The 8 cheapest Vancouver neighbourhoods to rent in

Vancouver has long been one of Canada’s most expensive cities to rent in, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t deals to be found on rentals – even within the city itself. There are plenty of Vancouver neighbourhoods with average rent prices that are well below the city’s average, offering an opportunity for budget-minded renters to secure a place within the notoriously costly city. In this post, we’ll look at 8 of the cheapest Vancouver neighbourhoods, highlighting their location, key features, and more to help you decide where to look for your next home.

1. Sunset-Victoria Fraserview

Average rent in Sunset-Victoria Fraserview

As of May 2024, the average monthly rent for an unfurnished, one-bedroom unit in Sunset-Victoria Fraserview is $1,952. Two-bedroom unfurnished units can also be found for less than in other Vancouver neighbourhoods, at an average of $2,659 per month.

Neighbourhood Breakdown: Sunset-Victoria Fraserview

About: Sunset-Victoria Fraserview in Vancouver appeals to renters with its affordable housing options and close-knit, multicultural community. The area provides easy access to public transit, Fraser River parks, and a variety of local shops and restaurants.

Proximity to Downtown Vancouver: 25 to 30 minutes by car and 35 to 45 minutes by public transit to Downtown Vancouver

Rental types: Renters can find a variety of housing options in Sunset-Victoria Fraserview, from modern apartments to charming older homes, catering to different preferences and budgets.

• Sunset-Victoria Fraserview studio apartments for rent
• Sunset-Victoria Fraserview one-bedroom apartments for rent
• Sunset-Victoria Fraserview two-bedroom apartments for rent

2. Marpole

Average rent in Marpole

As of May 2024, the average monthly rent for an unfurnished, one-bedroom unit in Marpole is $2,161. Two-bedroom, unfurnished units are also cheap compared to other Vancouver neighbourhoods, at an average of $2,913 per month.

Neighbourhood Breakdown: Marpole

About: Marpole is on Vancouver’s southern end, forming a residential corridor between the city and neighbouring Richmond – as well as Vancouver International Airport. The neighbourhood is centered around Granville Street which is also its main commercial district, spanning from 41st Avenue south to the Fraser River. The area is rapidly growing thanks to its below-average rent prices and a constantly increasing number of local shopping, dining, and amenity destinations.

Proximity to Downtown Vancouver: 15 to 20 minutes by car and 30 to 40 minutes by public transit to Downtown Vancouver

Rental types: Most of Marpole’s residences are older homes built between 1960 and the 1990s, though increased interest in the neighbourhood has seen plenty of multi-residential projects come to the area.

• Marpole studio apartments for rent
• Marpole one-bedroom apartments for rent
• Marpole two-bedroom apartments for rent

3. Killarney

Average rent in Killarney

The average monthly rent for an unfurnished, one-bedroom unit in Vancouver’s Killarney neighbourhood is $2,210/month, according to our May 2024 Rent Report. Two-bedroom, unfurnished units offer an especially good bargain, at an average of $2,756 per month.

Neighbourhood Breakdown: Killarney

About: Killarney in Vancouver attracts renters with its family-friendly atmosphere, abundant green spaces, and top-rated schools. The neighbourhood offers convenient access to public transit, community centers, and a diverse array of local amenities.

Proximity to Downtown Vancouver: 15 to 20 minutes by car and 30 to 40 minutes by public transit to Downtown Vancouver

Rental types: Renters can find a variety of housing options in Killarney, from modern apartments to older, well-maintained homes, catering to different preferences and budgets.

• Killarney studio apartments for rent
• Killarney one-bedroom apartments for rent
• Killarney two-bedroom apartments for rent

4. Renfrew-Collingwood

Average rent in Renfrew-Collingwood

Renfrew-Collingwood offers great value given its central location and the variety of rentals available. As of May 2024, the average cost of rent in this trendy neighbourhood is just $2,248 per month for an unfurnished one-bedroom unit. Two-bedroom units are also below average in price, renting for $2,764 per month.

