Port Moody, BC
About
Port Moody, often called "PoMo," is a picturesque city at the eastern end of Burrard Inlet, nestled between Coquitlam, Burnaby, and the villages of Belcarra and Anmore. With a 2023 estimated population of 39,316, it is the smallest of Metro Vancouver’s Tri-Cities. Established as a town in 1859 and incorporated as a city in 1913, Port Moody was named after Richard Clement Moody, the first Lieutenant-Governor of the Colony of British Columbia.
Originally a remote outpost, its strategic location made it the original western terminus of the Canadian Pacific Railway, spurring early growth. Today, Port Moody is known for its scenic waterfront, extensive green spaces, and vibrant arts scene, earning the nickname "City of the Arts." The city’s lifestyle blends small-town charm with urban amenities, attracting families, professionals, and creatives seeking a close-knit, active community surrounded by nature.
Market Statistics
Average Home Price: $1,302,000 CAD
Cost of Living Index: 116
History & Culture
Port Moody’s history begins with the Central Coast Salish peoples, who lived along the Burrard Inlet for thousands of years. The city’s foreshore preserves evidence of pre-European Indigenous occupation. In 1859, the area was named for Richard Clement Moody, and the townsite was established as a strategic military and trading post. The arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1883 made Port Moody the original western terminus, briefly sparking a land boom and attracting settlers from across Canada and abroad.
Although the CPR terminus later shifted to Vancouver, Port Moody remained a hub for trade, lumbering, and industry. Over time, the city diversified, embracing arts, culture, and heritage. Today, Port Moody celebrates its multicultural community with festivals, public art, and cultural venues such as the Inlet Theatre, POMO Museum, and Port Moody Arts Centre. The city’s identity as the "City of the Arts" reflects its high concentration of artists and creative professionals.
Climate
Port Moody experiences a temperate coastal climate with mild, rainy winters and warm, dry summers. Average daily highs range from 6°C in January to 22°C in July and August.
Winters are wet, with the rainiest months from November to January, and annual precipitation totals nearly 2,000 mm, making it one of the wetter cities in Metro Vancouver. Snowfall is moderate, averaging about 56 cm annually, mostly in winter months.
Summers are comfortable and relatively dry, with average highs of 22°C and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Humidity averages 75–80% year-round. Compared nationally, Port Moody is warmer and wetter than most Canadian cities, with lush greenery and a long growing season.
Cost of Living
Port Moody’s cost of living is about 16% higher than the Canadian average but 6% lower than the BC average. The average home price is $1,302,000 CAD, nearly double the national average.
Utility costs are slightly above average, while groceries, transportation, and personal care are moderately higher. A typical monthly grocery bill for one person is about $550–$600 CAD. Gasoline costs are about 30% higher than the national average.
Dining out at an inexpensive restaurant costs around $22–$25 CAD per person. Public transit and recreation are comparable to other Metro Vancouver cities. Overall, Port Moody offers a high quality of life with a price tag that reflects its desirable setting and amenities.
Commute Time
Port Moody is well-connected to Metro Vancouver via the SkyTrain Millennium Line’s Evergreen Extension, with Inlet Centre and Moody Centre stations offering rapid transit to downtown Vancouver in about 30 minutes for $4–$7 CAD. Bus routes provide additional connectivity to Coquitlam, Burnaby, and other Tri-Cities.
The city is about 24 km from downtown Vancouver by car, with typical drive times between 30 and 45 minutes depending on traffic. Cycling and walking are popular for local commutes, thanks to extensive trails and greenways.
Schools
Port Moody is served by School District 43 (Coquitlam), offering a range of highly rated public and private schools. Port Moody Secondary School is the city’s largest high school, known for its International Baccalaureate and Career Preparation programs, as well as strong academics, arts, and athletics.
The city also has several elementary and middle schools, including Heritage Woods Secondary (nearby), Moody Middle School of the Arts, and Eagle Mountain Middle School. Private options and French Immersion programs are available, and post-secondary students have access to nearby Douglas College and Simon Fraser University.
Activities
Cost of Living Comparison
Expense Category
Port Moody
Canadian Average
% Difference
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 Port Moody a good place for families?
Yes, it offers excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and abundant parks.
How long does it take to commute to Downtown Vancouver?
About 30 minutes by SkyTrain.
What is the average home price in Port Moody?
Approximately $1,302,000 CAD.
Does Port Moody have good outdoor activities?
Yes, with parks, trails, kayaking, and festivals.
Why is Port Moody called the "City of the Arts"?
It has a high concentration of artists, cultural venues, and year-round arts events.
