With benchmark prices often soaring past the million-dollar mark, you may be discouraged and feel priced out of the market. But don’t lose hope!
While areas like West Vancouver and Central Vancouver, like Mount Pleasant, command premium prices, several cities in the Lower Mainland offer more accessible price points, without sacrificing lifestyle and amenities.
The lower mainland also continues to be an area that attracts people, with Metro Vancouver’s population growth up 18% in 2025, compared to 2021.
1. Abbotsford
Abbotsford has long been a popular choice for families and new home buyers that are looking for affordability. While the city is technically outside the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD), it’s still an attractive option. There is plenty of work opportunities, easy access to the interior of BC, and a great sense of community.
One of the main reasons for Abbotsford’s affordability is its distance from Vancouver’s city core. Which translates to lower land values and, consequently, lower housing prices.
Despite its lower price point, Abbotsford provides a great lifestyle. There is a regional airport, the University of Fraser Valley, and a vibrant agricultural and trades sector. For outdoor enthusiasts, the surrounding mountains and access to the rest of the Fraser Valley offer endless opportunities for outdoor exploring.
Fraser Valley Real Estate Board Shows:
- Average Detached Home Price, July 2025: $1,204,726
- Average Townhouse Price, July 2025: $645,918
- Average Apartment Price, July 2025: $472,611
2. Langley
Image from CBC News
Langley has become a huge attractor for families and individuals looking for more space and a community-oriented atmosphere. All without the sky-high prices of cities closer to Vancouver.
Langley’s affordability is driven by its location further east in the Fraser Valley (similar to Abbotsford) and a growing supply of new housing developments. These newer properties often provide modern amenities at a more competitive price compared to similar homes in Burnaby or Richmond.
The area is known for its excellent schools, numerous parks, and recreational facilities. With its charming downtown core, bustling shopping centres like Willowbrook, and a renowned wine region, Langley offers a high quality of life. The incoming SkyTrain extension is also set to boost the connectivity, and most likely, home prices, too.
Fraser Valley Real Estate Board Shows:
- Average Detached Home Price, July 2025: $1,564,635
- Average Townhouse Price, July 2025: $832,423
- Average Apartment Price, July 2025: $558,508
Learn more about the City of Langley
3. Pitt Meadows
Nestled between the Pitt River and the Fraser River, Pitt Meadows is a small and quiet community known for its flat terrain and stunning mountain views. It offers a peaceful, small-town feel, while still being well-connected to the rest of the Lower Mainland via the West Coast Express and major highways.
The city is a haven for nature lovers. There are extensive trail networks like the Pitt-Addington Marsh Wildlife Management Area. Its flat landscape makes it perfect for cycling, and its strong community spirit is evident in its local festivals and events. For homebuyers who prioritize peace and nature over urban hustle, Pitt Meadows is a hidden gem.
Greater Vancouver Realtors Shows:
- Average Detached Home Price, July 2025: $1,250,500
- Average Townhouse Price, July 2025: $823,900
- Average Apartment Price, July 2025: $579,700
Learn more about the Pitt Meadows
4. Maple Ridge
Located on the north side of the Fraser River, Maple Ridge has been attracting homebuyers for years with its natural beauty and relatively affordable real estate. It offers a scenic backdrop of the Golden Ears mountains and a more relaxed pace of life compared to the bustling urban centres.
Maple Ridge’s affordability stems from its location at the eastern edge of Metro Vancouver. The city offers a wide array of housing, from spacious single-family homes with large yards to modern condos and townhouses in its growing city centre.
With the West Coast Express providing a direct link to downtown Vancouver, it’s a practical choice for commuters who want more for their money.
Greater Vancouver Realtors Shows:
- Average Detached Home Price, July 2025: $1,266,000
- Average Townhouse Price, July 2025: $773,100
- Average Apartment Price, July 2025: $504,100
Learn more about the City of Maple Ridge
5. Mission
Located in the lush Fraser Valley, Mission is a vibrant and growing community that blends natural beauty with small-town charm. Surrounded by stunning mountain views, dense forests, and the Fraser River, Mission is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities like hiking, fishing, and boating. The city is also rich in history, with attractions such as the Westminster Abbey and the annual Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival drawing numerous visitors.
Mission’s affordable housing market makes it an appealing destination for first-time homebuyers and families seeking more space. With plans for future development and its proximity to larger cities like Abbotsford and Vancouver, Mission combines affordability, community spirit, and access to nature, making it a compelling place to live.
Fraser Valley Real Estate Board Shows:
- Average Detached Home Price, July 2025: $959,916
- Average Townhouse Price, July 2025: $618,112
- Average Apartment Price, July 2025: $434,790
Runner Up: Richmond
While some may be surprised to see Richmond on a list of affordable cities, it offers pockets of value that make it a contender, particularly for condos and townhouses. As a large, multicultural city with a dynamic economy, Richmond presents a unique blend of urban living and affordability.
Richmond’s affordability is in the apartment sector and is supported by a large and continuous supply of new developments. The city is famous for its world-class Asian cuisine, vibrant night markets, and extensive shopping at centres like CF Richmond Centre.
It’s also incredibly well-connected, with the Canada Line providing fast and easy access to downtown Vancouver and the Vancouver International Airport (YVR). For those who value convenience and cultural diversity, Richmond offers an attractive and relatively affordable urban lifestyle.
Greater Vancouver Realtors Shows:
- Average Detached Home Price, July 2025: $2,087,000
- Average Townhouse Price, July 2025: $1,093,800
- Average Apartment Price, July 2025: $709,800
Learn more about the City of Richmond
Finding Your Affordable Home
While the Metro Vancouver housing market can be challenging, affordable options are available if you know where to look.
If you’re ready to start your home-buying journey, working with a knowledgeable real estate professional can help you navigate the market. Daniel John and the team is here to support your home buying needs in the lower mainland. Learn more like how we help buyers.
