Map: Metro Vancouver’s cheapest neighbourhoods to rent in September

Metro Vancouver’s average rent for a newly listed, unfurnished one-bedroom fell slightly to $2,085 in September from $2,098 in August, according to liv.rent’s latest report. Lower-cost rentals remain difficult to find in some neighbourhoods.

The region contains Canada’s three most expensive cities for renters. West Vancouver remained the priciest market, with one-bedroom units averaging $2,465. Several Lower Mainland neighbourhoods nevertheless offered more affordable options.

Abbotsford had the lowest average rent in September, at $1,515 for a newly listed, unfurnished one-bedroom. The city has historically offered the lowest prices, though parts of Surrey were cheaper for a period. Surrey continues to offer the best value for renters who want to remain in Metro Vancouver rather than move to the Fraser Valley.

In Surrey, Newton averaged $1,531. Guildford and Fleetwood were both below $1,700, at $1,637 and $1,642 respectively, while Surrey City Centre averaged $1,722. South Surrey was the city’s least affordable market this month, with units averaging $2,089. White Rock averaged $1,848.

In Langley, Willowbrook averaged $1,745 and Willoughby averaged $1,827. Although Burnaby ranked as Canada’s fifth-most expensive rental market, South Slope and SFU/Burnaby Heights remained below $2,000 on average, at $1,787 and $1,882.

Richmond had three neighbourhoods below $2,000: Golden Village at $1,779, Steveston at $1,838 and Bridgeport at $1,996. New Westminster averaged $1,894. No Tri-Cities options averaged less than $2,000.

Within the City of Vancouver, Victoria-Sunset Fraserview was the least expensive option at $1,745. Killarney averaged $1,892 and Marpole averaged $1,964.