Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Bellingham, WA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Bellingham are South Hill, Happy Valley, and Samish Hill. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Bellingham, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of May 8, 2026, the average rent in Bellingham is $1,571, which is 1.4% 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.
South Hill
Average Rent
$1,624/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.8%
Units Available
22 Rentals
South Hill is an affordable neighborhood in Bellingham with an average rent price of $1,624. Compare this to the city average of $1,571. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.8%. South Hill provides easy access to Sehome Village, Sehome Hill Arboretum, and Franklin Park.
Happy Valley
Average Rent
$1,652/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.6%
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 $1,652, while the city’s average stands at $1,571. In the last year, prices have increased by 3.6%. Happy Valley is near The Village on Samish Way, Skagit Valley College, and Sehome Hill Arboretum.
Samish Hill
Average Rent
$1,682/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.6%
Units Available
85 Rentals
Samish Hill is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Samish Hill is $1,682 while the city average is $1,571. This is a -0.6% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Bellingham Technical College, WWU Planetarium, and Whatcom Community College.
North Bellingham
Average Rent
$1,689/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1%
Units Available
129 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Bellingham neighborhood on a budget, check out North Bellingham. The average rent is $1,689, compared to the city average of $1,571. Rent prices have increased by 1%. North Bellingham is convenient to Sunnyland Square Shopping Center, Western Washington University, and Broadway Park.
Downtown Bellingham
Average Rent
$1,750/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.3%
Units Available
24 Rentals
Downtown Bellingham is an affordable neighborhood in Bellingham with an average rent price of $1,750. Compare this to the city average of $1,571. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 3.3%. Downtown Bellingham provides easy access to Broadway Park, Western Washington University, and Haggen Shopping Center.
Fairhaven
Average Rent
$1,772/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1%
Units Available
34 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Bellingham, Fairhaven might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,772, while the city’s average stands at $1,571. In the last year, prices have increased by 1%. Fairhaven is near Bellingham International, Sehome Village, and State Street Plaza.
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.