Where to stay when you’re new in Vancouver

One of the most important decisions newcomers to Vancouver need to make is deciding where to stay upon arrival. Finding the perfect place to stay can make or break your journey in the city, regardless of whether you’re in town long-term or just for a month or two. Renters have many things to consider: budget, safety, location, and more. To help narrow down your options and make your first days in Vancouver more manageable, liv.rent has compiled this handy guide to the best places to stay when you’re new to the city.

Considerations when deciding where to stay in Vancouver

When deciding where to stay in Vancouver upon arriving, renters should consider several important factors to ensure a smooth transition and an enjoyable experience in the city:

1. Budget: Start by determining your budget for accommodation, considering not only the rental cost but also additional expenses such as utilities, transportation, and groceries.
2. Location: Choose a neighbourhood that suits your lifestyle and needs. Consider proximity to work or study, access to public transportation, and nearby amenities like grocery stores, restaurants, parks, and recreational facilities.
3. Duration of Stay: Decide on the length of your stay and choose accommodation options accordingly. For shorter stays, hotels or short-term rentals might be more suitable, while for longer stays, you might consider subletting or signing a long-term lease.
4. Type of Accommodation: Consider your preferences and lifestyle. Are you looking for the privacy and convenience of an entire apartment, the social atmosphere of a hostel, or the amenities and services provided by a hotel?
5. Safety and Security: Whichever type of accommodation you choose, it’s important to do your research and find options that

Where to stay in Vancouver: best neighbourhoods

For most renters, deciding what neighbourhood to live in is the first step towards choosing a place to stay. Vancouver’s different neighbourhoods each offer a very different experience for residents, and play a large role in shaping your experience as a newcomer.

Here, you can find a brief overview of some of the most popular options for where to stay in Vancouver when you’ve just arrived.

Downtown Vancouver

Average rent for a 1br unfurnished unit: $2,815/month

Source: March 2024 Metro Vancouver Rent Report

Offering a bustling urban atmosphere, Downtown Vancouver is ideal for newcomers seeking convenience and excitement. With its proximity to major attractions like Stanley Park, Granville Island, and Robson Street’s shopping district, along with excellent public transportation options, Downtown provides easy access to everything the city has to offer.

Yaletown

Average rent for a 1br unfurnished unit: $2,815/month*

*Rate for Downtown Vancouver

Source: March 2024 Metro Vancouver Rent Report

Nestled along the waterfront, Yaletown boasts a trendy vibe with its converted warehouses turned into chic lofts, upscale boutiques, and trendy eateries. This vibrant neighborhood is perfect for newcomers who enjoy the mix of urban living and waterfront charm, along with its proximity to the seawall for leisurely strolls and outdoor activities.

Kitsilano

Average rent for a 1br unfurnished unit: $2,573/month

Source: March 2024 Metro Vancouver Rent Report

Known for its laid-back beach culture and stunning views of the North Shore mountains, Kitsilano, better known as “Kits” among locals, offers a relaxed atmosphere perfect for those who enjoy outdoor activities and a healthy lifestyle. With its array of cafes, yoga studios, and boutique shops, Kitsilano provides a welcoming environment for newcomers looking to immerse themselves in Vancouver’s renowned West Coast lifestyle.

Mount Pleasant

Average rent for a 1br unfurnished unit: $2,581/month

Source: March 2024 Metro Vancouver Rent Report

Combining a hip, artsy vibe with a sense of community, Mount Pleasant is a popular choice for newcomers looking for a more residential feel while still being close to downtown. With its diverse range of dining options, craft breweries, and unique shops, Mount Pleasant offers a vibrant and eclectic atmosphere that appeals to young professionals and families alike.

Commercial Drive

Average rent for a 1br unfurnished unit: $2,449/month

Source: March 2024 Metro Vancouver Rent Report

Often referred to as simply “The Drive”, this diverse, multicultural neighbourhood is known for its vibrancy and bohemian charm. With its array of eateries, independent boutiques, and lively street festivals, The Drive offers a unique and inclusive atmosphere that embodies the spirit of Vancouver’s cultural diversity.

