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
$1,459/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.2%
TransitScore® Rating
39/100
Units Available
101 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 $1,459, while the city’s average stands at $1,554. In the last year, prices have increased by 2.2%. Happy Valley is near Whatcom Community College, Bellingham International, and Skagit Valley College.
Samish Hill
Average Rent
$1,463/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.2%
TransitScore® Rating
42/100
Units Available
93 Rentals
Samish Hill is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Samish Hill is $1,463 while the city average is $1,554. This is a -2.2% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Lake Padden Park, Skagit Valley College, and Franklin Park. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 70.
South Hill
Average Rent
$1,571/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.4%
TransitScore® Rating
41/100
Units Available
25 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Bellingham neighborhood on a budget, check out South Hill. The average rent is $1,571, compared to the city average of $1,554. Rent prices have increased by 0.4%. South Hill is convenient to Bellingham International, Fairhaven Park, and Bellingham Technical College. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 58.
Downtown Bellingham
Average Rent
$1,722/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.4%
TransitScore® Rating
52/100
Units Available
14 Rentals
Downtown Bellingham is an affordable neighborhood in Bellingham with an average rent price of $1,722. Compare this to the city average of $1,554. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 3.4%. Downtown Bellingham provides easy access to Haggen Shopping Center, State Street Plaza, and Bellingham International. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 91.
North Bellingham
Average Rent
$1,765/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.3%
TransitScore® Rating
35/100
Units Available
99 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Bellingham, North Bellingham might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,765, while the city’s average stands at $1,554. In the last year, prices have increased by 2.3%. North Bellingham is near Western Washington University, Broadway Park, and Cornwall Park.
Fairhaven
Average Rent
$1,816/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3%
TransitScore® Rating
37/100
Units Available
30 Rentals
Fairhaven is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Fairhaven is $1,816 while the city average is $1,554. This is a 3% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Western Washington University, Whatcom Community College, and Fairhaven Village Green. The neighborhood is considered walkable 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.