About Burnaby
Burnaby sits immediately east of Vancouver, connected by two SkyTrain lines (Expo and Millennium) and distinguished by Simon Fraser University on Burnaby Mountain. Three distinct commercial hubs — Metrotown, Brentwood, and Lougheed — are all rapidly densifying. At $1.1M average — $250K less than Vancouver — Burnaby offers excellent SkyTrain access and established urban character.
Burnaby at a Glance
Cost of Living in Burnaby
Burnaby is $250K cheaper than Vancouver on average while offering comparable SkyTrain connectivity. Detached homes average $1.5M. The Expo and Millennium lines both run through Burnaby providing direct access to downtown Vancouver. Metrotown condos ($650K–$950K) are the most accessible Metro Vancouver entry point with strong SkyTrain access.
Pros & Cons of Living in Burnaby
- 🚇 Two SkyTrain lines — Expo Line plus Millennium Line
- 🎓 Simon Fraser University — 35K students, top-ranked research university
- 🛍️ Metrotown — major urban centre, BC's largest mall, excellent walkability in core
- 🌆 Brentwood and Lougheed — rapidly developing mixed-use urban hubs
- 💰 $1.1M vs Vancouver's $1.35M — $250K less with comparable SkyTrain access
- 🌳 Burnaby Mountain and Deer Lake — significant nature access within the city
- 💸 $1.1M average — still very expensive, requires $180K+ HH income to buy comfortably
- 🏗️ Major construction — Brentwood and Lougheed are large ongoing construction zones
- 🌆 Less character than Vancouver neighbourhoods
- 🌧️ Metro Vancouver rain — same grey winters as Vancouver
Best Neighbourhoods in Burnaby
Burnaby urban core — Expo Line, retail density, condos, walkable services. Condos $650K–$950K. Walk Score 90+.
Rapidly transforming — Millennium Line, new tower condos, Brentwood Town Centre redevelopment. Condos $650K–$900K.
North Burnaby most established — older Craftsman homes, independent shops on Hastings. $1.2M–$1.8M.
South Burnaby near New Westminster — established, quieter, more affordable detached $950K–$1.3M.
Who Burnaby Is Best For
Burnaby is best for Metro Vancouver professionals who want strong SkyTrain access at $250K less than Vancouver, SFU faculty and students, and buyers who want Metro Vancouver most urban condo experience outside Vancouver proper.