City Guide · Metro Vancouver
Burnaby
Central, green, and transit-rich — the practical middle of Metro Vancouver.
Overview
Getting to know Burnaby.
Burnaby sits directly east of Vancouver and offers much of the same access with more space and more parkland. It is built around several town centres served by SkyTrain, and it is home to SFU and BCIT. For many families it is the compromise between downtown convenience and suburban breathing room.
Who it’s best for
Burnaby tends to suit…
Neighbourhoods
Where people live.
Metrotown
High-rise living around BC's largest mall and a major SkyTrain hub — the most urban part of the city.
Brentwood
A redeveloped town centre with new towers, shops, and Millennium Line access.
Burnaby Heights
A low-rise, walkable strip on Hastings with independent shops and North Shore views.
Burnaby Mountain / SFU
The UniverCity community beside Simon Fraser University, popular with students and academics.
Edmonds
Diverse and comparatively attainable south Burnaby neighbourhood on the Expo Line.
Climate
What the year feels like
Coastal and mild like Vancouver, with more snow on Burnaby Mountain than at sea level in winter.
Getting around
Commuting & transit
Both the Expo and Millennium SkyTrain lines cross the city, making downtown Vancouver a 20–30 minute ride from most town centres. Highway 1 runs through the middle for drivers.
Cost of living
What it costs to live here.
Housing (rent)
1BR ~$2,077/mo
Monthly Groceries (single person)
~$400-450/mo per person
Transit Pass (monthly)
TransLink monthly pass, zone-based — see translink.ca for current fares
Estimated from market reports, July 2026. Figures are indicative — check current listings for accuracy.
Estimates based on market reports, updated periodically — for guidance only
Sources: Zumper, Rentals.ca, TransLink, BC Transit, Statistics Canada — as of July 2026.
Thinking about settling in Burnaby?
Talk through neighbourhoods, timing, and next steps with someone who knows the area — no pressure, just clarity.
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