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Surrey / Burnaby
Vancouver, Canada · Neighborhood Guide
Suburban cities in Metro Vancouver with strong South Asian communities, big box retail, and significantly lower rents.
Data verified August 13, 2026
Surrey / Burnaby at a Glance
Budget-Friendly
Cost Level
CAD $1,500–$2,000/month for 1-BR
Rent Range
Mixed - Burnaby is generally safe; some areas of North Surrey have higher crime; research specific neighbourhoods
Safety
200–500 Mbps (Telus and Shaw available across Metro Vancouver suburbs)
Internet
Who Lives in Surrey / Burnaby?
South Asian families (Surrey has Canada's largest Punjabi community), Chinese families (Burnaby), new immigrants, and young families priced out of Vancouver
Living in Surrey / Burnaby - Practical Details
Walkability
Limited - car-dependent suburban layout; Metrotown (Burnaby) and Surrey Central are the main walkable hubs
Grocery & Food Access
Superstore, Costco, and T&T in both cities; excellent South Asian grocery stores (Fruiticana, Sabzi Mandi) in Surrey; Metrotown has everything
Getting Around
- SkyTrain Expo Line (Metrotown, Surrey Central)
- Surrey Langley SkyTrain extension (opening 2028)
- Bus network via TransLink
- Car recommended for most trips
Nearby Coworking
- Regus Metrotown (Burnaby)
- WeWork downtown (30 min SkyTrain)
- BOSA Innovation Commons (Burnaby)
Insider Tips for Surrey / Burnaby
- 1Metrotown (Burnaby) is Metro Vancouver's largest mall and a genuine community hub - Crystal Mall next door has excellent Asian food courts
- 2Surrey's Punjabi Market on Main Street has authentic South Asian restaurants, clothing, and grocery - a cultural destination
- 3The SkyTrain makes the Surrey/Burnaby to downtown commute feasible (30–40 min) - live near a station
- 4Rent in Surrey and Burnaby is 30–40% cheaper than Vancouver proper - the trade-off is commute time
FAQ - Surrey / Burnaby, Vancouver
What is Surrey / Burnaby like for expats?
Surrey / Burnaby is a budget-friendly neighborhood in Vancouver. Suburban cities in Metro Vancouver with strong South Asian communities, big box retail, and significantly lower rents. Best for: Families and new arrivals who prioritise space, community, and cost savings over central location.
How much does it cost to live in Surrey / Burnaby, Vancouver?
Surrey / Burnaby is classified as "Budget-Friendly" in Vancouver. Typical rent: CAD $1,500–$2,000/month for 1-BR. Total monthly budget in Vancouver: CAD 4,000–5,600.
Is Surrey / Burnaby safe for expats?
Mixed - Burnaby is generally safe; some areas of North Surrey have higher crime; research specific neighbourhoods
Who lives in Surrey / Burnaby?
South Asian families (Surrey has Canada's largest Punjabi community), Chinese families (Burnaby), new immigrants, and young families priced out of Vancouver
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Live a day in Surrey / Burnaby
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