Why All of Canada’s Priciest Rental Cities Are in Metro Vancouver (June 2025 Update)

It’s official—Metro Vancouver is now home to all five of Canada’s most expensive cities for renters. The Metro Vancouver rent situation is highlighted by new data from liv.rent, even though prices have slightly dropped in some areas, one-bedroom rentals in this region remain the highest in the country.
Let’s explore what’s happening and what it means for renters looking for affordable Metro Vancouver rent options.
What the Numbers Say (June 2025)
The average rent for an unfurnished one-bedroom apartment across Metro Vancouver is now $2,223/month. That’s a small drop of $52 from May 2025—and $114 cheaper than this time last year.
In contrast, furnished one-bedroom units now average $2,333/month, meaning you’ll pay about $110 more if you want a ready-to-move-in setup.
While considering Vancouver rent, these insights come from the June 2025 Rent Report by liv.rent.
Top 5 Most Expensive Rental Cities in Canada (All in Metro Vancouver!)
City | Avg. Rent (1-Bed, Unfurnished) |
---|---|
West Vancouver | $2,598 (⬇️ $156) |
North Vancouver | $2,473 (⬇️ $56) |
Vancouver | $2,436 (⬆️ $28) |
Richmond | $2,384 (⬇️ $53) |
Burnaby | $2,249 (⬇️ $3) |
Even with slight monthly dips, Metro Vancouver dominates Canada’s rental pricing board, which significantly impacts Metro Vancouver rent costs overall.
For more updates like this, check out our Real Estate on Everyana.
Why Are Prices So High?
Two main reasons:
- More new apartments are being completed, especially in North Vancouver. This is helping ease some demand.
- Population growth is slowing in B.C., so competition for rentals isn’t as fierce as it was in 2023 and 2024, affecting Metro Vancouver rent comparisons.
These trends align with Rentals.ca and Urbanation’s latest analysis, which reports that Canada-wide rents have dropped 5.9% year-over-year—but the Vancouver region still stands apart.
Where Can You Still Find Affordable Rentals?
You don’t need to break the bank to live in the Vancouver area. These neighbourhoods offer relatively affordable Metro Vancouver rent rates for 1-bedroom apartments under or near $2,000/month:
- Dunbar–Arbutus (Vancouver) – approx. $1,956/month
- Willoughby + Willowbrook (Langley) – from $1,753/month
- Burnaby Heights / SFU – near $2,039/month
- Steveston (Richmond) – around $2,042/month
Read More Bank of Canada Holds Interest Rate at 2.75%: What It Means for You .
What Renters Should Know Right Now
- Landlords still have the upper hand, especially in central neighborhoods.
- Furnished units cost more—up to $110/month extra.
- New supply = hope: If development continues, we could see rent growth slow even further.
Final Thoughts
If you’re renting in Metro Vancouver—or planning to move—you’ll need to budget smart given the Metro Vancouver rent increases. The region remains expensive, but softening prices and smarter neighborhood choices can help. Look just beyond the hotspots, and you might still find a place that fits your budget.
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