Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Bellingham, WA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Bellingham are South Hill, Downtown Bellingham, and Happy Valley. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Bellingham, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of July 29, 2025, the average rent in Bellingham is $1,532, which is 3.4% 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
$1,659/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.1%
TransitScore® Rating
41/100
Units Available
12 Rentals
South Hill is an affordable neighborhood in Bellingham with an average rent price of $1,659. Compare this to the city average of $1,532. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 1.1%. South Hill provides easy access to Bellingham International, Sehome Village, and Whatcom Community College. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 58.
Downtown Bellingham
Average Rent
$1,662/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1%
TransitScore® Rating
52/100
Units Available
31 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Bellingham, Downtown Bellingham might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,662, while the city’s average stands at $1,532. In the last year, prices have increased by 1%. Downtown Bellingham is near Whatcom Community College, Broadway Park, and State Street Plaza.
Happy Valley
Average Rent
$1,668/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
5.6%
TransitScore® Rating
39/100
Units Available
28 Rentals
Happy Valley is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Happy Valley is $1,668 while the city average is $1,532. This is a 5.6% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Western Washington University, Skagit Valley College, and Sehome Village. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 55.
Samish Hill
Average Rent
$1,668/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.1%
TransitScore® Rating
42/100
Units Available
61 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Bellingham neighborhood on a budget, check out Samish Hill. The average rent is $1,668, compared to the city average of $1,532. Rent prices have increased by 4.1%. Samish Hill is convenient to Sehome Hill Arboretum, Skagit Valley College, and Bellingham Technical College. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 70.
North Bellingham
Average Rent
$1,828/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.5%
TransitScore® Rating
35/100
Units Available
95 Rentals
North Bellingham is an affordable neighborhood in Bellingham with an average rent price of $1,828. Compare this to the city average of $1,532. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 2.5%. North Bellingham provides easy access to Western Washington University, Sunset Square, and Whatcom Community College. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 54.
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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.