Moving to Surrey: What to Know Before You Relocate

Surrey is Metro Vancouver's fastest-growing city and one of the most affordable options for families and young professionals priced out of Vancouver and Burnaby. Here is what to know before you move.

Neighbourhoods

Surrey Central: The urban core of Surrey. SkyTrain access (Expo Line), City Hall, Central City Shopping Centre, and SFU Surrey campus. Rapidly developing with new condos and mixed-use buildings.

Cloverdale: One of Surrey's most charming areas. Historic town centre, heritage homes, and a strong community feel. More suburban and quieter than Surrey Central.

South Surrey / White Rock: The most upscale area of Surrey. Closer to the US border, with waterfront access at White Rock Beach. Higher rents and home prices than the rest of Surrey.

Newton: One of Surrey's most diverse and affordable neighbourhoods. Good transit connections and a wide range of housing options.

Fleetwood: Family-friendly, suburban feel. Good schools, parks, and community amenities. Popular with families moving from Vancouver.

Guildford: Shopping hub (Guildford Town Centre), good transit, and a mix of apartments and townhomes.

Rental Costs

As of 2026, average rents in Surrey:

• 1-bedroom apartment: $1,700–$2,200/month
• 2-bedroom apartment: $2,200–$3,000/month
• 3-bedroom apartment: $2,800–$3,800/month

Surrey is generally 20–30% more affordable than comparable units in Vancouver proper.

Transit

Surrey has SkyTrain access on the Expo Line (Surrey Central, Gateway, King George stations) and the newer Surrey-Langley SkyTrain extension. Bus service covers most of the city, though some suburban areas require a car for convenient daily travel.

What to Know Before You Move

Car ownership: Many parts of Surrey are more car-dependent than Vancouver or Burnaby. If you rely on transit, choose a neighbourhood close to a SkyTrain station.

Schools: Surrey School District is the largest in BC. Research schools in your specific neighbourhood.

Community: Surrey has a strong sense of community in many neighbourhoods. Cloverdale, South Surrey, and Fleetwood in particular have active community associations and events.

Moving from Vancouver to Surrey

A 2-bedroom apartment move from Vancouver to Surrey typically costs $700–$1,100 with 4 You Moving. The drive between cities is 35–50 minutes.

Get a free quote or call 778-200-8825. We serve all of Metro Vancouver and surrounding areas, 7 days a week.