Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Bellingham, WA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Bellingham are Samish Hill, Happy Valley, and Fairhaven. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Bellingham, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of December 12, 2025, the average rent in Bellingham is $1,545, which is 1.5% 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
$1,588/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.5%
TransitScore® Rating
42/100
Units Available
25 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 $1,588, while the city’s average stands at $1,545. In the last year, prices have decreased by 2.5%. Samish Hill is near The Village on Samish Way, WWU Planetarium, and Skagit Valley College.
Happy Valley
Average Rent
$1,599/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.6%
TransitScore® Rating
39/100
Units Available
29 Rentals
Happy Valley is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Happy Valley is $1,599 while the city average is $1,545. This is a -4.6% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Fairhaven Village Green, Sehome Village, and The Village on Samish Way. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 55.
Fairhaven
Average Rent
$1,601/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.5%
TransitScore® Rating
37/100
Units Available
23 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Bellingham neighborhood on a budget, check out Fairhaven. The average rent is $1,601, compared to the city average of $1,545. Rent prices have increased by 4.5%. Fairhaven is convenient to Bellingham International, Fairhaven Park, and Bellingham Technical College. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 86.
North Bellingham
Average Rent
$1,722/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.1%
TransitScore® Rating
35/100
Units Available
73 Rentals
North Bellingham is an affordable neighborhood in Bellingham with an average rent price of $1,722. Compare this to the city average of $1,545. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 2.1%. North Bellingham provides easy access to MindPort, Western Washington University, and Roeder Home. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 54.
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.