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.

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.