Rentometer, Inc. | Data as of 03/19/2026
Bellingham, Washington blends a vibrant university atmosphere with a relaxed coastal lifestyle, making it a sought‑after destination for renters across the region. The city’s rental market offers a balanced mix of apartments and single‑family homes, catering to students, professionals, and families alike. Popular neighborhoods such as Fairhaven Historic District, Downtown Bellingham, and the South Hill area provide easy access to waterfront parks, boutique shops, and cultural venues like the Whatcom Museum. Proximity to Western Washington University and major employers also drives steady demand for quality housing options, from modern studio apartments to spacious family houses.
Rentals in Bellingham reflect the city’s diverse inventory. Studio apartments typically fall in the $1400s, with a median near $1425, while one‑bedroom units hover in the $1500s range. Two‑bedroom apartments often land around $1900‑$2000, and three‑bedroom options reach the $2400‑$2500 bracket; larger four‑plus bedroom apartments can exceed $2600, approaching the $3100 mark. For houses, one‑bedroom rentals start in the $1600s, two‑bedroom homes average in the $2100‑$2200 range, three‑bedroom houses approach $2800‑$2900, and four‑plus bedroom properties can rise above $3800. These price tiers, combined with Bellingham’s scenic parks, bustling downtown, and easy access to the San Juan Islands, make the city an appealing choice for a wide array of renters seeking both convenience and community.
| Property Type | Bedrooms | Average | Median | Min - Max | 25th - 75th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment | Studio | $1,451 | $1,435 | $995 - $2,169 | $1,375 - $1,534 |
| Apartment | 1 Bedroom | $1,571 | $1,524 | $700 - $3,740 | $1,425 - $1,750 |
| Apartment | 2 Bedroom | $1,954 | $1,850 | $725 - $3,500 | $1,725 - $2,167 |
| Apartment | 3 Bedroom | $2,342 | $2,422 | $1,129 - $3,475 | $2,300 - $2,550 |
| Apartment | 4+ Bedroom | $2,615 | $2,995 | $700 - $5,475 | $900 - $3,695 |
| House | 1 Bedroom | $1,836 | $1,800 | $950 - $2,850 | $1,650 - $2,000 |
| House | 2 Bedroom | $2,247 | $2,197 | $900 - $3,395 | $1,975 - $2,500 |
| House | 3 Bedroom | $2,841 | $2,800 | $970 - $4,500 | $2,595 - $3,000 |
| House | 4+ Bedroom | $3,883 | $3,900 | $295 - $6,800 | $3,200 - $4,495 |
In the current period, the average rent in Bellingham was $1,446 for Studio, $1,594 for 1 Bedroom, $2,010 for 2 Bedroom, $2,703 for 3 Bedroom, and $3,144 for 4+ Bedroom.
Data provided by Rentometer, Inc.