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.