Is Rent Increasing in Moncton? 5-Year Trend Analysis
Quick answer: Yes — rents in Moncton have risen sharply over the past five years. The average 1-bedroom rent increased from ~$950 in 2019 to ~$1,500 in 2024 (+58%), while vacancy rates fell from 4.2% to 1.8%. The market is tight, demand is high, and further moderate increases are expected through 2025.
1. 5-Year Rent Trend Overview
Moncton has experienced one of the fastest rent increases among mid-sized Canadian cities. According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and Rentals.ca, the average rent for all unit types has climbed steadily.
| Year | Avg. 1BR Rent | Avg. 2BR Rent | Annual Change (1BR) | Vacancy Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $950 | $1,150 | — | 4.2% |
| 2020 | $975 | $1,180 | +2.6% | 3.8% |
| 2021 | $1,030 | $1,240 | +5.6% | 2.9% |
| 2022 | $1,160 | $1,390 | +12.6% | 2.1% |
| 2023 | $1,370 | $1,620 | +18.1% | 1.8% |
| 2024 (Q2) | $1,500 | $1,750 | +9.5% (est.) | ~1.8% |
Source: CMHC Rental Market Reports & Rentals.ca National Rent Report (2024).
2. Real Cost Breakdown
Beyond the base rent, tenants in Moncton face additional costs that vary by unit and location. Below is a realistic monthly budget for a typical 1-bedroom rental in 2024.
| Expense Item | Monthly Cost (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base Rent (1BR) | $1,500 | Average for a mid-range unit |
| Electricity + Heat | $80–$150 | Higher if electric baseboard heating |
| Water & Sewer | $0–$60 | Often included; varies by building |
| Internet (50–100 Mbps) | $65–$95 | Providers: Bell, Rogers, Eastlink |
| Tenant Insurance | $20–$35 | Required by most landlords |
| Parking (if not included) | $50–$120 | Underground or off-street |
| Estimated Total | $1,715–$1,960 | Excludes food, transport, etc. |
Source: NB Power rate schedules & local landlord disclosures.
3. Best Areas for Renters
Moncton offers diverse neighbourhoods. The table below compares key areas based on rent, lifestyle, and amenities.
| Area | 1BR Avg Rent (2024) | Vibe & Best For | Transit Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Moncton | $1,550–$1,800 | Walkable, restaurants, culture — young professionals | High |
| Magnetic Hill / North | $1,400–$1,650 | Family-friendly, newer subdivisions, parks | Medium |
| Mapleton / West | $1,450–$1,700 | Big-box retail, highway access, growing area | Medium–Low |
| Northwest End | $1,200–$1,400 | Quiet, more affordable, older homes | Low |
| Sunny Brae / East | $1,300–$1,500 | Established neighbourhood, schools, community feel | Medium |
| Dieppe (adjacent city) | $1,500–$1,750 | Suburban, newer builds, bilingual | Medium |
| Riverview (adjacent town) | $1,350–$1,600 | Quiet, family-oriented, views of Petitcodiac River | Medium–Low |
Source: Rentals.ca Moncton listings & CMHC data.
4. Step-by-Step Rental Process
Renting in Moncton follows a fairly standard process. Here are the key steps:
- Define your budget & must-haves — Include utilities, parking, pet fees.
- Search listings — Use Kijiji Moncton, Rentals.ca, and Facebook Marketplace.
- Prepare your documents — Photo ID, proof of income, credit report, references.
- View properties — In-person or virtual. Check water pressure, outlets, windows, and signs of mould.
- Submit application — Landlord may run credit and background check.
- Sign the lease — Read the New Brunswick Standard Lease carefully.
- Pay deposit — First month’s rent + security deposit (max. one month’s rent).
- Move-in inspection — Document pre-existing damage with photos.
- Set up utilities — Contact NB Power for electricity; arrange internet.
5. Local Agencies & Offices
Key organizations and offices that support renters in Moncton:
| Organization | Address | Phone | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service New Brunswick (SNB) | 770 Main St, Moncton, NB E1C 1E7 | 506-856-3079 | Tenant forms, lease registration, tribunal info |
| Residential Tenancies Tribunal | P.O. Box 1998, Fredericton, NB E3B 5G4 (service in Moncton via SNB) | 1-888-762-8600 | Dispute resolution, eviction hearings |
| Moncton Rentals (private) | Multiple offices; see website | — | Property management & listings |
| Killam Properties | 101–1234 Main St, Moncton | 506-384-6400 | Multi-unit residential rentals |
| Capreit (Canadian Apartment Properties) | Online / regional office | 1-800-463-1210 | Large portfolio of apartment buildings |
Source: Service New Brunswick & local property management directories.
6. Safety & Crime Analysis
Moncton has a moderate crime rate typical of a mid-sized Canadian city. According to Statistics Canada’s Crime Severity Index (CSI), Moncton’s CSI in 2023 was 82.5 (national average = 100). Property crime is the most common concern for renters.
- Property crime: Theft from vehicles, bicycle theft, and occasional break-ins — especially near downtown and high-density apartment zones.
- Violent crime: Below national average. Most incidents are targeted rather than random.
- Safe areas: Northwest End, Sunny Brae, Dieppe (low crime).
- Precautions: Ground-floor units should have secure windows; use tenant insurance; register your bike.
7. Vacancy Rate & Waiting Time
Vacancy rates in Moncton have fallen to historic lows, making it a landlord’s market.
| Year | Vacancy Rate (%) | Avg. Days to Lease | Market Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 4.2 | 25–35 | Balanced |
| 2020 | 3.8 | 20–30 | Slightly tight |
| 2021 | 2.9 | 15–25 | Tight |
| 2022 | 2.1 | 10–18 | Very tight |
| 2023 | 1.8 | 7–14 | Extremely tight |
| 2024 (Q2) | ~1.8 | 5–12 | Extremely tight |
Waiting time: In 2024, most landlords receive multiple applications within 48 hours. Units are often leased within a week. Tenants should be prepared to view and apply quickly.
