U.S.A. rents were mostly stable with to up slightly, with some softening in the Sun Belt and some modest increases in secondary cities and those with strong Job Markets. Canadian rents were mostly flat or down slightly.
AIRINC’s latest North America cost-of-living update illustrates how trends vary significantly between the United States and Canada. The reasons were varied with some cities benefiting from an increase in the supply of new housing and others experiencing low demand because of the slowdown in immigration, However, the story varies by region—and so do the implications for mobility planning.
Rents in the United States generally increased slightly, several regional dynamics are worth noting.
In many coastal markets, affordability constraints have begun to limit rent growth. In some cases, rents slowed or declined as renters reached the maximum they were willing or able to pay.
Cities with strong economic growth experienced rising rents due to increased demand. Chicago stood out in 2025 as an example of a city where a robust job market helped push rental prices upward.
States from Arizona to Florida experienced a surge in new multi-unit construction. This increase in supply led to oversaturation in several markets, resulting in rent concessions and softening rents.
San Francisco saw renewed demand as companies reinstated return-to-office policies and highly paid AI professionals moved into the city. This shift contributed to a noticeable strengthening of the rental market.
Canada’s rental market presented a more subdued picture, with most cities experiencing stable or slightly declining rents.
Toronto and Vancouver saw significant increases in available units due to newly completed apartment developments, which helped ease rent pressures.
A decline in international students and tighter visa controls contributed to falling demand in university areas and among professionals relocating from abroad.
With fewer new jobs available, mobility into major Canadian cities slowed, which further reduced demand for rental housing.
Weak condo sales in several markets encouraged more owners to shift their units into the rental pool. This increase in supply helped keep rents from rising.
Home purchase prices in the United States were generally higher, driven by several factors:
The Canadian home sales market was more varied, reflecting shifting buyer confidence and regional demand:
As domestic housing conditions continue to evolve, mobility teams depend on accurate data and clear guidance to make informed decisions. AIRINC’s domestic solutions offer the data organizations need to understand changing markets. Our resources include detailed housing and cost-of-living data, lump-sum modeling support, policy benchmarking, and state-to-state tax considerations. Together, these tools help mobility professionals design programs that remain competitive, equitable, and cost-effective.
With a focus on practical analysis grounded in real housing trends, AIRINC supports clients as they adjust their domestic mobility strategies to meet today’s challenges and prepare for what comes next.