Neighbourhood Breakdown: Renfrew-Collingwood

About: Renfrew-Collingwood is a geographically large neighbourhood in Vancouver with an outsized population of families and a largely residential community. The area makes up the far east end of the city, bordering Burnaby along Boundary Road between Broadway to the north and Kingsway to the south, all the way to Nanaimo to the west. With the convenience of Kingsway and proximity to the best of Burnaby as well, there’s a wide range of family-friendly activities, shopping, dining and more within reach. Nature too is just outside your door at Renfrew Ravine Park and the Still Creek watershed, and there are plenty of parks in the neighbourhood as well.

Proximity to Downtown Vancouver: 15 to 25 minutes by car and 15 to 20 minutes by public transit to Downtown Vancouver

Rental types: Renfrew-Collingwood is primarily a residential neighbourhood and offers all manner of low- and high-rise apartment buildings as well as older ‘Vancouver Special’ homes.

• Studio apartments for rent: Renfrew-Collingwood
• One-bedroom apartments for rent: Renfrew-Collingwood
• Two-bedroom apartments for rent: Renfrew-Colllingwood

5. Kerrisdale

Average rent in Kerrisdale

Despite its reputation as one of Vancouver’s premier neighbourhoods, Kerrisdale’s rent prices are lower than the city’s average this month. At present, a one-bedroom unfurnished unit rents for an average of $2,306 per month.

Neighbourhood Breakdown: Kerrisdale

About: Kerrisdale is known across the city for its gorgeous, tree-lined streets, large older homes, and its quaint streets filled with boutique shops and local restaurants. The neighbourhood, which is centred around West 41st Avenue, has often enjoyed a reputation as the home of the city’s elite – but has since broadened its appeal as more and more people of all demographics move into the area.

Proximity to Downtown Vancouver: 15 to 25 minutes by car and 30 to 40 minutes by public transit to Downtown Vancouver.

Rental types: Kerrisdale is primarily a residential area with mostly stately older homes and some newer builds, with a smattering of newer low- and mid-rise apartment buildings throughout the neighbourhood.

• Kerrisdale studio apartments for rent
• Kerrisdale one-bedroom apartments for rent
• Kerrisdale two-bedroom apartments for rent

6. South Cambie-Riley Park-Kensington Cedar Cottage

Average rent in South Cambie-Riley Park-Kensington Cedar Cottage

For May 2024, the average monthly rent for an unfurnished one-bedroom unit in South Cambie-Riley Park-Kensington Cedar Cottage is $2,335.

Neighbourhood Breakdown: South Cambie-Riley Park-Kensington Cedar Cottage

About: South Cambie-Riley Park-Kensington Cedar Cottage amalgamates three distinct neighbourhoods, all multicultural hubs in their own right. This lively part of town boasts a perfect blend of lush green spaces, trendy cafes, and a thriving community atmosphere. With its proximity to Queen Elizabeth Park, diverse culinary scene, and excellent public transportation options, South Cambie-Riley Park-Kensington Cedar Cottage offers renters an ideal balance between convenience and tranquillity.

Proximity to Downtown Vancouver: 10 to 25 minutes by car and 20 to 40 minutes by public transit to Downtown Vancouver

Rental types: These three neighbourhoods have a good mix of housing ranging from plentiful Vancouver specials to newer multi-residential developments.

• South Cambie-Riley Park-Kensington Cedar Cottage studio apartments for rent
• South Cambie-Riley Park-Kensington Cedar Cottage one-bedroom apartments for rent
• South Cambie-Riley Park-Kensington Cedar Cottage two-bedroom apartments for rent

7. Strathcona-Grandview Woodland

Average rent in Strathcona-Grandview Woodland

As of May 2024, the average monthly rent for an unfurnished, one-bedroom unit in Strathcona-Grandview Woodland is $2,463.

