Cheapest 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 June 23, 2026, the average rent in Bellingham is $1,565, which is 0.9% 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

$1,648/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

3.4%

Units Available

76 Rentals

Happy Valley is an affordable neighborhood in Bellingham with an average rent price of $1,648. Compare this to the city average of $1,565. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 3.4%. Happy Valley provides easy access to Bellingham Technical College, Skagit Valley College, and Franklin Park.

Samish Hill

Average Rent

$1,672/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.3%

Units Available

109 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 $1,672, while the city’s average stands at $1,565. In the last year, prices have decreased by 2.3%. Samish Hill is near Sehome Hill Arboretum, Whatcom Community College, and Skagit Valley College.

South Hill

Average Rent

$1,687/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.6%

Units Available

30 Rentals

South Hill is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in South Hill is $1,687 while the city average is $1,565. This is a 1.6% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Western Washington University, Bellingham Technical College, and Sehome Hill Arboretum.

Downtown Bellingham

Average Rent

$1,743/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

3.5%

Units Available

61 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Bellingham neighborhood on a budget, check out Downtown Bellingham. The average rent is $1,743, compared to the city average of $1,565. Rent prices have increased by 3.5%. Downtown Bellingham is convenient to Maritime Heritage Park, Bellingham Technical College, and Haggen Shopping Center.

North Bellingham

Average Rent

$1,799/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.8%

Units Available

137 Rentals

North Bellingham is an affordable neighborhood in Bellingham with an average rent price of $1,799. Compare this to the city average of $1,565. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.8%. North Bellingham provides easy access to Bellingham Technical College, Cornwall Park, and Sunset Square.

Fairhaven

Average Rent

$1,861/Month

Units Available

37 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 $1,861, while the city’s average stands at $1,565. In the last year, prices have increased by 0%. Fairhaven is near Skagit Valley College, Fairhaven Park, 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.