Cheapest Neighborhoods in Bellingham, WA

Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Bellingham are Samish Hill, Happy Valley, and Downtown Bellingham. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Bellingham, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of September 22, 2026, the average rent in Bellingham is $1,564, which is 0.5% 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

$1,568/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

3.5%

Units Available

67 Rentals

Samish Hill is an affordable neighborhood in Bellingham with an average rent price of $1,568. Compare this to the city average of $1,564. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 3.5%. Samish Hill provides easy access to Lake Padden Park, Whatcom Falls Park, and Whatcom Community College.

Happy Valley

Average Rent

$1,588/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

3.1%

Units Available

61 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 $1,588, while the city’s average stands at $1,564. In the last year, prices have increased by 3.1%. Happy Valley is near Skagit Valley College, The Village on Samish Way, and Sehome Hill Arboretum.

Downtown Bellingham

Average Rent

$1,724/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.5%

Units Available

64 Rentals

Downtown Bellingham is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Downtown Bellingham is $1,724 while the city average is $1,564. This is a -0.5% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Bellingham Technical College, Roeder Home, and Whatcom Community College.

South Hill

Average Rent

$1,798/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.4%

Units Available

12 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Bellingham neighborhood on a budget, check out South Hill. The average rent is $1,798, compared to the city average of $1,564. Rent prices have increased by 0.4%. South Hill is convenient to Sehome Hill Arboretum, Franklin Park, and Viking Plaza.

North Bellingham

Average Rent

$1,828/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.4%

Units Available

141 Rentals

North Bellingham is an affordable neighborhood in Bellingham with an average rent price of $1,828. Compare this to the city average of $1,564. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 0.4%. North Bellingham provides easy access to MindPort, Cornwall Park, and Bellingham International.

Fairhaven

Average Rent

$1,844/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.4%

Units Available

29 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 $1,844, while the city’s average stands at $1,564. In the last year, prices have decreased by 0.4%. Fairhaven is near Franklin Park, WWU Planetarium, and State Street Plaza.

Stonybrook

Average Rent

$1,884/Month

Units Available

22 Rentals

Stonybrook is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Stonybrook is $1,884 while the city average is $1,564. Residents enjoy convenient access to Hovander Homestead Park, Bellingham Technical College, and Blossom Common.

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.