Moving to Burnaby from Vancouver: Everything You Need to Know
Burnaby is one of the most popular destinations for Vancouverites looking for more space, better value, and a slightly slower pace — without giving up easy access to downtown Vancouver. If you're planning a move from Vancouver to Burnaby, you're in good company: thousands of Metro Vancouver residents make this move every year.
This guide covers everything you need to know about relocating from Vancouver to Burnaby — from choosing the right neighbourhood to understanding what the move will cost and how to make it go smoothly.
Why People Move from Vancouver to Burnaby
More Space for Less Money
The most common reason people move from Vancouver to Burnaby is simple: you get more for your money. Whether you're renting or buying, Burnaby consistently offers larger units and homes at lower prices than comparable Vancouver properties.
A 2-bedroom apartment in Vancouver's West End or Kitsilano might cost $3,200–$4,000/month to rent. The same size unit in Burnaby's Brentwood or Metrotown area typically runs $2,400–$3,000/month — a meaningful difference for families and young professionals.
Still Close to Everything
Burnaby is directly adjacent to Vancouver — many parts of Burnaby are closer to downtown Vancouver than some Vancouver neighbourhoods like Marpole or Dunbar. The SkyTrain Expo and Millennium lines run through Burnaby, making downtown Vancouver accessible in 15–30 minutes from most Burnaby neighbourhoods.
Family-Friendly Communities
Burnaby has excellent schools, parks, and community centres. Neighbourhoods like Deer Lake, Burnaby Lake, and Capitol Hill are particularly popular with families who want a quieter, more suburban feel while staying connected to the city.
Simon Fraser University
SFU's main campus sits atop Burnaby Mountain, making Burnaby a natural choice for students, faculty, and staff. The UniverCity neighbourhood at the top of the mountain is a planned community built specifically around the university.
Burnaby Neighbourhoods: Where Should You Move?
Burnaby is divided into four main areas, each with a distinct character. Here's a quick guide to help you choose the right neighbourhood for your lifestyle.
Metrotown / South Burnaby
Best for: Young professionals, couples, people who want urban amenities
Metrotown is Burnaby's commercial and transit hub. It's home to Metropolis at Metrotown (one of BC's largest malls), excellent SkyTrain access, and a dense mix of high-rise condos and apartments. If you want the urban feel of Vancouver at a slightly lower price point, Metrotown delivers.
- SkyTrain: Metrotown Station (Expo Line)
- Housing: Mostly high-rise condos and apartments
- Vibe: Urban, busy, walkable
Brentwood / North Burnaby
Best for: Professionals, families, people who want new construction
Brentwood has undergone massive redevelopment over the past decade and is now one of Metro Vancouver's most exciting neighbourhoods. The Brentwood Town Centre area features new high-rise towers, a revamped shopping centre, and excellent transit access. It's popular with young professionals and families who want modern housing.
- SkyTrain: Brentwood Town Centre Station (Millennium Line)
- Housing: New high-rise condos, some older single-family homes nearby
- Vibe: Modern, rapidly evolving, transit-oriented
Burnaby Heights / Capitol Hill
Best for: Families, people who want a quieter neighbourhood with character
Burnaby Heights (along Hastings Street) is one of Burnaby's most charming neighbourhoods — a walkable main street with independent shops, cafes, and restaurants. Capitol Hill, just above, offers older single-family homes with large lots and mountain views. This area has a strong community feel and is popular with families.
- Transit: Bus routes to SkyTrain; less direct than Metrotown/Brentwood
- Housing: Mix of older single-family homes, duplexes, and low-rise apartments
- Vibe: Neighbourhood-y, community-focused, quieter
Deer Lake / Burnaby Lake
Best for: Families, nature lovers, people who want space
The Deer Lake and Burnaby Lake areas are among Burnaby's most scenic. Deer Lake Park is a beautiful green space with a lake, arts centre, and walking trails. This area has a more suburban feel with larger homes and lots. It's popular with families who want space and nature without leaving the city.
- Transit: Less transit-accessible; car-friendly
- Housing: Larger single-family homes, some townhouses
- Vibe: Suburban, green, family-oriented
UniverCity / Burnaby Mountain
Best for: SFU students and staff, people who want a planned community
UniverCity is a planned sustainable community built around SFU's Burnaby Mountain campus. It has its own shops, schools, and community spaces. Housing is a mix of condos, townhouses, and single-family homes. The views from Burnaby Mountain are spectacular.
