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 9, 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 a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in South Hill is $1,624 while the city average is $1,571. This is a 0.8% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Fairhaven Village Green, WWU Planetarium, and Viking Plaza.
Happy Valley
Average Rent
$1,652/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.6%
Units Available
86 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Bellingham neighborhood on a budget, check out Happy Valley. The average rent is $1,652, compared to the city average of $1,571. Rent prices have increased by 3.6%. Happy Valley is convenient to Skagit Valley College, Franklin Park, and Western Washington University.
Samish Hill
Average Rent
$1,682/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.6%
Units Available
85 Rentals
Samish Hill is an affordable neighborhood in Bellingham with an average rent price of $1,682. Compare this to the city average of $1,571. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 0.6%. Samish Hill provides easy access to The Village on Samish Way, Whatcom Community College, and Franklin Park.
North Bellingham
Average Rent
$1,689/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1%
Units Available
129 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 $1,689, while the city’s average stands at $1,571. In the last year, prices have increased by 1%. North Bellingham is near Western Washington University, Broadway Park, and Roeder Home.
Downtown Bellingham
Average Rent
$1,750/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.3%
Units Available
24 Rentals
Downtown Bellingham is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Downtown Bellingham is $1,750 while the city average is $1,571. This is a 3.3% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Maritime Heritage Park, Broadway Park, and Bellingham Technical College.
Fairhaven
Average Rent
$1,772/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1%
Units Available
34 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Bellingham neighborhood on a budget, check out Fairhaven. The average rent is $1,772, compared to the city average of $1,571. Rent prices have increased by 1%. Fairhaven is convenient to State Street Plaza, Fairhaven Park, and Fairhaven Village Green.
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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.