How Much Does It Cost to Furnish an Apartment?

July 28, 2021

Moving into a new apartment is exciting—whether it’s your very first place, a student rental, or a fresh start in a new city. But once you’ve got the keys, the big question kicks in: how much will it actually cost to furnish your apartment?

The truth is, furnishing costs in Canada vary widely depending on your taste, lifestyle, and budget. Let’s break it down so you know what to expect—and where you can save without sacrificing comfort.

The Average Cost to Furnish an Apartment in Canada:

On average, Canadians spend $5,000 to $8,000 CAD to fully furnish a one-bedroom apartment. This includes basics like a bed, sofa, dining set, kitchen items, and some décor.

Here’s a quick snapshot:

Budget setup (IKEA, Walmart, second-hand): $2,000 – $4,000
Mid-range setup (Structube, The Brick, Leon’s): $5,000 – $8,000
Luxury setup (EQ3, West Elm, custom pieces): $10,000+

Your final cost depends on how much you mix and match between budget-friendly and statement pieces.

Essential Room-by-Room Breakdown

Bedroom

Your bedroom is where you’ll spend the most time, so investing here makes sense.

Bed frame + mattress: $900 – $2,000
Nightstands & lamps: $200 – $600
Dresser/closet solutions: $300 – $800

💡 Tip: Memory foam mattresses and bed-in-a-box brands in Canada often give the best balance of comfort and price.

Living Room

The heart of your home, where you’ll host friends or binge Netflix.

Sofa: $800 – $2,500
Coffee table: $150 – $500
TV + stand: $600 – $1,500
Rugs, décor, lamps: $300 – $800

💡 Copywriting touch: Imagine walking into your apartment after a long Canadian winter day and sinking into a cozy sofa—it’s worth every penny.

Dining Area

Even if your space is small, a dining setup makes meals feel complete.

Dining table + 2–4 chairs: $400 – $1,200
Bar stools (for condos with islands): $200 – $500

Kitchen Essentials

Small appliances and cookware can add up fast.

Microwave, toaster, kettle, blender: $200 – $600
Pots, pans, utensils, dishes: $300 – $800

💡 Tip: Canadian retailers like Canadian Tire and Costco offer bundled kitchen starter kits at lower prices.

Bathroom

Often overlooked, but little items make a big difference.

Towels & shower curtain: $100 – $250
Storage organizers: $100 – $200

Work/Study Corner

If you work from home (and many Canadians now do), you’ll want this.

Desk + chair: $300 – $900
Monitor & accessories: $400 – $1,200

How to Save Money on Furnishing in Canada?

Buy second-hand: Check Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, and Habitat for Humanity’s ReStores.
Shop Canadian sales: Look out for Boxing Day, Black Friday, and end-of-season clearance sales.
Mix high & low: Splurge on comfort items (mattress, sofa), save on décor and storage.
Consider rental packages: Some Canadian companies let you rent furniture if you’re staying short-term.

Final Thoughts:

So, how much does it cost to furnish an apartment in Canada? Anywhere from $2,000 on a tight budget to $10,000+ if you go premium. The key is prioritizing what matters most to you—comfort, style, or savings.