Cheapest Neighborhoods to Rent in Surrey 2026

Surrey has the most affordable rents in Metro Vancouver that are still accessible by transit. If your budget is tight and you don't mind a 40-60 minute commute to downtown Vancouver, Surrey is where you'll get the most space for your money.

Cheapest Surrey Neighborhoods

1. Newton — 1BR from $1,200/month

Newton is Surrey's most affordable established neighborhood. It's in the center of Surrey with good bus connections (though no SkyTrain yet). Large South Asian community with tons of restaurants, grocery stores, and services. The 72 Ave strip has everything you need. Rents here are genuinely low: basement suites from $900, 1BR apartments from $1,200.

2. Whalley / City Centre — 1BR from $1,300/month

The area around Surrey Central SkyTrain station. This area has been redeveloping rapidly, so you'll find a mix of older cheap apartments and new (expensive) towers. The older buildings near King George Blvd and 104 Ave still have deals. Direct SkyTrain to downtown Vancouver in 40 minutes.

3. Guildford — 1BR from $1,350/month

Northeast Surrey, centered around Guildford Town Centre mall. Residential, family-oriented. Bus connections to Surrey Central SkyTrain (15-20 min). Rents are moderate. Good for families — schools are well-rated and there are parks everywhere.

4. Fleetwood — 1BR from $1,300/month

Between Surrey Central and Langley. Very suburban — you'll probably want a car. But rents are low and it's quiet and safe. The future SkyTrain extension (Surrey-Langley) will run through Fleetwood, which may increase prices in a few years. Buy the dip, so to speak.

5. Bear Creek / Green Timbers — 1BR from $1,350/month

Near King George station on the SkyTrain. A mix of older townhouses and apartments. Green Timbers Urban Forest is right there — a massive park for walks and cycling. Quiet, safe, and affordable.

Surrey Rent Averages 2026

• Studio: $1,000-1,300
• 1BR apartment: $1,200-1,600
• 2BR apartment: $1,600-2,100
• Basement suite (1BR): $900-1,200
• Room in shared house: $600-900

See what you can afford: rent affordability calculator.

The Transit Factor

Surrey's main limitation is transit. Only the Expo Line touches Surrey (King George, Surrey Central, Gateway, Scott Road stations). Newton and Guildford require buses to reach the SkyTrain. If you work in Vancouver, add 40-70 minutes each way for commute time. If you work in Surrey (many newcomers do), transit is less of an issue.

Tips for Renting in Surrey

• Basement suites are extremely common in Surrey — many are well-maintained and a great deal
• Check for legal suite status before signing (city of Surrey's permit lookup tool)
• South Asian newcomers: Newton has the best cultural fit and services
• Ask about utilities — some basement suites include everything, saving $100-150/month

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Surrey safe for newcomers?

Most of Surrey is safe and family-friendly. Newton, Guildford, Fleetwood, and South Surrey are all fine. The Whalley area near 135A Street has higher crime rates — avoid that specific strip, but the rest of City Centre is being redeveloped and improving.

Can I commute from Surrey to downtown Vancouver?

Yes, via SkyTrain. From Surrey Central it's about 40 minutes to Waterfront station. Add bus time if you're not near a SkyTrain station. Many newcomers in Surrey work in Surrey, Burnaby, or Richmond — not downtown Vancouver.

Newton vs. Whalley — which is better?

Newton is cheaper and has better South Asian amenities but no SkyTrain. Whalley/City Centre has SkyTrain access and is more urban but slightly pricier and grittier. For families, Newton is often preferred. For solo newcomers who commute, Whalley's SkyTrain access is worth the extra $100/month.

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] TransLink, "Metro Vancouver Transit Information." https://www.translink.ca/

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