Cheapest Neighborhoods to Rent in Vancouver 2026

Let's be real — Vancouver rent is expensive. But some neighborhoods are significantly cheaper than others, and "cheap" doesn't always mean "bad." Here's an honest look at where you can find the most affordable rent in Vancouver proper (not counting Burnaby, Surrey, etc. — those are separate articles).

Cheapest Neighborhoods in Vancouver (2026 Averages)

1. Renfrew-Collingwood — 1BR from $1,650/month

East Vancouver's most affordable pocket. Centered around Joyce-Collingwood SkyTrain station. Lots of older apartment buildings with lower rents. Good food scene (Chinese, Vietnamese, Filipino). The 29th Avenue and Renfrew stations give you direct access to downtown in 20 minutes. Main downside: some blocks look rough, but crime is average for Vancouver.

2. Marpole — 1BR from $1,700/month

South Vancouver near the airport. Quieter, more residential. The Canada Line runs through here (Marine Drive station). Close to the Fraser River path for walking/cycling. Some newer developments mixed in with older buildings. Good access to Richmond for Asian groceries.

3. Hastings-Sunrise — 1BR from $1,700/month

East Van neighborhood north of the PNE grounds. Mix of houses and older apartments. The Hastings Street corridor has bus service to downtown (20-25 minutes). Nanaimo SkyTrain station is walkable from parts of the neighborhood. Growing food and bar scene along Hastings East.

4. Victoria-Fraserview / Killarney — 1BR from $1,750/month

Southeast Vancouver. Very residential, family-oriented. Less nightlife but very safe and quiet. Bus connections to Joyce-Collingwood or 29th Avenue SkyTrain. Good if you have a car — parking is easy. Large Chinese and South Asian communities.

5. Mount Pleasant (east side) — 1BR from $1,800/month

The east side of Mount Pleasant (east of Main Street) is noticeably cheaper than the west side. Still walkable to the Broadway-City Hall area. Great neighborhood for young professionals — lots of breweries, coffee shops, and restaurants on Main Street.

What About Downtown?

Downtown Vancouver 1BR apartments average $2,200-2,500/month. The West End (Davie/Denman) is slightly cheaper at $2,000-2,300 because of older buildings. If you absolutely need to live downtown, look at the West End — you might find a studio for $1,800 in an older building.

Use our rent affordability calculator to see what you can actually afford based on your income.

How to Find Affordable Rentals

• Craigslist Vancouver — Still the biggest rental listing site. Filter by price and area.
• Facebook Marketplace — Growing in popularity, especially for rooms and shared housing
• Liv.rent — Verified listings, less spam than Craigslist
• Walk the neighborhood — Many older buildings only advertise with a sign out front, no online listing

Transit Matters More Than Address

A cheaper neighborhood with good transit can save you more than a pricier one near work. A SkyTrain-accessible 1BR in Renfrew-Collingwood at $1,650 beats a $2,200 place downtown if you don't need to own a car. That $550/month savings covers transit, groceries, and then some.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Renfrew-Collingwood safe?

Generally yes. It's a working-class neighborhood with a diverse population. Like anywhere in a big city, there are some blocks that are quieter than others. Joyce-Collingwood station area is busy and well-lit. Use common sense and you'll be fine.

Can I find a 1BR under $1,500 in Vancouver?

Very unlikely in 2026 unless it's a basement suite or a long-term tenant moving out and you take over their old rate. $1,600-1,700 is the realistic floor for a self-contained 1BR in Vancouver proper.

Should I look in Burnaby or Surrey instead?

If price is your top priority, yes. Burnaby near SkyTrain has 1BRs from $1,500-1,600. Surrey from $1,300-1,500. Check our guides on Burnaby rent and Surrey rent.

References

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

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

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

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

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