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.