Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Bellingham, WA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Bellingham are Downtown Bellingham, South Hill, and Happy Valley. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Bellingham, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of April 18, 2025, the average rent in Bellingham is $1,518, which is 1% higher than last year. However, it's important to remember that rental prices can vary significantly based on factors such as location, amenities, and floor plans.
Downtown Bellingham
Average Rent
$1,435/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.5%
TransitScore® Rating
52/100
Units Available
28 Rentals
Downtown Bellingham is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Downtown Bellingham is $1,435 while the city average is $1,518. This is a 1.5% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Western Washington University, Bellingham Technical College, and Roeder Home. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 91.
South Hill
Average Rent
$1,443/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.3%
TransitScore® Rating
41/100
Units Available
26 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Bellingham neighborhood on a budget, check out South Hill. The average rent is $1,443, compared to the city average of $1,518. Rent prices have increased by 1.3%. South Hill is convenient to Skagit Valley College, Western Washington University, and State Street Plaza. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 58.
Happy Valley
Average Rent
$1,463/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.8%
TransitScore® Rating
39/100
Units Available
92 Rentals
Happy Valley is an affordable neighborhood in Bellingham with an average rent price of $1,463. Compare this to the city average of $1,518. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 0.8%. Happy Valley provides easy access to Fairhaven Village Green, Western Washington University, and Sehome Village. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 55.
Samish Hill
Average Rent
$1,481/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.3%
TransitScore® Rating
42/100
Units Available
102 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Bellingham, Samish Hill might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,481, while the city’s average stands at $1,518. In the last year, prices have increased by 0.3%. Samish Hill is near Viking Plaza, Whatcom Community College, and Sehome Hill Arboretum.
Bellingham/Northwest
Average Rent
$1,677/Month
Units Available
87 Rentals
Bellingham/Northwest is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Bellingham/Northwest is $1,677 while the city average is $1,518.
North Bellingham
Average Rent
$1,730/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.8%
TransitScore® Rating
35/100
Units Available
99 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Bellingham neighborhood on a budget, check out North Bellingham. The average rent is $1,730, compared to the city average of $1,518. Rent prices have increased by 0.8%. North Bellingham is convenient to Cornwall Park, Broadway Park, and Bellingham Technical College. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 54.
Fairhaven
Average Rent
$2,332/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.1%
TransitScore® Rating
37/100
Units Available
9 Rentals
Fairhaven is an affordable neighborhood in Bellingham with an average rent price of $2,332. Compare this to the city average of $1,518. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 3.1%. Fairhaven provides easy access to State Street Plaza, Skagit Valley College, and Fairhaven Park. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 86.
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Methodology
Transit Score measures access to public transit. Scores range from 0 (minimal transit) to 100 (rider’s paradise). Learn more about the Transit Score methodology. Rental data is sourced from CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As a leading authority in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar performs in-depth research to build and sustain an extensive database of commercial real estate insights.
We've combined this data with public records to provide the most current rental information available.