Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Bellingham, WA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Bellingham are South Hill, Downtown Bellingham, and Samish Hill. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Bellingham, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of June 13, 2025, the average rent in Bellingham is $1,522, which is 0.8% 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
$1,498/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.3%
TransitScore® Rating
41/100
Units Available
29 Rentals
South Hill is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in South Hill is $1,498 while the city average is $1,522. This is a 1.3% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Viking Plaza, Sehome Hill Arboretum, and Bellingham Technical College. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 58.
Downtown Bellingham
Average Rent
$1,544/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.8%
TransitScore® Rating
52/100
Units Available
60 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Bellingham neighborhood on a budget, check out Downtown Bellingham. The average rent is $1,544, compared to the city average of $1,522. Rent prices have increased by 1.8%. Downtown Bellingham is convenient to Maritime Heritage Park, Roeder Home, and Bellingham Technical College. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 91.
Samish Hill
Average Rent
$1,620/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.8%
TransitScore® Rating
42/100
Units Available
110 Rentals
Samish Hill is an affordable neighborhood in Bellingham with an average rent price of $1,620. Compare this to the city average of $1,522. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.8%. Samish Hill provides easy access to Franklin Park, Sehome Hill Arboretum, and Bellingham International. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 70.
Happy Valley
Average Rent
$1,644/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.3%
TransitScore® Rating
39/100
Units Available
57 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 $1,644, while the city’s average stands at $1,522. In the last year, prices have decreased by 1.3%. Happy Valley is near The Village on Samish Way, Franklin Park, and Sehome Hill Arboretum.
North Bellingham
Average Rent
$1,751/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.6%
TransitScore® Rating
35/100
Units Available
88 Rentals
North Bellingham is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in North Bellingham is $1,751 while the city average is $1,522. This is a 0.6% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Cornwall Park, Maritime Heritage Park, and MindPort. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 54.
Fairhaven
Average Rent
$2,144/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.6%
TransitScore® Rating
37/100
Units Available
15 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Bellingham neighborhood on a budget, check out Fairhaven. The average rent is $2,144, compared to the city average of $1,522. Rent prices have increased by 4.6%. Fairhaven is convenient to Bellingham Technical College, Sehome Village, and Skagit Valley College. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 86.
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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.