is possible. However, as with most questions about housing in Canada, the details need to be examined more closely. In this article, we will look at all aspects of furnished rentals in Edmonton: where to find them, how much they cost, what types of furnished accommodation are available, and how this option compares to traditional rentals.
Types of furnished accommodation in Edmonton
Before you start your search, it's important to understand that furnished housing in Edmonton isn't limited to just one category. There are different options, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
The most popular option is fully furnished apartments, often referred to as “turnkey” apartments. This means that you can literally walk in with your suitcase and start living. These apartments include everything you need: furniture in the bedroom and living room, a fully equipped kitchen with appliances, bedding, towels, dishes, and other household items. You don't even need a kettle or a bread knife — everything is already there. These apartments are often rented through specialized companies such as Blueground, Nest Host, and other service platforms.
Semi-furnished apartments are the second option. They include most of the furniture and basic appliances, but may not have bedding or some other details. This is cheaper than fully furnished accommodation, but still more comfortable than an empty apartment.
Corporate furnished housing is the third option, which is especially popular among people moving to Edmonton for work. These spaces are often offered by employers or specialized agencies that work with corporate clients. They provide the rest, including laundry, cleaning, and other amenities.
Finally, there is the option of short-term rentals through online platforms such as Airbnb. Many landlords in Edmonton offer furnished apartments for monthly rent, making them another alternative for those seeking flexibility.
Where to look for furnished accommodation in Edmonton
Finding furnished accommodation in Edmonton is much easier today than it was ten years ago, thanks to the development of specialized platforms. However, it is important to know where to look.
Apartments.com is one of the largest rental search portals in Canada. On this site, you can filter your search results by “furnished housing” or “furnished rental.” According to the latest data, there are about 254 furnished apartments listed on Apartments.com in Edmonton. Prices range from $1,140 to $1,866 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, but detailed filtering allows you to narrow down the results according to your budget and needs.
Blueground is a global company specializing in furnished rentals with a significant presence in Edmonton. They offer fully furnished apartments in various parts of the city, from downtown to the southern districts. Their minimum rental period is usually 30 nights, but they also offer a “Live@Blueground” program for those willing to rent for a year, with lower rates. Their apartments are located in strategic locations with access to public transportation and local amenities.
Nest Host is a Canadian company that focuses on corporate housing and extended stays. They offer fully furnished executive apartments with modern amenities, including a built-in kitchen, high-speed internet, and, in some cases, cleaning and concierge services. The minimum length of their offers varies depending on the proximity of the arrival date, but in general, they allow for fairly flexible terms.
Corporate Housing by Owner (CHBO) is a platform that connects people with owners of furnished accommodation. They specialize in corporate apartments and executive condos with flexible rental terms.
Airbnb offers a monthly rental option, which is often cheaper than short-term rentals. Many hosts in Edmonton offer furnished apartments with a minimum stay of one month. The advantage of Airbnb is that you can see detailed photos, read guest reviews, and often communicate with the host before booking.
Zumper is another channel that offers both furnished and traditional apartments in Edmonton. They have about 60 furnished options with flexible rental terms.
TheSqua.re offers furnished and serviced apartments in Edmonton with a minimum stay of 7 to 30 nights, depending on the property.
Cost of furnished rentals in Edmonton
One of the most important questions that arises is: how much does furnished accommodation cost in Edmonton? The answer depends on the type of accommodation, its location, and the level of amenities.
On average, a one-bedroom space costs between $1,140 and $1,866 per month for a traditional furnished rental through platforms such as Apartments.com. However, these prices can vary significantly. On Airbnb, you can find furnished apartments ranging from $1,050 per month for a studio to $5,000 per month for a luxury multi-bedroom condo. On TheSqua.re, for example, furnished apartments start at $199 per night for a one-bedroom, which comes out to about $5,970 per month when calculated on a calendar month basis.
It is important to understand that furnished housing is usually more expensive than traditional rentals. If you rent an unfurnished one-bedroom apartment in Edmonton, you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $1,400 per month. Furnished accommodation often adds $300–400 per month to this cost. This is an additional fee for convenience — you don't need to buy and arrange furniture yourself.
However, if you consider the total cost of moving, furnished accommodation is often a cheaper option. If you rent an empty apartment, you will need to spend money on furniture (bed, sofa, table, etc.), which can cost between $2,000 and $5,000. If you rent a furnished apartment for 6–12 months, you will still save money compared to buying furniture, even with the additional monthly cost.
What is included in a furnished rental
When you rent a furnished apartment, it is important to understand what is included in the price. This can vary depending on the company or host, so it is always worth checking before signing a contract.
Typically, a fully furnished apartment includes: bedroom furniture (bed, nightstand), living room furniture (sofa, coffee table, end table), a fully equipped kitchen with appliances (refrigerator, stove, microwave, dishwasher), dishes and cutlery, bedding, towels, bathroom rugs, and, in most cases, a washer and dryer. Some companies, such as Blueground, also include cleaning service and other amenities.
