Thinking of Moving to Surrey? Here’s What Locals Want You to Know

Two sentence summary:

Thinking of moving to Surrey? Explore housing, jobs, and lifestyle insights in BC’s fastest-growing city, and see how MTS Moving can make your first cross-province relocation easy.

Table of contents:

Why are people moving to Surrey, B.C.?

What is the cost living in Survey vs. nearby B.C. cities?

What are the best neighbourhoods in Surrey, B.C.?

What is the Surrey job market like?

Getting around Surrey, B.C.

What is family life like in Surrey, B.C.?

Outdoor lifestyle and weather in Surrey, B.C.

How MTS Moving simplifies your long-distance move to Surrey

At a glance:

Surrey is one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities, offering home prices up to 30% lower than Vancouver and a strong job market in healthcare, trades, and tech.

Families benefit from BC’s largest school district, 800+ parks, and full-service healthcare at Surrey Memorial Hospital.

With rapid transit expansion, diverse neighbourhoods, and trusted movers like MTS Moving, relocating to Surrey is practical, affordable, and well-supported.

You’ve dreamed of moving west: the mountains, the ocean, the mild winters. But for most people relocating to BC, that dream quickly meets the reality of sky-high prices and logistical headaches. Between unpredictable moving costs and homes vanishing from the market overnight, it can feel impossible to find your footing.

Surrey offers a smarter way to make BC home. The fastest-growing major city is adding 1,200–1,500 new residents every month and is projected to surpass Vancouver as the province’s most populous city by 2030. It combines the energy of urban life with the space and affordability so many newcomers crave.

With home prices up to $900,000 less than Vancouver and a booming job market in healthcare, tech, and education, Surrey is quickly becoming BC’s next big opportunity.

Whether you’re moving for work, family, or a fresh start, MTS Moving can help you navigate your relocation with confidence and clarity.

In this guide, you’ll discover why people are moving here, how costs compare, where to live, and what to expect when you arrive in Canada’s next major city.

Why Are People Moving to Surrey?

People are moving to Surrey, BC for three main reasons: proximity and affordability compared to Vancouver, a thriving multicultural community, and strong job opportunities with access to nature.

Proximity to Vancouver Without the Price Tag: Surrey’s home prices are 25–30% lower than Vancouver’s, with detached homes costing hundreds of thousands less and rents typically $300–$600 cheaper. Commuters benefit from SkyTrain access and major highways (1 and 99), keeping downtown Vancouver, Burnaby, and Richmond within reach. Families appreciate larger homes, green space, and easy parking. Comforts that are rare in the city.

Booming Immigrant and Multicultural Community: Nearly 45% of residents in Surrey are immigrants, creating one of Canada’s most diverse and welcoming cities. From cultural festivals to faith centres and multilingual schools, Surrey offers a strong sense of belonging for newcomers. Support programs and ESL education make it easier for families to settle and thrive.

Growing Job Market and Access to Nature: Surrey’s job market is expanding across tech, healthcare, trades, and education, driven by employers like Fraser Health and Georgian College. The “City of Parks” lives up to its name with 800+ parks, 650 km of trails, and nearby beaches, forests, and recreation areas. Residents enjoy both economic opportunity and outdoor freedom. A rare balance in the Lower Mainland.

What is the Cost of Living in Survey vs. Nearby B.C. Cities?

Surrey’s cost of living sits between the high prices of Vancouver and the relative affordability of Kelowna, offering good value for families, professionals, and remote workers who need access to the Lower Mainland.

Home Prices and Rent (2025)

The average home price in Surrey is about $1.1 million, with detached homes reaching $1.3 million depending on neighbourhood. Rent for a two-bedroom apartment averages $2,200–$2,300, roughly $300–$600 less than in Vancouver and 20–30% higher than Kelowna.

Utilities, Transit, and Lifestyle Costs

Monthly utilities average $150–$200, slightly lower than Vancouver’s core. A monthly SkyTrain pass runs $120–$150, and driving remains common due to Surrey’s suburban layout. Groceries and dining are more affordable than downtown Vancouver, while recreation and fitness costs are moderate thanks to abundant public parks and community centres.

City	Average Home Price	Two-Bed Rent	Utilities (Monthly)	Key Takeaway
Surrey	~$1.1M	~$2,200	$150-$200	Balanced costs; family-friendly amenities
Vancouver	$2M+	$3,500+	$170-$200	Highest costs in B.C.; major urban access
Kelowna	$800K-$900K	~$1,700	$150-$180	Lower overall cost; smaller city pace

Surrey strikes a middle ground: lower housing and rent than Vancouver yet close enough for daily commuting, making it a practical, cost-effective choice for those seeking balance between city access and suburban comfort.

What Are the Best Neighbourhoods in Surrey, B.C.?

Here’s a look at Surrey’s most popular neighbourhoods, each offering a distinct lifestyle, from coastal calm to suburban energy.

South Surrey: Family-friendly and close to White Rock, South Surrey combines coastal charm with excellent schools like Bayridge Elementary and Southridge Private. The area features upscale homes, quiet streets, and easy access to Crescent Beach and Morgan Crossing’s shops and restaurants. It’s one of the city’s safest and most desirable places to live.

Clayton Heights: Clayton Heights attracts young families with its modern townhomes, walkable design, and new parks and schools. It’s a growing community with easy access to shopping, playgrounds, and major commuter routes. This is perfect for first-time buyers or those seeking a newer suburban setting.

Guildford: Guildford offers convenience and affordability. It’s central, transit-accessible, and anchored by Guildford Town Centre mall, making it ideal for renters and professionals. The mix of condos, apartments, and single-family homes supports a diverse, multicultural community.

