You have set your rental budget at around $2,100/month. In Edmonton in 2026, that puts you in a strong position — but what you actually get for that money varies enormously depending on what type of home you choose and where you look.
This guide breaks down what $2,100/month looks like across different rental types so you can compare apples to apples instead of guessing from listings.
$2,100/Month: Apartment
At this budget, you are looking at the top end of Edmonton’s apartment market.
What you typically get:
- 2 bedrooms (possibly a large 1 bedroom + den in a luxury building)
- 800 - 1,100 sq ft
- Downtown or central location
- In-building amenities (gym, lounge, maybe a rooftop)
- Underground parking (one stall, sometimes extra)
- In-unit laundry in newer buildings
What you give up:
- Space — even the best apartments at this price rarely exceed 1,100 sq ft
- Privacy — shared walls on multiple sides, noise from above and below
- Outdoor space — a small balcony at best
- Storage — limited closets, no garage
- Pet restrictions — many luxury apartments limit or ban pets
Best for: Singles or couples who want a central location and building amenities over living space.
$2,100/Month: Older Townhouse
In established suburbs, $2,100 gets you a townhouse with more space but older construction.
What you typically get:
- 3 bedrooms
- 1,100 - 1,400 sq ft
- Single garage (attached or detached) or surface parking
- 1.5 - 2 bathrooms
- In-unit laundry (usually)
- Suburban location with yard access in some cases
What you give up:
- Modern finishes — kitchens and bathrooms from 10-15 years ago
- Energy efficiency — older insulation means higher utility bills
- Layout — closed-off rooms, narrower spaces
- Condition — wear from previous tenants, older appliances
Best for: Families who need bedrooms and do not mind dated finishes in exchange for more space.
$2,100/Month: New Build Townhome
At this price point, a brand new townhome is the option that delivers the most total value.
What you get at Cherry Hills ($2,125/month):
- 3 bedrooms + ground-floor den
- 2.5 bathrooms
- 1,544 sq ft
- Double attached garage (two vehicles, plus storage)
- Private balcony
- In-unit laundry
- Brand new construction — no previous tenants
- Modern open-concept layout
- Contemporary kitchen with modern appliances
- Pet-friendly (dogs and cats welcome)
- 98 acres of park space in The Orchards
- Walking-distance schools
- 15-minute commute to Nisku and Edmonton International Airport
Plus: 1 month free rent on a 13-month lease (effective monthly cost: ~$1,962)
What you give up:
- Central location — The Orchards is in Southeast Edmonton, 25-30 minutes from downtown
- Urban walkability — this is suburban, car-dependent living
Side-by-Side Comparison at ~$2,100/Month
| Feature | Luxury Apartment | Older Townhouse | New Townhome (Cherry Hills) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bedrooms | 2 | 3 | 3 + den |
| Bathrooms | 1 | 1.5-2 | 2.5 |
| Sq ft | 800-1,100 | 1,100-1,400 | 1,544 |
| Garage | Underground stall | Single (varies) | Double attached |
| Condition | Varies | 10-15 years old | Brand new |
| Laundry | In-unit (maybe) | In-unit (usually) | In-unit |
| Balcony/outdoor | Small balcony | Varies | Private balcony |
| Pet policy | Often restricted | Varies | Dogs & cats welcome |
| Location | Central | Suburban | SE Edmonton |
Where the Value Tips
The math favours the new build townhome for most renters at this budget:
Space per Dollar
- Apartment: $1.91 - $2.63 per sq ft
- Older townhouse: $1.50 - $1.91 per sq ft
- Cherry Hills: $1.38 per sq ft
You get 40-90% more living space in a new townhome compared to an apartment at the same price.
Included Features
An apartment at $2,100 often charges extra for:
- Second parking stall: $100-$150/month
- Storage locker: $50-$100/month
- Pet fee: $50-$75/month
At Cherry Hills, the double garage (two vehicles + storage) and pet-friendliness are included. No add-ons.
Utility Costs
New build insulation and windows reduce heating costs compared to both older townhouses and older apartment buildings. The savings are most noticeable December through March when gas bills in poorly insulated homes can exceed $300/month.
The One Scenario Where an Apartment Wins
If you work downtown and do not have a car, a central apartment at $2,100 eliminates commuting costs entirely. Walking or biking to work saves $300-$500/month in vehicle expenses. In that specific scenario, the apartment’s location premium is justified.
For everyone else — families, commuters, pet owners, people who value space — the new build townhome delivers more at the same price point.
See What $2,125/Month Looks Like in Person
Numbers on a page tell part of the story. Walking through 1,544 sq ft with a double garage and modern finishes tells the rest.
Book a tour at Cherry Hills or call (587) 409-9635. For a detailed cost breakdown, see our cost of renting a 3 bedroom home in Edmonton guide.
Ready to See Cherry Hills?
Experience our spacious 3-bedroom townhomes in Edmonton's Orchards neighbourhood.