Edmonton & Calgary Rental Market Report – May 2026

The Alberta rental market continues to show two very different stories between Edmonton and Calgary. While Calgary rents appear to be stabilizing after years of rapid growth, Edmonton continues to offer strong affordability and steady demand for landlords and real estate investors. According to the latest Davies Property Management Rent Report for May 2026, both cities remain active rental markets, but the trends are shifting.

For landlords and investors, understanding these changes is critical when making decisions about pricing, acquisitions, tenant retention, and long-term portfolio growth. As one of Edmonton’s leading property management companies with 42 years of experience, Davies Property Management closely monitors rental trends across Alberta to help property owners maximize returns while reducing risk.

Edmonton Rental Market Update – May 2026

Edmonton continues to stand out as one of Alberta’s most attractive rental markets for investors focused on affordability and stable returns.

According to the May 2026 report:

• Average furnished 1-bedroom rent: $1,386
• Average unfurnished 1-bedroom rent: $1,249

While furnished rents declined slightly month-over-month, Edmonton’s unfurnished market posted modest growth, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a stable and sustainable investment market.

Edmonton Rental Trends Continue to Show Stability

The Edmonton rental trend data remained remarkably consistent over the past six months:

• December 2025: $1,246
• January 2026: $1,246
• February 2026: $1,237
• March 2026: $1,243
• April 2026: $1,241
• May 2026: $1,249

Unlike Calgary’s sharper market swings, Edmonton’s rental pricing has remained relatively stable, which is attractive for landlords focused on predictable long-term cash flow.

Stable rental markets often create lower turnover risk, improved tenant retention, and more reliable forecasting for investors building long-term portfolios.

Edmonton’s Best Performing Rental Sectors

Furnished Rental Market

The strongest furnished rental pricing in Edmonton was found in:

• Downtown: $2,586 for 3-bedroom units
• Southwest: $2,505 for 3-bedroom units
• Southeast: $2,235 for 3-bedroom units

Downtown Edmonton continues to attract professionals and executive tenants, while Southwest and Southeast Edmonton remain popular among families and long-term renters.

Unfurnished Rental Market

For unfurnished properties:

• Downtown led at $2,171 for 3-bedroom units
• Northwest reached $2,072
• Southwest averaged $2,035

These numbers demonstrate continued demand across multiple Edmonton sectors, particularly for larger family homes.

Calgary Rental Market Update – May 2026

Calgary’s rental market continues to remain resilient, although rent growth has slowed considerably compared to previous years. The average rent for a 1-bedroom furnished unit reached $1,590, while unfurnished 1-bedroom units averaged $1,454 in May 2026.

While these numbers still reflect a strong rental market, the data suggests Calgary may be entering a more balanced phase after significant increases over the past several years.

Calgary Rental Trends

The rental trend graph shows that Calgary’s 1-bedroom unfurnished market experienced moderate fluctuations throughout the past six months:

• December 2025: $1,512
• January 2026: $1,486
• February 2026: $1,490
• March 2026: $1,460
• April 2026: $1,440
• May 2026: $1,454

Compared to the same period in 2025, Calgary rents remain slightly lower overall, indicating the market may be stabilizing after a period of aggressive rent growth.

For landlords, this means pricing strategy is becoming increasingly important. Overpricing units in a stabilizing market can lead to longer vacancy periods, while accurate market positioning helps maintain occupancy and cash flow.

Calgary’s Strongest Rental Areas

Furnished Rental Market

The highest furnished rental rates in Calgary were reported in:

• Southeast: $2,836 for 3-bedroom units
• Southwest: $2,784 for 3-bedroom units
• City Centre: $2,602 for 2-bedroom units

These areas continue to attract professionals, relocating families, and higher-income tenants seeking convenience and upgraded accommodations.

Unfurnished Rental Market

In the unfurnished category:

• City Centre led 3-bedroom rents at $2,786
• Southwest followed closely at $2,671
• Southeast remained strong at $2,183

This demonstrates continued demand for family-oriented housing in Calgary’s suburban and central communities.

What This Means for Alberta Landlords

The May 2026 rental data highlights two important investment realities across Alberta:

Edmonton

Edmonton continues to offer stable rental performance, attractive affordability, and strong long-term investor fundamentals.

Calgary

Calgary remains a strong rental market, but landlords should prepare for a more competitive environment where pricing accuracy and professional management matter more than ever.

For property owners, this reinforces the importance of:

• Strategic rental pricing
• Professional tenant placement
• Vacancy reduction strategies
• Ongoing property maintenance
• Local market expertise

Why Professional Property Management Matters in a Changing Market

As rental markets evolve, experienced property management becomes increasingly valuable. Small mistakes in pricing, tenant screening, or maintenance coordination can significantly impact annual returns.

Davies Property Management has been helping Alberta landlords protect and grow their investments for over 42 years. As a 4-time Consumer Choice Award winner, Davies provides landlords with professional systems designed to reduce vacancies, protect property value, and simplify day-to-day ownership.

From tenant placement and rent collection to maintenance coordination and legal compliance, professional management allows landlords to focus on long-term portfolio growth rather than operational stress.

Looking Ahead

As Alberta’s economy continues to evolve throughout 2026, both Edmonton and Calgary remain important rental markets for investors. Calgary may continue transitioning toward a more balanced market, while Edmonton’s consistency continues to attract long-term investors seeking stable performance.

Landlords who stay informed and adapt quickly to local market conditions will be best positioned to maximize returns in the months ahead.

If you would like help evaluating your rental property, improving occupancy, or simplifying property management, the team at Davies Property Management is available to help.

With 42 years of experience managing Alberta rental properties, Davies continues to help landlords reduce stress, protect their investments, and build long-term success.