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Average Rent in Bellingham, WA

By Diana Kowalski ยท Reviewed by James Okafor ยท Updated May 2026
ANNUAL AVG
$25,791
MONTHLY
$2,149
VS NATIONAL
+20%
COST INDEX
114

Direct Answer

Average Rent in Bellingham, WA averages approximately $25,791/year ($2,149/month) โ€” 20% above the US national average of $21,564. Typical range: $16,764โ€“$37,397 depending on household and provider.

Average Rent Range in Bellingham

Budget-Conscious
$16,764/yr
~$1,397/mo ยท 35% below average
Typical
$25,791/yr
~$2,149/mo ยท what most households spend
Premium
$37,397/yr
~$3,116/mo ยท 45% above average

How Bellingham Compares

Bellingham's rent cost runs $4,227 more per year than the US national average. With a cost-of-living index of 114, Bellingham is positioned among the more expensive US markets, and average rent reflects that premium.

Average Rent in Top US Cities (Annual)

CityCost IndexAnnual Avgvs. National
Bellingham, WA This page114$25,791+20%
New York, NY187$47,829+122%
Los Angeles, CA166$41,489+92%
Chicago, IL107$23,677+10%
Houston, TX96$20,356-6%
Phoenix, AZ103$22,470+4%
View all 300+ cities ranked by rent cost โ†’

How to Save on Average Rent in Bellingham

1

Shop providers annually โ€” rent cost pricing in Bellingham varies meaningfully between vendors; getting 3 quotes typically saves 10-25%.

2

Consider neighboring zip codes โ€” even within WA, rent cost can vary substantially by area.

3

Time purchases strategically โ€” off-peak periods see lower demand and better pricing for rent cost.

4

Bundle services where possible โ€” many providers in Bellingham discount combined services 10-20%.

5

Use city-specific assistance programs โ€” Bellingham and WA may offer income-based reductions for rent cost; check with local consumer-affairs offices.

Other Costs in Bellingham

See how other major expenses look in Bellingham, WA.

See the full Bellingham cost-of-living profile โ†’

Bellingham Average Rent โ€” FAQ

What is the average rent cost in Bellingham, WA?

The average rent cost in Bellingham, WA is approximately $25,791 per year ($2,149/month), based on a cost-of-living index of 114 applied to the national baseline of $21,564.

Is average rent expensive in Bellingham?

Yes โ€” rent cost in Bellingham runs about 20% above the US national average, driven by the city's overall cost index of 114. The annual cost gap versus the national figure is roughly $4,227.

How much does rent cost cost per month in Bellingham?

Monthly rent cost in Bellingham averages about $2,149. Households typically see $1,397โ€“$3,116 per month depending on size, provider choice, and lifestyle.

What drives rent cost differences between cities?

Average Rent pricing tracks local labor markets, commercial real-estate costs, and regulatory environments. Cities with higher overall cost-of-living indices (like 114 for Bellingham) systematically see higher service prices. Local competition, climate, and demand-supply balance also play significant roles.