[Updated June 2023] 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. Renfrew-Collingwood

Average rent in Renfrew-Collingwood

Renfrew-Collingwood offers great value given its central location and the variety of rentals available. As of June 2023, the average cost of rent in this trendy neighbourhood is just $2,237 per month for an unfurnished, one-bedroom unit.

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

2. Marpole

Average rent in Marpole

As of June 2023, the average monthly rent for an unfurnished, one-bedroom unit in Marpole is $2,246. Two-bedroom, unfurnished units are also cheap compared to other Vancouver neighbourhoods, at an average of $2,884 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.

• Studio apartments for rent: Marpole
• One-bedroom apartments for rent: Marpole
• Two-bedroom apartments for rent: Marpole

3. Strathcona-Grandview Woodland

Average rent in Strathcona-Grandview Woodland

As of June 2023, the average monthly rent for an unfurnished, one-bedroom unit in Strathcona-Grandview Woodland is $2,316. Two-bedroom, unfurnished units are also comparatively inexpensive, at an average of $2,920 per month.

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.

• Studio apartments for rent: Strathcona-Grandview Woodland
• One-bedroom apartments for rent: Strathcona-Grandview Woodland
• Two-bedroom apartments for rent: Strathcona-Grandview Woodland

4. Fairview

Average rent in Fairview

As of liv.rent’s June 2023 Metro Vancouver Rent Report, the average rent for an unfurnished, one-bedroom unit in the Fairview neighbourhood was $2,400 per month – over $200 below Vancouver’s city-wide average.

Neighbourhood Breakdown: Fairview

About: Fairview is home to many renters thanks to its relatively cheap rent prices and amazing community feel. Encompassing some of the city’s finest shopping destinations, and full of quiet, tree-lined residential streets, Fairview has something to offer for renters of all ages. The vibrant area is home to Granville Island, one of Vancouver’s most popular tourist destinations and a great spot for locals to pick up fresh fish, produce, and more. Transit is another reason for investors to love Fairview. The many bus routes along Broadway and the nearby Broadway-City Hall Canada Line station make it easy to access the rest of the city, and Vancouver General Hospital is close by as well.

Proximity to Downtown Vancouver: 10 to 15 minutes by car and 15-20 minutes by public transit to Downtown Vancouver.

Rental types: Fairview is one of Vancouver’s most popular residential neighbourhoods, offering a good mix of single-family detached residences as well as primarily low-rise residential buildings, with some newer buildings as well.

• Studio apartments for rent: Fairview
• One-bedroom apartments for rent: Fairview
• Two-bedroom apartments for rent: Fairview

5. West Point Grey/UBC

Average rent in West Point Grey/UBC

As of June 2023, the average monthly rent for an unfurnished, one-bedroom unit in West Point Grey/UBC is $2,450.

Neighbourhood Breakdown: West Point Grey/UBC

About: West Point Grey/UBC is best known as a student neighbourhood, but the scenic, quiet neighbourhood is also home to many of the city’s elite, with multi-million dollar properties scattered throughout the massive area. With a breathtaking natural setting and views of the North Shore mountains, this part of town is a dream for nature-lovers and budget-minded renters alike.The safe, quiet streets are perfect for strolling along with children and pets, and the area itself has a quaint, homey feel despite its status as one of Vancouver’s premier neighbourhoods.

Proximity to Downtown Vancouver: 20 to 25 minutes by car and 30 to 40 minutes by public transit to Downtown Vancouver

Rental types: West Point Grey/UBC offers an eclectic mix of student-friendly accommodations and larger residences better suited to families, with plenty of new development activity closer to campus.

• Studio apartments for rent: West Point Grey/UBC
• One-bedroom apartments for rent: West Point Grey/UBC
• Two-bedroom apartments for rent: West Point Grey/UBC

6. Kerrisdale

Average rent in Kerrisdale

In spite of its reputation as one of Vancouver’s premier neighbourhoods, Kerrisdale’s rent prices are significantly lower than the city’s average this month. Compared to Vancouver’s city-wide average rate of $2,455 for an unfurnished, one-bedroom unit and $3,094 for an unfurnished, two-bedroom unit.

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.

• Studio apartments for rent: Kerrisdale
• One-bedroom apartments for rent: Kerrisdale
• Two-bedroom apartments for rent: Kerrisdale

7. South Cambie-Riley Park-Kensington Cedar Cottage

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

As of June 2023, the average monthly rent for an unfurnished, one-bedroom unit in South Cambie-Riley Park-Kensington Cedar Cottage is $2,373. Two-bedroom units in this neighbourhood are also some of the cheapest in the city on average, at $2,729.

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 tranquility.

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.

• 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: South Cambie-Riley Park-Kensington Cedar Cottage

8. Kitsilano

Average rent in Kitsilano

Average rent prices in the Kitsilano area are just below the city of Vancouver’s average this month. This June, unfurnished rentals average $2,608 for a one-bedroom unit.

Neighbourhood Breakdown: Kitislano

About: Kitsilano, best known as “Kits” among locals, is a scenic neighbourhood located on the west side of Vancouver. The neighbourhood has a laid-back, active vibe with plenty of beaches close by, making it a popular destination for those who enjoy the outdoors, as well as cyclists and runners in particular. Along its main corridors, Kitsilano has bustling commercial districts and is home to several large offices – making this the perfect place to soak up some sunshine on your way to & from work.

Proximity to Downtown Vancouver: 10 to 20 minutes by car and 15 to 30 minutes by public transit to Downtown Vancouver

Rental types: For those looking for beachfront living and excellent walkability, Kitsilano is a great area to look at thanks to its larger homes and options like basement suites in various residences.

• Studio apartments for rent: Kitsilano
• One-bedroom apartments for rent: Kitsilano
• Two-bedroom apartments for rent: Kitsilano

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 June 2023 – 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 liv.rent 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 the most expensive city 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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