Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Bellingham, WA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Bellingham are Samish Hill, Happy Valley, and South Hill. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Bellingham, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of September 12, 2025, the average rent in Bellingham is $1,542, which is 3.4% 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.
Samish Hill
Average Rent
$1,546/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.2%
TransitScore® Rating
42/100
Units Available
35 Rentals
Samish Hill is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Samish Hill is $1,546 while the city average is $1,542. This is a -1.2% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Whatcom Community College, Whatcom Falls Park, and Bellingham Technical College. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 70.
Happy Valley
Average Rent
$1,557/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
6.1%
TransitScore® Rating
39/100
Units Available
26 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Bellingham neighborhood on a budget, check out Happy Valley. The average rent is $1,557, compared to the city average of $1,542. Rent prices have increased by 6.1%. Happy Valley is convenient to Fairhaven Park, Bellingham Technical College, and WWU Planetarium. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 55.
South Hill
Average Rent
$1,611/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1%
TransitScore® Rating
41/100
Units Available
11 Rentals
South Hill is an affordable neighborhood in Bellingham with an average rent price of $1,611. Compare this to the city average of $1,542. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 1%. South Hill provides easy access to Sehome Village, Viking Plaza, and WWU Planetarium. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 58.
Downtown Bellingham
Average Rent
$1,757/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.3%
TransitScore® Rating
52/100
Units Available
13 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Bellingham, Downtown Bellingham might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,757, while the city’s average stands at $1,542. In the last year, prices have increased by 4.3%. Downtown Bellingham is near Bellingham Technical College, State Street Plaza, and Whatcom Community College.
North Bellingham
Average Rent
$1,768/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.1%
TransitScore® Rating
35/100
Units Available
97 Rentals
North Bellingham is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in North Bellingham is $1,768 while the city average is $1,542. This is a 3.1% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Barkley Center, Broadway Park, and Maritime Heritage Park. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 54.
Fairhaven
Average Rent
$1,900/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
7.7%
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 $1,900, compared to the city average of $1,542. Rent prices have increased by 7.7%. Fairhaven is convenient to Whatcom Community College, Bellingham Technical College, and Bellingham International. 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.