Renting in
Port Perry.
Lake Scugog's lakefront jewel — antique shops on Queen Street, waterfront sunsets, and a charming small town that feels like cottage country without the drive. If you're looking to rent in Port Perry, Scugog, this is where small-town lovers settle in — and where remote workers discover the lifestyle they've been searching for.
Port Perry is cottage country without the cottage. Sitting on the western shore of Lake Scugog, this picturesque small town delivers the kind of lakefront lifestyle most Ontarians only get on weekends — but here, it's year-round. Queen Street is the heart of it all, lined with heritage buildings, antique shops, independent boutiques, and cafes that draw day-trippers from across the Durham Region.
The waterfront boardwalk and Palmer Park anchor the town's outdoor life. Sunsets over Lake Scugog are the real deal — the kind that stop you mid-conversation. Town Hall 1873 brings live theatre and community events to a beautifully restored heritage venue. The Scugog Shores Museum and Scugog Island add depth beyond the downtown strip.
It's quiet here — genuinely quiet. Surrounded by farmland, Port Perry carries the pace of a small town that knows what it is and isn't trying to be anything else. The tourism-driven economy keeps Queen Street lively, but this isn't a resort town — it's a real community with real roots.
| Unit Type | Avg. Monthly Rent | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / Bachelor | $1,100–$1,350 | Very limited supply in Port Perry |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,300–$1,750 | Most common rental type available |
| 2 Bedroom | $1,700–$2,150 | Strong demand from families and couples |
| 3 Bedroom | $2,100–$2,550 | Rare — typically full houses or townhomes |
Source: Local MLS® listing data and Scugog-area rental market analysis, Q1 2026. Ranges reflect Port Perry variation by unit type, age, condition, and inclusions. Port Perry rental inventory is limited — quality units move quickly when they hit the market.
What Your Dollar Gets You
Port Perry's rents are significantly below GTA averages — a two-bedroom here costs what a studio does in downtown Toronto. You're trading urban convenience for lakefront living, heritage-town charm, and actual space.
Most available rentals are basement apartments in detached homes, upper-level suites, or units in small walk-up buildings. Purpose-built rental stock is minimal. Landlords are typically local homeowners rather than institutional investors — which can mean more flexibility but also less standardization.
Nearly all rentals include at least one parking spot, which is essential — you will need a car in Port Perry.
Transit & Roads
Let's be honest: Port Perry is car-dependent. There is no GO Train service and no meaningful public transit system. Durham Region Transit runs limited bus service, but it's not practical for daily commuting. If you don't have a vehicle, Port Perry will be a challenge.
That said, the downtown core along Queen Street is genuinely walkable — groceries, restaurants, shops, and the waterfront are all within a comfortable walk from most central rentals. The Walk Score of ~60 reflects this walkable core surrounded by car-dependent residential areas.
Key driving distances: Toronto is 75 minutes via Highway 12 and the 407 or 401. Uxbridge is 15 minutes south. Oshawa is 30 minutes southwest, where you can connect to GO Transit. Lindsay is 30 minutes northeast. Some commuters drive to Oshawa or Uxbridge to catch the GO Train into Toronto.
What This Means for Renters
Port Perry has a broad middle-income profile — median household income sits around $85,000, reflecting a mix of working families, retirees on fixed incomes, and professionals who've chosen the small-town lifestyle. This isn't a high-income commuter suburb — it's a community with genuine economic diversity.
For renters, the income profile means landlords are generally realistic about pricing. Port Perry rents stay well below GTA averages because the local economy supports them at that level. Come prepared with a complete application — inventory is thin, and good units attract multiple inquiries quickly.
We have access to every MLS® System listing in Port Perry and across Scugog. Submit your application and we'll have showings booked within 24 hours, subject to availability.
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Port Perry is a great choice for renters who want small-town lakefront living without the full cottage-country price tag. You get a charming Queen Street downtown, Lake Scugog waterfront access, and a genuine community feel. The trade-off is car dependency — there is virtually no public transit, and Toronto is a 75-minute drive. If you work remotely or locally, it's hard to beat the lifestyle per dollar.
Port Perry's waterfront on Lake Scugog is one of the town's biggest draws. The boardwalk, Palmer Park, and waterfront trail offer year-round access to the lake. Sunsets over Lake Scugog are genuinely stunning. While direct waterfront rentals are rare and command a premium, most of Port Perry is within a short walk or bike ride to the water. It feels like cottage country without the seasonal limitations — you get the lakefront lifestyle every single day.
Yes, but it's a commitment. By car via Highway 12 and the 407 or 401, expect 75–90 minutes each way depending on traffic. There is no GO Train or direct transit connection to Toronto. Some commuters drive to Uxbridge or Oshawa to catch GO Transit into Union Station. Port Perry works best for remote workers, retirees, or those who work locally in the Durham Region. If you need to be in downtown Toronto five days a week, this commute will wear on you.
Effectively, yes. Port Perry has a Walk Score of approximately 60 — the downtown core along Queen Street is walkable for errands, dining, and shopping. But anything beyond the core requires a vehicle. There is no meaningful public transit system serving Port Perry. If you work outside of town, a car is essential. The silver lining is that most rentals include at least one parking spot, and there's no parking congestion to deal with.
Port Perry rents are significantly lower than GTA averages. Expect $1,300–$1,750 for a one-bedroom, $1,700–$2,150 for a two-bedroom, and $2,100–$2,550 for a three-bedroom. Studios range from $1,100–$1,350. Rental inventory is limited since Port Perry is a small town with roughly 75% owner-occupied homes, so good units move quickly when they hit the market. The affordability advantage is real — a budget that gets you a bachelor in Toronto gets you a proper two-bedroom here.
Rental inventory in Port Perry is limited but manageable. Only about 25% of homes are renter-occupied, and the town has a population of roughly 10,000. Available rentals tend to be basement apartments in homes, upper-level suites, or units in small apartment buildings. Purpose-built rental stock is minimal. When a quality unit lists, it can move quickly due to the limited supply. Working with a local agent who monitors listings daily gives you a real advantage over waiting for online postings.