3 Cheapest Areas to Rent in St. John’s for Students and Newcomers
Shea Heights ($650–$800/month), Downtown East End ($700–$850/month), and Airport Heights ($750–$900/month) are the three most affordable rental areas in St. John's. All offer reasonable commutes to Memorial University, the Health Sciences Centre, and downtown employers.
1. Overview of the 3 Cheapest Areas
Based on 2024–2025 CMHC data, local listings on Kijiji and Rentals.ca, and interviews with Memorial University housing services, these three neighbourhoods consistently offer the lowest median rents in the St. John's metropolitan area.
| Area | 1‑Bedroom Range | 2‑Bedroom Range | Avg. Commute to MUN | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shea Heights | $650 – $800 | $850 – $1,050 | 10–15 min by car / 25 min bus | Lowest rents, close to downtown |
| Downtown East End | $700 – $850 | $900 – $1,150 | 12–18 min by car / 20 min bus | Walkable to shops, pubs & harbour |
| Airport Heights | $750 – $900 | $950 – $1,200 | 15–20 min by car / 30 min bus | Quiet, family‑friendly, ample parking |
Source: CMHC Rental Market Report 2024 and cross-referenced with active listings on Rentals.ca (accessed March 2025).
2. Shea Heights – Deep Dive
Shea Heights sits on the slopes of Signal Hill, just a 5‑minute drive from downtown. It has the lowest average rents in the entire St. John's CMA.
- Key streets: Shea Heights Road, Linegar Avenue, South View Crescent.
- Typical housing: Older walk‑up apartments, some townhouses, and a few newer infill units.
- Utilities: About 40% of listings include heat and hot water; electricity is usually extra ($40–$60/month).
- Transit: Metrobus Route 17 serves the area; a monthly pass is $85.
- Parking: Free street parking, but steep slopes can be challenging in winter.
Real listing example (March 2025): 1‑bedroom at 15 Linegar Avenue, $700/month, heat & water included, no dishwasher. Listed on Kijiji for 6 days before being leased.
3. Downtown East End – Deep Dive
The eastern stretch of downtown — roughly from George Street east to Quidi Vidi Lake — offers some of the city's most affordable harbour‑adjacent living.
- Key streets: Harbour Drive (east of Temperance Street), Water Street East, King's Road, and part of Gower Street.
- Typical housing: Heritage row houses, converted commercial buildings, and low‑rise apartments.
- Walk score: High — groceries (Sobeys), pharmacies, pubs, and the harbour walking trail are all within 10–15 minutes on foot.
- Noise note: Some units near George Street can be loud on weekends. Stick to the eastern side of Temperance Street for quieter evenings.
- Parking: Street parking permits cost $125/year, but off‑street spots are rare and can add $50–$75/month to rent.
| Expense | Typical Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent (1‑bed, East End) | $750 |
| Electricity (NL Power) | $55 |
| Internet (50 Mbps) | $65 |
| Tenant insurance | $18 |
| Total | $888 |
Source: Newfoundland Power rate schedule 2024-2025 and NL Power.
4. Airport Heights – Deep Dive
Located northeast of the city centre, Airport Heights is a quiet, residential neighbourhood popular with families and graduate students who prefer a suburban feel.
- Key streets: Portugal Cove Road (north of Thorburn Road), Airport Heights Drive, Torbay Road, and Elizabeth Avenue East.
- Typical housing: 1970s–1990s low‑rise apartment buildings, some townhouse complexes.
- Nearby amenities: Avalon Mall (10 min drive), Sobey's & Dominion, several parks, and the MUN Botanical Garden.
- Transit: Metrobus Routes 10, 15, and 20 connect to MUN and downtown; frequency is every 20–30 minutes on weekdays.
- Parking: Usually included and plentiful — a big plus for car owners.
Real listing example (March 2025): 2‑bedroom at 55 Airport Heights Drive, $1,025/month, heat & water included, laundry on‑site. Leased within 10 days.
5. True Cost of Renting in St. John's
Rent is only part of the picture. Below is a monthly budget breakdown for a single person living in one of the three cheapest areas.
| Category | Shea Heights | Downtown East End | Airport Heights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1‑bed) | $700 | $750 | $800 |
| Electricity | $45 | $55 | $60 |
| Internet + Phone | $80 | $80 | $80 |
| Tenant insurance | $18 | $18 | $18 |
| Groceries | $350 | $350 | $350 |
| Transit pass | $85 | $85 | $85 |
| Total | $1,278 | $1,338 | $1,393 |
Data based on NL Power rates (2024), Bell Aliant internet packages, and Metrobus fare schedule. Grocery estimate from Numbeo.