Neighbourhood Breakdown: Strathcona-Grandview Woodland

About: The Strathcona and Grandview Woodland neighbourhoods are located on the northeastern side of Vancouver, and are each diverse & eclectic neighbourhoods in their own right. Grandview Woodland is characterized by its main street, Commercial Drive, which offers residents & visitors alike all manner of trendy boutique shops, thrift shops, restaurants, and neighbourhood pubs. Strathcona on the other hand is one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods, with plenty of restored homes from Vancouver’s past and lots to do with a central location bordering Chinatown.

Proximity to Downtown Vancouver: 5 to 15 minutes by car and 15 to 25 minutes by public transit to Downtown Vancouver

Rental types: The Strathcona-Grandview Woodland area is best known for its gorgeous older homes, with some newer multi-residential buildings throughout the two neighbourhoods.

• Strathcona-Grandview Woodland studio apartments for rent
• Strathcona-Grandview Woodland one-bedroom apartments for rent
• Strathcona-Grandview Woodland two-bedroom apartments for rent

8. Oakridge

Average rent in Oakridge

Average rent prices in the Kitsilano area are just below the city of Vancouver’s average this month. This May, unfurnished rentals average $2,487 for a one-bedroom unit.

Neighbourhood Breakdown: Oakridge

About: Oakridge in Vancouver draws renters with its upscale living environment, proximity to Oakridge Centre shopping mall, and excellent transit connections via the Canada Line. The neighbourhood boasts a mix of modern conveniences and lush green spaces, making it a desirable place to live.

Proximity to Downtown Vancouver: 15 to 20 minutes by car and 15 to 25 minutes by public transit to Downtown Vancouver

Rental types: Renters can find a variety of housing options in Oakridge, from sleek new apartments to older, well-preserved homes, catering to different preferences and budgets.

• Oakridge studio apartments for rent
• Oakridge one-bedroom apartments for rent
• Oakridge two-bedroom apartments for rent

Average rent in the city of Vancouver

The average rent in Vancouver varies greatly depending on the area you’re looking to rent in. Typically, rent is highest in the city’s downtown core and its surrounding neighbourhoods, while Vancouver neighbourhoods further from the centre of the city tend to offer a little more value.

The graphic below breaks down the average rent for unfurnished, one-bedroom units across various Vancouver neighbourhoods as of May 2024 – including many of the options listed in this post to help you compare prices for different types of units. For more of the latest rental data for Vancouver, be sure to take a look at our monthly rent reports.

Where is the cheapest rent in Vancouver?

According to our latest Rent Report, the three cheapest neighbourhoods to rent in Vancouver are Renfrew-Collingwood, Marpole, and Strathcona-Grandview Woodland. All of the neighbourhoods selected for this list have prices below the city’s average though, so it’s important for renters to evaluate their options in order to find a neighbourhood that works for their needs.

There are plenty of great neighbourhoods for budget-savvy renters in Vancouver, and the above list should be viewed as a starting point rather than a definitive guide – especially as rent prices are so prone to fluctuation.

How to find cheap rent in Vancouver

While Vancouver has a reputation as one of the most expensive cities in Canada to rent or buy real estate in, there is still some great value to be found for those willing to do their homework. Vancouver renters should make liv.rent their starting point for any home search. The all-in-one platform allows you to easily search for verified rental properties throughout the lower mainland, and connect with trusted landlords to help avoid the uncertainty of the usual rental process.

There are a number of other sites where Vancouver renters can find and secure relatively affordable rent, including Craigslist, Kijiji, and Facebook Groups made specifically for Vancouver renters. For some top tips on reducing your rent in Vancouver, check out our post here.

Resources for Metro Vancouver renters

Renting in BC

For more information on renting in B.C., you can refer to these extensive resource posts to help you in your rental journey.

• BC Residential Tenancy Agreement Explained
• 15 Tips for Finding an Apartment in Vancouver
• Vancouver Rental Vacancy Rate
• Guide to BC Tenancy Forms

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