How Much Rent Can You Afford in Vancouver on $60K, $80K or $100K?

Using the common 30% rule, a gross income of $60,000 supports about $1,500 a month in rent, $80,000 about $2,000, and $100,000 about $2,500. Many Vancouver landlords use a different test, income of about three times the rent, which allows slightly more: about $1,670, $2,220 and $2,780. Compared with the 2025 Metro Vancouver median purpose-built rent of $1,875 and CMHC’s average Vancouver two-bedroom of $2,363, $60K usually means sharing or a suite, $80K a one-bedroom in many SkyTrain suburbs, and $100K a one-bedroom in Vancouver or a two-bedroom outside the core.

The Numbers

Gross income	30% rule (monthly)	Landlord 3× test (monthly)
$50,000	$1,250	$1,389
$60,000	$1,500	$1,667
$70,000	$1,750	$1,944
$80,000	$2,000	$2,222
$90,000	$2,250	$2,500
$100,000	$2,500	$2,778
$120,000	$3,000	$3,333

The 30% rule is a budgeting guide; the 3× test is what many landlords use to approve applications. Staying near 30% leaves more room for savings and other costs.

What Each Budget Usually Gets

• $60,000 (about $1,500): a room in a shared home, a basement suite, or a studio in an older building, more often in Surrey, the Tri-Cities or New Westminster than in central Vancouver.
• $80,000 (about $2,000): a one-bedroom in many SkyTrain suburbs such as Burnaby, New Westminster or Surrey, or an older one-bedroom in parts of Vancouver.
• $100,000 (about $2,500): a one-bedroom in much of Vancouver, or a two-bedroom outside the core, close to the 2025 average Vancouver two-bedroom of $2,363.

Advertised rents for vacant units are usually higher than these averages, which include long-term tenants. Check current listings for the areas you’re considering.

Count the Costs Beyond Rent

• Utilities: BC Hydro if heat isn’t included; see utility costs in a Vancouver apartment.
• Up front: first month’s rent plus a security deposit of up to half a month’s rent, and a pet deposit if applicable.
• Moving: on Tingsapp, small moves start at $79 and full home moves at $249, at a fixed price.
• Tenant insurance: often required by landlords.

Stretching the Budget

• Look along SkyTrain in Burnaby, New Westminster or Surrey.
• Rent with a roommate, or rent a suite.
• Choose rent with heat and hot water included.
• Negotiate in winter, when fewer people move; see how to negotiate your rent in BC.

When you’re ready to move, see Vancouver movers for fixed upfront prices.

Sources

• CMHC — 2025 Rental Market Report, Vancouver CMA (cmhc-schl.gc.ca), 2026
• Metro Vancouver — housing data dashboard, purpose-built rents, 2024–2025 (metrovancouver.org), 2026
• BC Residential Tenancy Branch — deposits and rent increases (gov.bc.ca), 2026
• CMHC — housing affordability and the 30% shelter-cost guideline (cmhc-schl.gc.ca), 2026

Related guides

• How Much Income Do You Need to Live Comfortably in Vancouver?
• What Utilities Are Usually Included in Vancouver Rent?
• 10 Most Affordable Neighbourhoods in the Lower Mainland
• How to Find a Rental in Vancouver

Frequently Asked Questions

How much rent can I afford on $60,000 a year in Vancouver?

About $1,500 a month at the 30% rule, or about $1,670 under the landlord 3× income test.

How much rent can I afford on $80,000?

About $2,000 a month at 30%, or about $2,220 under the 3× test.

How much rent can I afford on $100,000?

About $2,500 a month at 30%, or about $2,780 under the 3× test.

What is the 3× rent rule?

Many landlords want your gross monthly income to be at least three times the rent. Divide your annual income by 36 to find the maximum rent.

What is the average rent in Vancouver?

CMHC’s 2025 average for a purpose-built two-bedroom in Vancouver was $2,363, and Metro Vancouver’s 2025 median purpose-built rent was $1,875. Advertised rents for vacant units are usually higher.

Should I include utilities in my rent budget?

Yes, especially if heat isn’t included. Add expected BC Hydro costs to the rent before comparing places.