Coquitlam, BC
About
Coquitlam is a dynamic city located at the heart of Metro Vancouver, bordered by the Fraser River to the south and the forested slopes of Eagle and Burke Mountains to the north. With a population of nearly 150,000, it is one of British Columbia’s fastest-growing urban centres, known for its blend of modern amenities and abundant natural spaces.
Coquitlam’s multicultural community is reflected in its vibrant neighborhoods, including Maillardville—the province’s only francophone district—and thriving Chinese, Korean, and Iranian communities. The city’s robust business sector, extensive park system, and easy access to both downtown Vancouver and the outdoors make it an attractive place for families, professionals, and newcomers seeking a balanced lifestyle.
Market Statistics
Benchmark Detached Home Price: $1,690,000 CAD
Benchmark Townhouse Price: $1,030,000 CAD
Benchmark Condo Price: $680,000 CAD
Average Price per SQFT: $820 CAD
Average Sold Price (Detached): $1,820,000 CAD
Average Days on Market: 16 days
Sales-to-Active Listing Ratio: 17%
Total Active Listings: 1120
Average Rent (1-bed, city centre) $1,752 CAD
History & Culture
Coquitlam’s history stretches back over 10,000 years, with the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) First Nation as the original stewards of the land. Their name, which means “small red salmon,” refers to the sockeye that once thrived in the Coquitlam River. European settlement began in the late 19th century with the establishment of Fraser Mills, a major lumber operation that attracted workers from across Canada and Europe. The arrival of French Canadians in 1909 led to the creation of Maillardville, now a vibrant francophone community. Over the decades, Coquitlam has evolved into a multicultural hub, celebrating its Indigenous roots and diverse immigrant heritage through festivals, museums, and public art.
Climate
North Vancouver experiences a temperate, oceanic climate characterized by mild, wet winters and warm, relatively dry summers. Due to its proximity to the mountains, the area receives more precipitation than Vancouver proper, averaging around 1,699 mm of rainfall and 26 cm of snowfall annually. Winters are typically coldest in December, with average lows around 0.8°C, and are marked by frequent rainfall and occasional snow.
Summers, on the other hand, are warmest in July, with average highs reaching 22.2°C, offering dry and sunny weather ideal for outdoor activities. The annual mean temperature hovers around 10.5°C (51°F), and humidity levels remain fairly consistent throughout the year at approximately 80%. Compared to most Canadian cities, North Vancouver is both warmer and wetter, boasting a longer growing season but fewer sunny days than the national average.
Cost of Living
Coquitlam is among the more expensive cities in Canada, though generally more affordable than Vancouver proper. A single person’s monthly expenses average $2,490 CAD, including rent, while a family of four can expect to spend about $5,269 CAD.
Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre is around $1,752 CAD, and a three-bedroom apartment averages $3,539 CAD. Utilities for one person are about $78 CAD per month, and internet plans cost around $63 CAD.
Groceries for one person total about $563 CAD monthly, with typical prices such as $3.05 for bread, $1.51 for milk, and $15.50 for chicken breast per kilogram. A monthly public transit pass is approximately $74 CAD, and gasoline averages $1.27 CAD per litre.
Commute Time
Coquitlam offers excellent connectivity via multiple transit options. The city is served by the SkyTrain Millennium Line’s Evergreen Extension, the West Coast Express commuter train, and the R3 RapidBus, providing fast access to downtown Vancouver and neighbouring municipalities.
The average commute time within Coquitlam is about 25–30 minutes, with trips to downtown Vancouver typically taking 40–50 minutes by transit during peak hours.
Major roadways such as the Lougheed Highway and Highway 1 make driving convenient, while over 60 km of bike routes support active transportation. A monthly transit pass costs about $74 CAD.
Schools
Coquitlam is served by School District 43, the third largest in British Columbia, with about 32,000 students in 70 schools. The district offers a range of programs, including French Immersion, Mandarin Bilingual, Montessori, and International Baccalaureate. Top public high schools include Dr. Charles Best Secondary and École Maillard Middle School, both known for strong academics and extracurriculars.
Private options are available, and Douglas College’s David Lam Campus provides post-secondary education for over 4,000 students. The city’s schools are highly rated and attract families seeking quality education.
Activities
Cost of Living Comparison
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Report Card
Hear from our clients
“Buying your first home can be a very daunting task especially in today's market. But with Richard's help it was easy. I work approx. 50-60 hours a week and my wife was working 2 jobs and he worked around our busy schedule and met with us where ever was easiest for us. Richard is very knowledgeable. He had an answer for every question we had and was very quick to respond to messages/emails. You can tell that he's passionate about what he does.
We were in the market for a few months and with a little luck mixed with Richard quick work we were able to secure a beautiful home somehow for just under for just under asking. I am very thankful for him helping us start this new chapter in our lives”
“Had an amazing experience having Richard as my realtor. He provided me with an experience that felt personal and helped me get something that best suited my needs. He was very professional and thorough with his research. I highly recommend him.”
“if you want an honest and extremely hard working realtor, definitely choose Richard. We started looking months before we were ready, advised by him which I think also helped encourage us to get more ready, and then when we were ready we knew what we were looking for and how to get it!
Also my partner and I closed on our place in the most inconvenient time, which was during Richard’s honeymoon. Ideally we didn’t have any issues but of course that is never the case and something came up with the seller and Richard was still able to get everything sorted from a different country! I don’t know how many realtors would do that or just pass you to someone else!”
“Richard helped us find our first home!! We were able to get everything we were looking for in a presale townhouse in the Port Moody area. Richard was prompt, professional, and proactive, walking us through every step of the process.”
Do you have any question?
Is Coquitlam a good place for families?
Yes, Coquitlam offers excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and many parks.
How long does it take to commute to Downtown Vancouver?
Typically 40–50 minutes by SkyTrain or West Coast Express.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
About $1,752 CAD per month in the city centre.
Does Coquitlam have good outdoor activities?
Yes, with parks, trails, and lakes for hiking, biking, and more.
Are there French language education options?
Yes, including French Immersion and Maillardville’s francophone programs.