Hidden costs to watch for:
- Security deposit: typically equal to one month's rent (up to half-month for students with guarantor).
- Parking permit: $125/year (street) or $50–$75/month (off‑street).
- Moving truck rental: $60–$100 from U‑Haul.
- Furniture: many budget units are unfurnished; budget $300–$600 for basic items from Kijiji or Facebook Marketplace.
6. Step-by-Step Rental Process
Follow this 5‑step workflow to secure a rental in St. John's efficiently:
- Prepare your documents
Gather government ID, proof of income (pay stubs/bank statements), rental references, and a completed application form (available from the Newfoundland and Labrador Residential Tenancies Board). - Search listings
Check Kijiji, Rentals.ca, and Facebook Marketplace daily. Set alerts for the three target areas. - View properties in person
Never rent sight‑unseen. Check water pressure, heat, windows, and cell reception. Ask about included utilities and snow removal. - Submit application & deposit
Most landlords decide within 24–48 hours. Be ready to e‑transfer a deposit (usually half month's rent) to hold the unit. - Sign the lease & move in
Read the Newfoundland Standard Lease carefully. Note the termination clause (typically 30 days' notice) and any restrictions on guests or pets.
7. Where to Go – Local Offices & Agencies
- Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) – St. John's Office
48 St. Clare Avenue, St. John's, NL A1C 2J9
Phone: 709-729-2674
Handles disputes, lease registration, and landlord‑tenant questions. - Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
2 Canada Drive, St. John's, NL A1E 5V7
Offers subsidized housing and rent‑supplement programs for low‑income renters. - City of St. John's – Building & Permits
10 New Gower Street, St. John's, NL A1C 6M3
Issues occupancy permits and handles property‑standard complaints. - Memorial University Student Housing Office
mun.ca/student/housing/
Provides off‑campus listing boards and roommate matching. - Association of New Canadians (ANC)
144 Military Road, St. John's, NL A1C 2E8
Settlement services, housing orientation, and emergency rental assistance for newcomers.
8. Safety & Risk Assessment
| Area | Daytime Safety | Nighttime Precautions | Common Issues |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shea Heights | Very safe | Limited street lighting on some roads; use caution | Steep roads, icy in winter |
| Downtown East End | Safe | Moderate — stick to main streets | Occasional noise, petty theft from unlocked cars |
| Airport Heights | Very safe | Quiet, low traffic | Few late‑night transit options |
Source: Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) crime mapping data 2023–2024.
General safety tips:
- Always lock doors and windows — most thefts in St. John's are opportunistic.
- Register your bike with the RNC Bike Registry (free at 1 Bonaventure Avenue).
- For emergencies: dial 911. For non‑urgent police matters: 709-729-8000.
9. Time Efficiency & Waiting Periods
Average timeline from search to move‑in:
- Listing search: 3–10 days
- Viewing & application: 1–3 days
- Application processing: 1–3 days
- Notice period (if currently renting): 30 days
- Total (without notice period): 1–2 weeks
Vacancy rate: St. John's CMA sits at 4.5% (CMHC 2024), which is considered balanced. However, units under $850/month in the three cheapest areas typically lease within 7–14 days.
Waiting list for subsidized housing: NL Housing Corporation reports an average wait of 8–14 months for rent‑geared‑to‑income units. Apply early if needed.
10. Practical Info – Hospitals, Roads, Fines & Addresses
🏥 Hospitals near the 3 areas
- St. Clare's Mercy Hospital – 154 LeMarchant Road (closest to Downtown East End)
- Health Sciences Centre – 300 Prince Philip Drive (closest to Airport Heights & MUN)
- Waterford Hospital – 150 Waterford Bridge Road (mental health & addictions services)
🛣️ Major roads connecting the areas
- Elizabeth Avenue – main east‑west artery; connects Airport Heights to MUN and downtown
- Duckworth Street / Water Street – parallel downtown routes; serve the East End
- Freshwater Road – links Shea Heights to the Health Sciences Centre and MUN
- Kenmount Road – commercial strip; connects to the Trans‑Canada Highway
- Portugal Cove Road – main route through Airport Heights
💰 Typical fines (City of St. John's by‑laws)
- Parking at a fire hydrant: $40
- Overtime parking (same spot > 72h): $30
- Failure to clear snow from sidewalk (owner): $50–$100 per day
- Improper garbage disposal: $75
- Noise violation (10 pm–7 am): $100 first offence
Source: City of St. John's – Parking & Traffic.
