You’ve just touched down in Toronto for a three-month consulting contract. It’s a new city, a new gig, and you’ve got a housing budget to work with. The company has entrusted you with handling the details. So, after a long day of meetings and trying to adjust to a new routine, you open your laptop and start browsing places to stay.
As you scroll through listings, something keeps popping up; some places are labeled as condos, others as apartments. At first, it feels like a slight difference. But then you notice specific units have move-in fees, stricter rules, or different amenities. The deeper you go, the more confusing it gets.
If you’re working remotely from a new city, traveling as a digital nomad, or navigating a family move, those details start to matter. The right space can make or break your day-to-day comfort and flexibility.
In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences between a condo vs apartment across Canadian cities. We’ll explore how they compare on costs, amenities, maintenance, and lifestyle. Whether you’re staying for a few months or longer, this guide will help you select a place that suits your needs and your lifestyle.
Condo vs. Apartment in Canada: Quick-Glance Scorecard
When you’re starting your rental search, it’s helpful to compare key features side by side. While condos and apartments often appear similar in photos, their pricing, services, and policies can differ in ways that impact your experience, especially if you’re staying for a month or longer.
The table below highlights common differences based on actual market data across Canadian cities. Use it as a quick reference to help you decide which type of rental better fits your needs.
| Factor | Condos (General Market) | Apartments (General Market) |
| Monthly Rate (avg.) | C$1,300–C$3,000 depending on city, unit size, and amenities | Often slightly lower for similar square footage |
| Amenities Access | Shared amenities vary by building (e.g., gym, pool); in-suite features depend on the owner | Full building access is more common in managed rental properties |
| Maintenance Response | Coordinated through the individual owner; may involve condo board approval | Usually handled by on-site staff or property manager |
| Lease Flexibility | Minimum 30-day stays; some buildings require advance notice or condo board approval | Minimum 30-day stays; generally quicker approvals |
| Privacy & Guest Access | Varies by condo bylaws and individual owner preferences | More standardized rules across units |
Ownership & Management
Ownership influences rules, access, and even the resolution of problems. What feels like a minor detail up front can shape your entire stay experience.
Furnished condos for rent are privately owned units. Corporate Stays partners with individual owners, managing their units on their behalf. These units fall under a condo board’s rules, so every guest must follow building-specific bylaws. That includes guidelines about pets, guests, noise, and elevator reservations.
Apartments function differently. A single entity owns and operates the entire building. Corporate Stays signs full-floor or multi-unit agreements, giving them greater control over guest experience. This setup means fewer hoops to jump through at move-in. No condo board approvals, fewer administrative surprises, and more consistency in how the building runs.
For professionals with tight schedules, this can be the difference between a same-day check-in and a three-day wait for building permissions. Digital nomads benefit from simplified guest policies. And families appreciate the reduced complexity during stressful moves. Both setups work, but knowing the differences helps you prepare.
Cost Breakdown
Cost is often one of the first things people look at, but surface-level rates rarely tell the whole story. Some listings may appear cheaper until you account for hidden charges or fees. Knowing what each rate includes and what it doesn’t can save hundreds of dollars during an extended stay. This section explains what to watch for so you can plan your budget accurately.
In Toronto, the average rate per square foot in a condo like the Toronto Loft hovers between C$4.00 and C$5.50. That price often excludes move-in fees set by the condo board, which can range from C$200 to C$500 depending on the building. These fees cover elevator bookings, coordination with concierge staff, and even board approval.
Apartments like Elm Ledbury offer straightforward pricing. A typical 2-bedroom suite rents for around C$4,200 per month, which works out to roughly C$3.60 per square foot, depending on the unit layout and floor. Deposits are often lower, typically one to two weeks’ rent.
Other potential costs:
- Parking: C$150 to C$250 per month for condos, sometimes requiring approval
- Refundable damage deposits: One month for condos, less for apartments
- Extra cleaning fees for pets or additional guests in both property types
Amenities & Lifestyle
Amenities are more than perks. They influence how you spend your mornings, evenings, and weekends. Whether you value a gym downstairs or a rooftop patio, access can vary depending on whether you stay in a condo or an apartment. This section breaks down the lifestyle impact behind those features.
Condominium buildings typically offer access to a pool, gym, concierge services, and a rooftop lounge. But some restrictions exist. Condo boards can limit hours or require registration to use these areas. Your unit may also feature upscale interior elements, such as high-end kitchen appliances, larger balconies, or premium flooring.
Furnished apartments, such as Elm Ledbury, guarantee access to shared amenities. These often include:
- 24/7 gym and fitness rooms
- Indoor pools and saunas
- Secure parcel lockers
- Private movie theatres or co-working lounges
Lifestyle differences matter too. Condos tend to have quieter, more residential atmospheres. Guests report more privacy and less foot traffic. Apartments offer uniform guest services, helpful front-desk staff, and a more hotel-like environment.
Choose a condo if you enjoy quiet nights and upscale touches. Choose an apartment if you want guaranteed access to amenities and a building designed for flexibility.
