Cheapest Neighborhoods to Rent in Burnaby 2026

Burnaby is the sweet spot for many newcomers: cheaper than Vancouver, excellent SkyTrain access, and close to everything. Here's where to find the best rent deals in 2026.

Cheapest Burnaby Neighborhoods

1. Edmonds — 1BR from $1,500/month

South Burnaby, centered around Edmonds SkyTrain station. Older apartment buildings with some of the lowest rents in Burnaby. The Highgate area (along Edmonds Street) has grocery stores, restaurants, and Byrne Creek park. 25-minute SkyTrain ride to downtown Vancouver. Not glamorous, but functional and affordable.

2. South Burnaby (near Royal Oak) — 1BR from $1,550/month

The area around Royal Oak SkyTrain has older mid-rises with reasonable rents. Close to the Metrotown area for shopping but without the Metrotown premium. Good bus connections. Deer Lake Park is nearby for outdoor activities.

3. Patterson / Maywood — 1BR from $1,550/month

Between Patterson and Metrotown SkyTrain stations. A residential area with a mix of older apartments and townhouses. Walking distance to Central Park (Burnaby's biggest park). Quiet streets, good for families. BC Parkway cycling path connects you to Science World in 30 minutes by bike.

4. Metrotown Area — 1BR from $1,700/month

Metrotown is pricier than the options above but you get a lot for it: the biggest mall in BC, every store and restaurant you could want, and a SkyTrain station. Older buildings around Kingsway have lower rents than the new towers. If you want urban convenience without Vancouver prices, this is a strong pick.

5. Brentwood Area — 1BR from $1,800/month

North Burnaby, along the Millennium Line. Brentwood has been heavily developed with new towers, so the average rent is higher. But older buildings on Lougheed Highway still have deals. Close to the Amazing Brentwood mall and SkyTrain station.

Average Rents in Burnaby 2026

• Studio: $1,300-1,600
• 1BR: $1,500-1,900
• 2BR: $2,000-2,600
• Basement suite (1BR): $1,200-1,500

Check if you can afford these prices with our rent affordability calculator.

Burnaby Rental Tips

• Older buildings (1970s-1990s) along Kingsway have the lowest rents and are often not listed online — walk the neighborhood and look for signs
• SkyTrain proximity adds $100-200/month to rent — decide if it's worth it vs. a bus-only area
• Burnaby has strict tenant protections — landlords can only raise rent by the BC-allowed percentage (3.5% in 2026)
• Many buildings include heat and hot water in rent — ask before comparing prices

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Burnaby better than Vancouver for newcomers?

For value, yes. You get similar transit access (SkyTrain goes to downtown in 20-30 min), significantly lower rent, and good amenities. The tradeoff is less nightlife and a more suburban feel in some areas.

Are basement suites worth considering?

They can be great deals — $1,200-1,500 for a 1BR basement suite. Make sure it has a legal secondary suite designation (check with the city), proper ceiling height (6'8" minimum), and separate entrance. Some are really well done; others are dark and damp.

Where do I find Burnaby rental listings?

Craigslist (filter for Burnaby), Facebook groups ("Burnaby Rentals" and "Metro Vancouver Rentals"), Liv.rent, and PadMapper. Also walk the neighborhoods — many older buildings post "For Rent" signs but don't list online.

References

[1] Statistics Canada, "Census Profile, Vancouver CMA, 2021." https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/dp-pd/prof/index.cfm

[2] City of Vancouver, "Open Data Portal." https://opendata.vancouver.ca/

[3] BC Housing, "Rental Market Reports." https://www.bchousing.org/research-centre/housing-data

[4] Government of Canada, "Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship." https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship.html

Figuring out costs? Our settlement cost calculator estimates everything you'll need for your first month in Burnaby.