Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Bellingham, WA

Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Bellingham are Happy Valley, Samish Hill, and South Hill. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Bellingham, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of February 7, 2026, the average rent in Bellingham is $1,554, which is 2% 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

$1,442/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.3%

TransitScore® Rating

39/100

Units Available

109 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Bellingham neighborhood on a budget, check out Happy Valley. The average rent is $1,442, compared to the city average of $1,554. Rent prices have increased by 2.3%. Happy Valley is convenient to Sehome Hill Arboretum, Skagit Valley College, and WWU Planetarium. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 55.

Samish Hill

Average Rent

$1,444/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.9%

TransitScore® Rating

42/100

Units Available

102 Rentals

Samish Hill is an affordable neighborhood in Bellingham with an average rent price of $1,444. Compare this to the city average of $1,554. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 1.9%. Samish Hill provides easy access to Franklin Park, Bellingham International, and Whatcom Falls Park. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 70.

South Hill

Average Rent

$1,570/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.4%

TransitScore® Rating

41/100

Units Available

26 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Bellingham, South Hill might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,570, while the city’s average stands at $1,554. In the last year, prices have increased by 0.4%. South Hill is near Bellingham International, State Street Plaza, and Sehome Hill Arboretum.

Downtown Bellingham

Average Rent

$1,718/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

3.4%

TransitScore® Rating

52/100

Units Available

14 Rentals

Downtown Bellingham is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Downtown Bellingham is $1,718 while the city average is $1,554. This is a 3.4% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to MindPort, Broadway Park, and Bellingham International. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 91.

North Bellingham

Average Rent

$1,764/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.3%

TransitScore® Rating

35/100

Units Available

100 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Bellingham neighborhood on a budget, check out North Bellingham. The average rent is $1,764, compared to the city average of $1,554. Rent prices have increased by 2.3%. North Bellingham is convenient to Sunset Square, Roeder Home, and Western Washington University. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 54.

Fairhaven

Average Rent

$1,816/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

3%

TransitScore® Rating

37/100

Units Available

30 Rentals

Fairhaven is an affordable neighborhood in Bellingham with an average rent price of $1,816. Compare this to the city average of $1,554. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 3%. Fairhaven provides easy access to Fairhaven Village Green, Sehome Hill Arboretum, and Skagit Valley College. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 85.

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.