Where to stay in Vancouver: types of accommodation

For those who have recently arrived in the city and are looking for a place to rest your head, there are numerous options for where to stay in Vancouver depending on the duration of your stay and what you’re looking for in accommodation.

Long-term rentals

Long-term rentals typically involve signing a lease agreement for an extended period, usually six months to a year. These can range from apartments to houses and condos and offer renters the most flexibility in terms of where to live.

Pros

Long-term rentals offer stability and security, allowing tenants to establish roots in a neighborhood and develop a sense of community. They often provide more space and amenities compared to other accommodation options.

Cons

The rental market in Vancouver can be competitive, with high demand and limited availability leading to potentially higher rents. Long-term leases also require a commitment, which may not be suitable for those uncertain about their plans or needing flexibility.

Short-term rentals (3+ months)

Short-term rentals offer flexibility while still providing a longer-term solution compared to traditional vacation rentals. These can include furnished apartments, condos, or houses rented on a monthly basis.

Pros

Short-term rentals offer the flexibility to adjust plans without being locked into a long-term lease. They are often fully furnished, making them convenient for newcomers who haven’t yet settled in the city. Additionally, they may provide more affordable options compared to hotels.

Cons

Short-term rentals can be more expensive on a monthly basis compared to long-term leases. Availability may also be limited, especially during peak seasons or in popular neighborhoods.

Subletting

Subletting involves renting a property from someone who is already leasing it, typically for a shorter period than the original lease term. This arrangement can provide flexibility for both parties.

Pros

Subletting offers flexibility without the commitment of a long-term lease. It can be a good option for newcomers who are unsure about their long-term plans or want to explore different neighborhoods before committing to a lease.

Cons

Subletting arrangements may be less stable than traditional leases, as they are dependent on the original tenant’s lease agreement. There may also be restrictions imposed by the landlord or building management.

Hotels

Hotels offer temporary accommodation with amenities such as housekeeping, room service, and on-site facilities like gyms and restaurants.

Pros

Hotels provide convenience and a range of amenities, making them suitable for short stays or for those who prefer a more hotel-like experience. They may offer discounts for extended stays.

Cons

Staying in a hotel long-term can be expensive and may lack the sense of community and home-like environment that other accommodation options provide. Rooms may also be smaller and less equipped for long-term living.

Hostels

Hostels offer budget-friendly accommodation with shared facilities such as dormitory-style bedrooms, communal kitchens, and common areas for socializing.

Pros

Hostels are affordable and offer opportunities to meet other travelers and locals, making them ideal for newcomers looking to network and make connections. They often have flexible booking options.

Cons

Hostels may lack privacy and comfort compared to other accommodation types, especially for long-term stays. Facilities and cleanliness can vary between hostels, and noise levels may be higher due to shared living spaces.

The best website to find rentals in Vancouver

If you opt to stay in a short-term or long-term rental when you arrive in Vancouver, you’ll most likely be browsing listings online using one of the many rental platforms available in the city. Not all rental websites are built equally however, and where you choose to do your searching can have a significant impact on how safely and easily you’re able to find a place to rent.

For the safest, most convenient renting experience, we recommend using liv.rent to conduct your housing search. Best known as Canada’s safest rental platform, liv.rent is a Vancouver-based rental platform that allows tenants to easily search for rentals using a variety of filters and even a map view. When you find a listing you like, you can quickly message landlords for more information using built-in instant chat. From there, renters can submit applications, book viewings and when it comes time, sign lease agreements and pay rent and security deposits through a variety of methods including credit card, UnionPay and even Bitcoin.

Best of all, liv.rent’s innovative verification processes keep users safe from costly rental scams while protecting your personal information and ensuring your privacy. Our team manually verifies both landlord profiles and listings to confirm a match, giving renters the freedom to browse listings stress-free.

Resources for Vancouver renters

Here you can find a list of resources from liv.rent and government sources to help you navigate your search for housing in Vancouver.

• The latest Metro Vancouver Rent Report
• How to secure a home before coming to Canada
• B.C. Residential Tenancy Agreement explained
• Guide to landlord & tenant responsibilities in B.C.

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