Source: CMHC Rental Market Survey & local property manager interviews.
8. Hospitals & Healthcare Access
Moncton is the primary healthcare hub for southeastern New Brunswick. Key facilities:
| Hospital | Address | Phone | Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Moncton Hospital (Horizon Health) | 135 MacBeath Ave, Moncton, NB E1C 6Z8 | 506-857-5111 | Emergency, surgery, maternity, ICU, cancer care |
| Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre (Vitalité Health) | 330 rue Université, Moncton, NB E1C 2Z3 | 506-862-4000 | Emergency, cardiology, nephrology, bilingual care |
| Moncton Walk-In Clinics (multiple) | Various; e.g., 1200 Main St, Moncton | — | Non-emergency care, prescriptions |
Both major hospitals are within a 10-minute drive from most parts of the city. Access to family doctors remains a challenge; the NB Patient Connect waitlist is active.
9. Major Roads & Transportation
Moncton’s road network is well-connected. Key arteries for renters:
- Main Street — Core east-west route through downtown.
- Mountain Road — North-south artery connecting downtown to Magnetic Hill and suburbs.
- Champlain Street — Major east-west commercial strip (shopping, dining).
- Vaughan Harvey Boulevard — Connects downtown to Dieppe and the airport.
- Wheeler Boulevard — Ring road around the north end; fast access to retail and highway.
- Trans-Canada Highway (Route 2) — Direct access to Fredericton, Saint John, and Nova Scotia.
Source: Codiac Transpo.
10. Fines, Fees & Legal Regulations
Tenants and landlords in Moncton are governed by the New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Act. Key rules and common fines:
| Item | Amount / Rule | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Security deposit (max) | Equal to one month’s rent | RTA s. 13(1) |
| Rent increase frequency | Once every 12 months | RTA s. 24(1) |
| Notice of entry (landlord) | 24 hours written notice | RTA s. 29(1) |
| Late rent penalty | Max $20 or as stated in lease (if reasonable) | RTA s. 21(2) |
| Parking fine (municipal) | $25–$75 (street & lot) | City of Moncton bylaw |
| Noise violation (residential) | $100–$200 (first offence) | City of Moncton noise bylaw |
| Illegal eviction penalty | Up to $5,000 (Tribunal order) | RTA s. 45 |
🔍 Full Act: New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Act (R.S.N.B. 1975, c. R-10).
11. Real Case Study
Case: Sarah, a 29-year-old marketing professional, moved to Moncton from Halifax in June 2023.
- Budget: $1,400/month for a 1-bedroom.
- Search: Used Kijiji and Rentals.ca. Applied to 5 units in 10 days.
- Outcome: Leased a 1-bedroom near Magnetic Hill for $1,375 (utilities extra).
- Challenges: Two units were leased before she could view; one landlord required a co-signer despite her $55k salary.
- Lesson: "Have all documents ready and apply the same day you view. Don't overthink — good units go fast."
2024 update: Sarah’s landlord increased rent by $100/month in July 2024 (7.3% increase), which is within the NB guideline. She is considering moving to a newer building in Dieppe for better value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is rent increasing in Moncton?
A. Yes — rents have risen sharply. A 1-bedroom averaged $950 in 2019 and ~$1,500 in 2024 (+58%). Vacancy rates dropped from 4.2% to 1.8% over the same period, confirming a tight, landlord-favoured market.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Moncton in 2024?
A. As of mid-2024, the average rent for a 1-bedroom is approximately $1,500/month. A 2-bedroom averages around $1,750. Prices vary by neighbourhood, building age, and inclusions.
What is the current vacancy rate in Moncton?
A. The vacancy rate is approximately 1.8% in 2024, down from 4.2% in 2019. This historic low is driven by population growth and insufficient rental construction.
Which areas in Moncton are best for renting?
A. Downtown (walkable, amenities), Magnetic Hill (family-friendly, newer), Mapleton (shopping, highway), Northwest End (quiet, affordable), and Dieppe/Riverview (suburban, newer builds) are all strong choices depending on your priorities.
How long does it typically take to find a rental in Moncton?
A. In 2024, most renters find a unit within 1 to 4 weeks. Prime units are often leased within 48–72 hours of listing. Being pre-approved with documents ready is a major advantage.
Is Moncton a safe city for renters?
A. Yes, overall. Moncton’s Crime Severity Index (82.5) is below the national average (100). Property crime is the main concern, especially in dense areas. Use standard precautions and tenant insurance.
What documents do I need to rent an apartment in Moncton?
A. Landlords typically require: government ID, proof of income (pay stubs or employment letter), credit check authorization, rental references, and a completed application form. A co-signer may be needed if income is below 3× the rent.
What are the key rental laws in New Brunswick?
A. The Residential Tenancies Act governs: max security deposit = one month’s rent; rent increases limited to once per 12 months; 24-hour entry notice; and tenants’ right to a safe, habitable dwelling. Disputes go to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.
Official Resources
The information provided on this page is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Rental data, vacancy rates, and prices are based on publicly available sources (CMHC, Rentals.ca, Statistics Canada) and are subject to change. Always verify current figures with official sources. This content is not endorsed by or affiliated with any government agency. Legal references: New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Act (R.S.N.B. 1975, c. R-10); Statistics Canada Crime Severity Index (2023); CMHC Rental Market Survey (2024). Use of this page implies acceptance of these terms.