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 March 24, 2026, the average rent in Bellingham is $1,560, which is 2.1% 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
$1,572/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.6%
Units Available
28 Rentals
South Hill is an affordable neighborhood in Bellingham with an average rent price of $1,572. Compare this to the city average of $1,560. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.6%. South Hill provides easy access to Skagit Valley College, Franklin Park, and State Street Plaza.
Happy Valley
Average Rent
$1,661/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.4%
Units Available
125 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 $1,661, while the city’s average stands at $1,560. In the last year, prices have increased by 3.4%. Happy Valley is near Sehome Hill Arboretum, Fairhaven Park, and Viking Plaza.
Samish Hill
Average Rent
$1,669/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.9%
Units Available
117 Rentals
Samish Hill is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Samish Hill is $1,669 while the city average is $1,560. This is a -3.9% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Sehome Hill Arboretum, Franklin Park, and Whatcom Falls Park.
Downtown Bellingham
Average Rent
$1,720/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.5%
Units Available
17 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Bellingham neighborhood on a budget, check out Downtown Bellingham. The average rent is $1,720, compared to the city average of $1,560. Rent prices have increased by 4.5%. Downtown Bellingham is convenient to Western Washington University, Haggen Shopping Center, and Whatcom Community College.
North Bellingham
Average Rent
$1,720/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.4%
Units Available
124 Rentals
North Bellingham is an affordable neighborhood in Bellingham with an average rent price of $1,720. Compare this to the city average of $1,560. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 2.4%. North Bellingham provides easy access to Sunset Square, Broadway Park, and Whatcom Community College.
Fairhaven
Average Rent
$1,792/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4%
Units Available
38 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 $1,792, while the city’s average stands at $1,560. In the last year, prices have increased by 4%. Fairhaven is near Franklin Park, Bellingham Technical College, and Whatcom Community College.
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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.