Fleetwood: Fleetwood has a traditional suburban feel, quiet cul-de-sacs, established parks, and reputable schools like Fleetwood Park Secondary. It’s known for community spirit, family recreation, and safe streets, offering an easy balance between space and connection.

What is the Surrey job market like?

Surrey’s job market is one of the most diverse and fast-growing in BC, driven by sectors like healthcare, tech, construction trades, education, and logistics. The city’s major employers include Fraser Health, Surrey Schools, and expanding tech startups, while the construction boom continues to create steady demand for skilled trades.

Close ties to Vancouver’s economy mean many residents enjoy hybrid work or short commutes to jobs in tech, finance, and administration. Lower commercial rents and expanding transit (including SkyTrain extensions) are also attracting more businesses to Surrey itself, creating local opportunities and stronger economic independence from Vancouver.

Pro Tip: If you’re starting fresh in BC, Surrey’s diversity, lower rent, and active job training programs give you a real edge. The city offers newcomer business grants, free career support through WorkBC, and strong infrastructure for remote or hybrid workers, all helping newcomers build stable, rewarding careers while keeping living costs manageable.

Getting Around in Surrey, B.C.

Surrey offers strong transit and highway connections, giving residents flexible options for commuting within the city or into Vancouver. Most families still own cars, but transit coverage and SkyTrain expansion are improving every year.

SkyTrain, TransLink, and Highway Access

The Expo Line connects Surrey to downtown Vancouver through King George and Surrey Central stations. The Surrey–Langley SkyTrain extension (opening 2029) will add eight new stations along Fraser Highway, linking major neighbourhoods like Fleetwood and Clayton. TransLink buses and rapid routes connect to Highway 1, 15, 17, and 99 for efficient local and regional travel.

Commuting and Car Ownership

SkyTrain rides to downtown Vancouver take 40–55 minutes and cost $4–$7 each way, or $151 for a monthly adult pass. By car, the 35 km trip averages 45–70 minutes depending on traffic, plus $180–$350 for monthly parking. Most Surrey households own at least one vehicle for daily errands, though car-sharing (Modo, Evo, Zipcar) and rideshare use are rising as transit expands.

What is Family Life Like in Surrey, B.C.?

Surrey is one of BC’s most family-oriented cities, offering excellent schools, modern healthcare, and plenty of recreation. The Surrey School District (SD36) is the province’s largest, with over 125 schools plus a wide choice of private and French immersion programs such as École Gabrielle-Roy and Earl Marriott. Parents value the quality of teaching, extracurriculars, and strong community involvement.

Families have access to 800 parks, 650 kilometres of trails, and major recreation centres in every neighbourhood. Popular spots include Bear Creek Park, Green Timbers Forest, and Holland Park, along with public libraries, pools, and kid-friendly events throughout the year. Surrey’s park system and sports programs make it easy for kids to stay active and social.

Healthcare is anchored by Surrey Memorial Hospital, one of BC’s largest facilities, offering full maternity, pediatric, and emergency services. The hospital delivers more babies annually than any other in Fraser Health and continues to expand women’s, children’s, and surgical programs to serve the city’s rapid growth.

Outdoor Lifestyle and Weather in Surrey, B.C.

Surrey’s mild West Coast climate supports an active outdoor lifestyle year-round. Winters are cool and rainy, averaging 3–5°C, with little snow compared to Alberta. Summers stay moderate at 18–23°C, allowing for comfortable hiking, cycling, and waterfront activities without extreme heat.

Crescent Beach and nearby White Rock Beach are local favourites for swimming, kayaking, and evening walks. Residents also enjoy trails and viewpoints across Tynehead Park, Green Timbers Forest, and Kwomais Point, where ocean and mountain views are part of daily life. The mild weather keeps trails open most of the year.

Weekend trips are easy: Whistler is about 2.5 hours away for skiing and hiking, Vancouver is under an hour for beaches and events, and the Fraser Valley offers lakes, hot springs, and mountain trails. Surrey’s location gives residents fast access to both nature and the city without harsh winters or long drives.

How MTS Moving simplifies your long-distance move to Surrey

Relocating across provinces can feel overwhelming: long drives, heavy packing, and the uncertainty of trusting your belongings to strangers. MTS Moving turns that experience into one of confidence and clarity. With years of long-distance expertise, in-house crews, and government-certified weight verification, every detail is handled with precision from start to finish.

What sets MTS apart is how personal the process feels. One recent customer, Naga, shared how his move from London, Ontario to Surrey, BC went seamlessly. After sales reps Matt and Tommy walked him through every step, MTS team lead Vin arrived on moving day, friendly, organized, and transparent.

Vin explained how the packages worked, walked Naga through the certified weight process before and after loading, and made sure every item was handled carefully. “I definitely recommend MTS,” Naga said. “They made the entire move stress-free. Vin, thank you so much.”

Pro Tip: Summer is BC’s busiest moving season, especially for families relocating before the school year. Booking early guarantees your preferred moving window and helps avoid seasonal surcharges.

Why Surrey Might Be Your Next Best Move

Surrey combines opportunity, diversity, and space; all at a lower cost than Vancouver. Families benefit from strong schools, year-round outdoor living, and a rapidly growing job market, while professionals enjoy the flexibility of hybrid work and easy access to the Lower Mainland.

When you’re ready to make the move, MTS Moving helps you get there without the guesswork — just guaranteed timelines, verified weight, and transparent pricing from a team that moves with integrity.

✅ Get your guaranteed Surrey relocation quote now.

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