Condos in Canada
Rules & Flexibility
The more unpredictable your schedule, the more you rely on flexible policies. Whether it’s a contract extension or a last-minute departure, knowing the rules ahead of time helps you avoid stressful situations. This section outlines what kinds of changes you can make during your stay and how each property type responds.
Condo rules vary. Each building’s board sets guidelines that guests must follow. Some condos require formal notice before extending stays. Others limit guest visits to certain hours. In many cases, extensions or changes require re-approval from the condo board, which can take time.
Furnished apartments skip these steps. Corporate Stays manages units directly and provides tools to adjust booking dates quickly. If your job requires two extra weeks in Ottawa or an early departure from Montreal, changes can often be processed within 24 hours through their guest support team.
Policies around pets, smoking, and parties also tend to be more consistent in apartments. Everything is clearly stated in the booking agreement, which helps avoid last-minute surprises.
That consistency matters. Guests often report smoother experiences in apartments when their plans change. Condos work best when your stay is predictable.
Maintenance & Service
When you’re staying in furnished corporate housing<span style=”font-weight: 400;”> for several weeks or months, how maintenance is handled can have a direct impact on your comfort and productivity.
In condos, service depends on several layers. For example, you report the issue to Corporate Stays, your corporate housing provider. Then, Corporate Stays will contact the unit owner and potentially the condo board for approval. This process works, but timelines vary. Some buildings allow same-day fixes. Others require 48 hours or more for board scheduling.
Apartments streamline this. Corporate Stays often works with in-building maintenance staff. That allows faster resolution of plumbing, heating, or appliance problems. Many buildings have an on-site superintendent or 24/7 maintenance hotline.
While both property types offer support, apartments remove layers of complexity, which is why they often reflect the convenience expected from quality corporate housing.
Who Should Choose Which? Table
Not every space fits every type of guest. Each person brings different needs and expectations. Whether it’s space, service, or adaptability, the right match depends on your lifestyle.
Here’s how to choose based on your situation:
| Best For | Choose a Condo if… | Choose an Apartment if… |
| Business Execs | You want upscale design, quieter buildings, and a space that feels more like home | You need flexible booking dates and reliable building services |
| Families | You value space, multiple bedrooms, and balcony access | You want simplicity and fast service in a central location |
| Digital Nomads | You prefer low-traffic buildings and apartment-style living | You need clear policies, solid Wi-Fi, and fast issue resolution |
For those who work long hours and value a calm evening, condos offer a sense of calm. For those who prioritize mobility, ease of change, and reduced bureaucracy, apartments may be the smarter choice.
Real Corporate Stays Examples
Corporate Stays offers both condos and apartments in Canada’s top cities, each fully furnished and designed for short- or long-term stays.
This table gives you a quick overview of what’s available—so you can compare layout, style, and proximity at a glance.
| City | Condo Listing | Apartment Listing |
| Toronto | Toronto Loft (1 BR Condo) Modern interiors, in-suite laundry, pet-friendly, central downtown. | Elm Ledbury (2 BR Apartment) Spacious layout, full kitchen, gym, and pool access. |
| Ottawa | 50 Laurier (1–2 BR Condo) is a Signature Collection property with a pool, gym, sauna, and terrace. Close to government and downtown. | The Lennox (1 BR + den / 2 BR). Bright, open-concept layouts near Little Italy. Great for mid- to long-term stays. |
| Montreal | Equinoxe (1-2 BR Condo) Stylish unit in Quartier des Spectacles. Walking distance to metro, shopping, and entertainment. | C Lofts Le Smith (2 BR Apartment) Modern finishes, floor-to-ceiling windows, and prime downtown location near McGill and the Old Port. |
Conclusion
The difference between a condo and an apartment isn’t just about the building; it’s about how you want your stay to feel. At Corporate Stays, both options are available across cities such as Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal, fully furnished and ready for flexible, short-term, or mid-term living.
Condos often offer a more residential atmosphere with elevated design and a sense of independence. Apartments provide faster approvals, on-site support, and consistency across the board. It comes down to how you prefer to live: more autonomy and privacy, or streamlined service and simplicity.
If you’re exploring options in Toronto, take a closer look at some of the best 2-bedroom furnished condos for rent or browse stylish city stay apartments that blend comfort with convenience. You’ve just touched down in Toronto for a three-month consulting contract. It’s a new city.
FAQs
Do condos always cost more than apartments?
Not always. Condos often have a higher cost per square foot due to premium finishes and in-suite features, but apartments may include bundled services like Wi-Fi, parking, and cleaning. When you factor in those extras, apartments can offer better overall value for short- to mid-term stays. It depends on the city, building, and what’s included.
Can I bring my pet to a Corporate Stays condo?
Some condos are pet-friendly but may require approval from the condo board, which can delay move-in. Apartments typically list pet policies clearly and are easier to book with pets. It’s best to confirm the pet policy before booking, especially for condos. The Corporate Stays team can help match you with a pet-appropriate unit.
Which offers better resale value if I buy later?
Condos can be purchased and may appreciate depending on the market and location. Corporate Stays apartments are rental-only, so ownership isn’t an option. However, renting a condo on a short-term basis can give you a feel for a building or neighborhood before making a purchase. If you’re exploring investment opportunities, condos are a more suitable path.
