Top 5 Cheapest Places to live in Vancouver with the Best Quality of Life - 2024

Vancouver, like many major cities, has experienced urbanization and population growth. Its natural beauty, mild climate, strong economy, and diverse culture make it highly desirable, further driving up housing demand and prices.

When moving to Vancouver, finding affordable and attractive places can be challenging. The title of our article does indeed mention Vancouver, but it’s too expensive, so it doesn’t fit our quality of life methodology. Instead, we’re focusing on areas in the Greater Vancouver Area that offer more affordable options.

Read on to discover the top 5 cheapest places to live in Metro Vancouver with the best quality of life.

Methodology

We based our ranking of the 5 cheapest places to live in Greater Vancouver on the average cost of buying a property, the average cost of rent for a 1-bed apartment in November 2023, and the quality of life. Statistics come from Realtor.ca for the average cost of buying a property and Zumper for the average cost of rent for a 1-bed apartment.

The “Best quality of life” aspect is measured based on feedback from real people who have moved to this area in our database or real people from trusted online forums. More specifically, we look for positive feedback on job opportunities, quality of education, quality of healthcare, feeling of safety, public transportation, environment (cleanliness), as well as availability of recreational facilities and parks.

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Cheapest Places to live in Vancouver

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1. Langley

Apartment in Langley City
  • Average cost of rent for 1-bedroom apartment: $2,000
  • Average cost of buying a property: $1,029,200 

The City of Langley, east of downtown Vancouver, offers a diverse housing options such as single-family homes, apartments, and condominiums. As of November 2023, the average cost of buying a property is $1,029,200, with an average cost of rent for a 1-bed apartment for $2,000.

Renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere, Langley features parks, trails, community centers, and valued public schools like Alice Brown Elementary School and Langley Senior Secondary. Trinity Western University, Canada’s largest privately funded public university, also adds a higher education dimension to the city.

Realtor (Nov 2023) & Zumper (Nov 2023)

Langley, British Columbia

2. Surrey

Top 5 Safest Neighborhoods to live in Vancouver with the Best Quality of Life - 2024 - Surrey British Columbia
  • Average cost of rent for 1-bedroom apartment: $2,075
  • Average cost of buying a property: $1,029,200

Surrey, in the southeast of Greater Vancouver, is the region’s largest city by land area and the second most populous, with 568,322 residents. It offers more affordable housing options than Vancouver, despite both areas having high living costs, making it an attractive choice for a cost-effective lifestyle.

Diverse housing options, including condominiums, apartments, and single-family houses, define Surrey. As of November 2023, the average cost of buying a property is $1,029,200, and a 1-bed apartment rent is $2,075.

Surrey elevates residents’ quality of life with access to around 20 parks, trails, and outdoor spaces. This, paired with its strategic proximity to Vancouver, makes it a good choice for Vancouver city workers. 

Realtor (Nov 2023) & Zumper (Nov 2023)

Surrey, British Columbia

3. New Westminster

Top 5 Cheapest Places to live in Vancouver with the Best Quality of Life - 2024 - New Westminster BC
  • Average cost of rent for 1-bedroom apartment: $2,300
  • Average cost of buying a property: $1,203,300

New Westminster, a vibrant cultural hub in Metro Vancouver, has a rich history and diverse offerings, from food and shopping to arts and live entertainment. Conveniently located along the Lower Fraser River, New Westminster is easily accessible by car or transit from Downtown Vancouver, YVR International Airport, BC Ferry Terminals, and the US border.

With a thriving arts community and an international food scene, there’s always something to explore. Locals enjoy going to River Market, Queensborough Landing Outlet Mall, Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy and Industry Arcade. Families can enjoy numerous green spaces such as Tipperary Park, Westminster Pier Park, Quayside Park, and Albert Crescent Park.

For those considering settling in this neighborhood, as of November 2023, the average cost of buying a property is $1,203,300, with a 1-bed apartment rent is $2,300.

Realtor (Nov 2023) & Zumper (Nov 2023)

New Westminster, British Columbia

4. Coquitlam

Apartment in Coquitlam
  • Average cost of rent for 1-bedroom apartment: $2,400
  • Average home price: $1,203,300

Coquitlam, located east of Vancouver in the Greater Vancouver area, offers a well-balanced mix of urban and suburban environments. With over 80 parks and a 134-km trail system, Coquitlam is ideal for those who love the outdoors, offering opportunities for hiking, biking, and enjoying wildlife and nature. Attractions such as Como Lake Park and Coquitlam Crunch Trail contribute to its overall appeal.

Its diverse population and housing options, mainly condominiums and apartments, with a mix of single-family homes, contribute to its appeal, with an average rent of $2,400 for a 1-bed apartment and an average cost of buying a property is $1,203,300 as of November 2023.

Realtor (Nov 2023) & Zumper (Nov 2023)

Coquitlam, British Columbia

5. Port Moody

Top 5 Cheapest Places to live in Vancouver with the Best Quality of Life - 2024 - Port Moody BC
  • Average cost of rent for 1-bedroom apartment: $2,400
  • Average cost of buying a property: $1,203,300

Port Moody offers diverse recreational activities for all seasons, from hiking and biking trails to picnics in Rocky Point Park and kayaking on Burrard Inlet. Throughout the year, locals can enjoy free concerts, food festivals, and seasonal celebrations like the Fingerling Festival in May and the Golden Spike Days Festival in July. 

With over 35% of its land dedicated to green space, locals can run, walk, cycle, or wheel along multi-use paths, and families can enjoy playgrounds and splash parks. The city offers 56 kilometers of trails and paths, including those in Bert Flinn Park and the Alfred Howe Greenway, perfect for hiking enthusiasts.

For those considering settling in this neighborhood where art is integrated into the environment, with installations found in parks, pathways, and urban spaces, as of November 2023, the average cost of buying a property in Port Moody is $1,203,300, with a 1-bedroom apartment renting for $2,400.

Port Moody (Apr 2024), Realtor (Nov 2023) & Zumper (Nov 2023)

Port Moody, British Columbia

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Conclusion

If you’re considering a move to Vancouver, it’s important to be aware that Vancouver is a desirable city to live in due to its natural beauty, mild climate, strong economy, and diverse culture. This leads to high demand for housing, further driving up prices. Opting to live in these neighboring areas not only allows you to enjoy its natural landscapes while saving on living expenses but also provides you with the best quality of life.

Are you moving to Vancouver soon? Check the best moving companies in Vancouver for a stress-free move.

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Ann Nacario

The author

Meet Ann – our head writer with a knack for making moving and city living a breeze. From the many details of moving to picking the perfect moving company, she’s your guide. Ann has a friendly yet detailed approach to ensure your move goes off without a hitch. When she’s not writing about relocation, it will always be on her mind, but you’ll catch her spending time with her three furry friends.

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