Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Bellingham, WA

Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Bellingham are Happy Valley, Samish Hill, and Downtown Bellingham. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Bellingham, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of March 30, 2025, the average rent in Bellingham is $1,511, which is 1.3% 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.

Happy Valley

Average Rent

$1,402/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1%

TransitScore® Rating

39/100

Units Available

86 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Bellingham, Happy Valley might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,402, while the city’s average stands at $1,511. In the last year, prices have decreased by 1%. Happy Valley is near Viking Plaza, Bellingham International, and Sehome Village.

Samish Hill

Average Rent

$1,412/Month

TransitScore® Rating

42/100

Units Available

87 Rentals

Samish Hill is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Samish Hill is $1,412 while the city average is $1,511. This is a 0% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Lake Padden Park, WWU Planetarium, and Whatcom Community College. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 70.

Downtown Bellingham

Average Rent

$1,421/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.4%

TransitScore® Rating

52/100

Units Available

25 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Bellingham neighborhood on a budget, check out Downtown Bellingham. The average rent is $1,421, compared to the city average of $1,511. Rent prices have increased by 2.4%. Downtown Bellingham is convenient to WWU Planetarium, Haggen Shopping Center, and State Street Plaza. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 91.

South Hill

Average Rent

$1,433/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

9.2%

TransitScore® Rating

41/100

Units Available

29 Rentals

South Hill is an affordable neighborhood in Bellingham with an average rent price of $1,433. Compare this to the city average of $1,511. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 9.2%. South Hill provides easy access to Whatcom Community College, Sehome Hill Arboretum, and Bellingham International. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 58.

Bellingham/Northwest

Average Rent

$1,713/Month

Units Available

87 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Bellingham, Bellingham/Northwest might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,713, while the city’s average stands at $1,511.

North Bellingham

Average Rent

$1,739/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.5%

TransitScore® Rating

35/100

Units Available

89 Rentals

North Bellingham is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in North Bellingham is $1,739 while the city average is $1,511. This is a 1.5% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Broadway Park, MindPort, and Cornwall Park. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 54.

Fairhaven

Average Rent

$2,095/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.4%

TransitScore® Rating

37/100

Units Available

11 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Bellingham neighborhood on a budget, check out Fairhaven. The average rent is $2,095, compared to the city average of $1,511. Rent prices have increased by 0.4%. Fairhaven is convenient to WWU Planetarium, Bellingham International, and Bellingham Technical College. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 86.

Ready to make your move to Bellingham? Check out the rent specials, price drops, and great deals on ApartmentFinder.com!

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.