However, there are things that are not usually included. Utilities such as electricity, water, and heating are often paid separately, although some companies include them in the price. Internet may also be a separate charge. Renter's insurance, which is a legal requirement in Canada for some tenants, is also not included. Some companies do not include parking in a garage or parking lot.
It is important to read the actual terms of the contract before renting a property to avoid surprises.
The process of booking furnished accommodation
The process of booking furnished accommodation in Edmonton is fairly straightforward, but there are some differences depending on the company.
For companies such as Blueground and Nest Host, the process usually starts with an online form or a phone call. You will need to provide your contact information, desired arrival and departure dates, location preferences, budget, and any special requirements (e.g., pets, parking). The company will then offer you available options. If you like one of them, you will need to fill out an application, which may include a credit check and rental history, depending on the company.
For Airbnb, the process is simpler. You browse available apartments, read descriptions and reviews, view photos, and then book directly through the platform. Payment is made through Airbnb, which holds the money until you check out to protect both the host and the guest.
For Apartments.com and Zumper, you deal directly with the owner or management company, even through an intermediary. The process is more like a traditional rental, but often with a shorter contract period.
It's important to note that some companies have a minimum stay requirement. Nest Host, for example, requires a minimum of 2 nights for bookings within 15 days of the arrival date, 5 nights for 15-30 days in advance, and 7 nights for more than 30 days in advance. Age may also be a requirement—Nest Host, for example, requires guests to be at least 25 years old.
Advantages of furnished rentals
Furnished housing has several significant advantages, especially for newcomers moving to the city.
First, there is convenience. You don't need to spend time searching for and purchasing furniture. You arrive, unpack your suitcase, and you are ready to live. For people who move for work, this is often the biggest advantage.
Second, there are time and money savings. As mentioned, buying furniture to fully furnish an apartment can cost thousands of dollars. If you rent a furnished place, you avoid these costs.
Third, it's flexibility. If you don't like the place after a month, you can more easily terminate the contract and move to another place. Unfurnished apartments usually have longer contracts and stricter termination conditions.
Fourth, it is often better for people who only speak English. The booking process through online platforms is often simpler and requires less understanding of local customs than searching for unfurnished accommodation through local online sites.
Disadvantages of furnished rentals
However, furnished accommodation also has its disadvantages.
First, it is more expensive. As mentioned above, furnished accommodation costs more than unfurnished accommodation. If you live in one place for years, this extra money adds up.
Second, there is the quality of the furniture. Furniture in furnished apartments is often standard and functional, but not always comfortable. The bed may be hard, the sofa may be uncomfortable. If you have specific preferences regarding comfort, furnished accommodation may disappoint you.
Third, restrictions on changes. Most furnished rental contracts do not allow you to rearrange furniture or make other changes to the apartment. This can be frustrating if you have specific needs or preferences regarding the layout of the space.
Fourth, some companies have strict rules about cleaning. If, for example, you think the sofa needs cleaning, but the company considers it clean, you may face a conflict over the return of your deposit.
Alternatives to furnished rentals
If furnished rentals don't seem like an attractive option to you, there are several alternatives.
The first alternative is to rent an unfurnished apartment and buy furniture locally. Edmonton has many options for buying furniture at a reasonable price. Furniture stores such as Wayfair, Costco, and even Kijiji (the local equivalent of Craigslist) offer used furniture at cheap prices. Students and young people often sell furniture when they move, so you can find good deals if you are willing to spend time searching.
The second alternative is to rent furniture. Some companies in Canada allow you to rent furniture on a monthly or yearly basis. This is not as common in Edmonton as it is in large American cities, but it is possible if you are willing to pay extra.
The third alternative is a compromise: renting a cheap unfurnished apartment and buying small, inexpensive furniture from IKEA. IKEA is located in Edmonton on West Edmonton, close to the city, and offers inexpensive, functional furniture that is easy to assemble yourself. This often costs less than renting a furnished apartment for a certain period.
Conclusion: Is it worth renting furnished accommodation?
The answer to the question “Is it possible to rent furnished accommodation in Edmonton?” is unequivocal: yes, it is entirely possible, and it is often an excellent option for certain categories of people.
Furnished accommodation is ideal for those on short-term assignments, young professionals who have just moved to the city, adults whose living circumstances are unstable, and those who don't want to spend time and money furnishing a home. It is also great for foreigners who are moving to the city without an understanding of local customs and rental processes.
On the other hand, if you plan to stay in Edmonton for a long time and value personal comfort and control over your living space, furnished accommodation may not be the most economical or satisfying option.
Regardless of your choice, it is important to do your research, compare options, read reviews, and make sure you understand all the terms of the contract before signing. With a smart approach, furnished housing in Edmonton can be a fantastic starting point for your new life in the city.