- Transit: SFU Bus Exchange (frequent service to SkyTrain)
- Housing: Mix of condos, townhouses, single-family homes
- Vibe: Academic, community-focused, scenic
How Much Does It Cost to Move from Vancouver to Burnaby?
A Vancouver to Burnaby move is considered a local move — you're charged by the hour, not by distance. Here's what to expect:
Typical Moving Costs (Vancouver to Burnaby)
| Home Size | Estimated Time | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment | 3–4 hours | $447–$596 |
| 2-bedroom apartment | 4–6 hours | $596–$894 |
| 3-bedroom home | 6–9 hours | $894–$1,341 |
| 4-bedroom home | 8–12 hours | $1,192–$1,788 |
Based on 4 You Moving's standard rate of $149/hr for 2 movers + 3-ton truck, with a 2-hour minimum and 1-hour travel time charge.
Factors That Affect Your Moving Cost
Elevator access: If you're moving out of or into a high-rise, elevator availability significantly affects timing. Book your elevator at both buildings as far in advance as possible.
Stairs: Homes with multiple flights of stairs take longer to load and unload.
Volume of belongings: More stuff = more time. Declutter before your move to reduce costs.
Parking: If movers can't park close to your building, carrying distance increases and so does time.
Time of month: End-of-month moves are in higher demand. Book early.
What to Know Before Moving to Burnaby
Strata Rules
If you're moving into a Burnaby condo or townhouse, you'll need to comply with strata move-in rules. Most stratas require:
- Advance notice of your move-in date (typically 48–72 hours)
- Elevator booking (for high-rises)
- A damage deposit (typically $200–$500, refundable)
- Move-in during specific hours (usually 8am–8pm on weekdays)
Contact your new building's strata manager as soon as you have a confirmed move date.
Parking Permits
If you're moving into a Burnaby neighbourhood without easy truck access, you may need a temporary parking permit for the moving truck. Contact the City of Burnaby's engineering department to arrange this.
Schools
Burnaby has excellent public schools under School District 41 (Burnaby). If you have school-age children, research school catchments before choosing your neighbourhood — catchment boundaries can vary significantly even within the same area.
Transit
Burnaby is well-served by TransLink. The Expo Line (Metrotown, Joyce-Collingwood) and Millennium Line (Brentwood, Holdom, Sperling-Burnaby Lake, Lake City Way) provide fast SkyTrain access to downtown Vancouver. Bus routes connect most Burnaby neighbourhoods to SkyTrain stations.
Tips for a Smooth Vancouver to Burnaby Move
- Book movers 4–6 weeks in advance — especially for end-of-month moves in summer
- Book elevators at both buildings as soon as you have a confirmed move date
- Declutter before you pack — less stuff means a faster, cheaper move
- Label boxes by room — makes unloading dramatically faster
- Confirm parking at both locations before moving day
- Pack a "first night" box with essentials so you don't have to dig through boxes on night one
- Update your address with BC Services Card, CRA, your bank, and Canada Post
Get a free moving quote from 4 You Moving — we serve all of Metro Vancouver 7 days a week. View our service areas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving from Vancouver to Burnaby
Is a Vancouver to Burnaby move considered local or long-distance?
It's a local move. You're charged by the hour, not by distance. Most Vancouver–Burnaby moves take 3–8 hours depending on home size.
How far in advance should I book movers for a Vancouver to Burnaby move?
At least 3–4 weeks in advance for a mid-month move, and 5–6 weeks for an end-of-month move. Summer moves (May–September) book up fastest.
Do I need to notify anyone when I move from Vancouver to Burnaby?
Yes — update your address with: BC Services Card (ICBC/MSP), Canada Revenue Agency, your bank and credit cards, Canada Post (mail forwarding), your employer, your doctor and dentist, and any subscriptions or services.
Can 4 You Moving handle my Vancouver to Burnaby move?
Absolutely. We complete Vancouver–Burnaby moves regularly and know both cities well. Get a free quote and we'll give you a transparent estimate with no hidden fees.
Ready to make the move from Vancouver to Burnaby? Get a free quote from 4 You Moving — we serve all of Metro Vancouver with transparent hourly rates and professional service.
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