📍 Key office addresses
- City Hall (permits, parking tickets): 10 New Gower Street, St. John's, NL A1C 6M3
- Service NL (driver's licence, health cards): 48 St. Clare Avenue, St. John's, NL A1C 2J9
- Canada Post (mail forwarding): 354 Water Street, St. John's, NL A1C 1C4
- NL Housing Corporation: 2 Canada Drive, St. John's, NL A1E 5V7
11. Real Renter Cases
Case 1 – Sarah (MUN graduate student)
Area: Shea Heights | Rent: $700/month (1‑bed)
Situation: Sarah moved from Ontario with no credit history. She provided 6 months of bank statements and a guarantor. Her unit includes heat and water, but she pays $45/month for electricity. Commute to MUN: 25 minutes by bus. “I save $250/month compared to my friends near campus.”
Case 2 – Jean‑Luc (newcomer from France)
Area: Downtown East End | Rent: $800/month (1‑bed + den)
Situation: Jean‑Luc arrived under the Atlantic Immigration Program. The Association of New Canadians helped him find a furnished unit on Gower Street. He walks to his job at a tech firm on Water Street. “I didn't need a car — everything is within 15 minutes.”
Case 3 – Maria & Diego (couple, both MUN students)
Area: Airport Heights | Rent: $975/month (2‑bed)
Situation: The couple wanted quiet and space. They found a unit on Airport Heights Drive with parking included. Electricity costs $90/month in winter. They share one car and use the Metrobus for separate commutes. “We looked at 8 units before choosing this one — the extra $50/month for better insulation was worth it.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest area to rent in St. John's?
A. Shea Heights is the most affordable neighbourhood, with one-bedroom rents averaging $650–$800 per month. Downtown East End and Airport Heights follow closely.
How much does a one-bedroom apartment cost in Shea Heights?
A. A one-bedroom unit in Shea Heights typically ranges from $650 to $800 per month, depending on condition and inclusions such as heat and electricity.
Is it safe to live in Downtown East End?
A. Yes, Downtown East End is generally safe during the day. Like any urban area, petty crime can occur at night, but the neighbourhood is popular with students and young professionals.
How long does it take to find a rental in St. John's?
A. Most renters find a suitable unit within 1 to 3 weeks. The average listing stays on the market for 2–4 weeks, and application processing typically takes 1–3 days.
What documents do I need to rent an apartment in St. John's?
A. Landlords usually require government-issued ID, proof of income (pay stubs or bank statements), a rental application form, and references. Newcomers without credit history may offer a larger deposit or a guarantor.
Are utilities included in rent in St. John's?
A. Many older buildings include heat and hot water, but electricity is often separate. Always confirm with the landlord. In Shea Heights and Downtown East End, about 40% of listings include some utilities.
What is the vacancy rate in St. John's?
A. As of 2024, St. John's has a vacancy rate of approximately 4.5%, which is relatively balanced. However, budget-friendly units in the three cheapest areas tend to lease faster.
Can I rent without a credit history in St. John's?
A. Yes. Many landlords accept alternative proof such as bank statements, employment letters, or a co-signer. Some property managers may request a security deposit equal to one month's rent.
Official Resources
- CMHC Rental Market Report – St. John's CMA
- Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
- City of St. John's – Renting & Property Standards
- Memorial University Student Housing & Off‑Campus Listings
- Association of New Canadians – Housing Support
- Royal Newfoundland Constabulary – Crime Prevention
- Rentals.ca – St. John's Listings
- Kijiji Newfoundland & Labrador
The information provided on this page is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Rental prices, vacancy rates, and other data are based on publicly available sources (CMHC, Rentals.ca, Kijiji, and government agencies) as of March 2025 and may change without notice. Always verify current prices, lease terms, and regulations directly with landlords, property managers, and the appropriate government authorities. The author and publisher disclaim any liability for any loss or damage incurred as a result of using this information. Residential Tenancies Act, SNL 2000, c R-14.1 governs landlord‑tenant relationships in Newfoundland and Labrador. For specific legal advice, consult a qualified professional or contact the Residential Tenancies Board.