Rent in Bellingham, WA at a glance
2-bedroom rent (HUD)
$1,794$21,528 a year · HUD fiscal year 2026From October 1, 2026: $1,872 (+4.3%)How much rent can you afford in Bellingham, WA?
HUD’s fair market rent for each size, against what a typical household here earns. Change the income to see yours.
Rent in Bellingham, WA by bedroom, and the pay it takes
Income needed keeps rent at 30% of gross pay; the hourly figure assumes one full-time job, 2,080 hours a year.
| Size | A month | A year | Income needed | Hourly wage needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,463 | $17,556 | $58,520 | $28.13/hr |
| 1 bedroom | $1,493 | $17,916 | $59,720 | $28.71/hr |
| 2 bedroomsMost searched | $1,794 | $21,528 | $71,760 | $34.50/hr |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,495 | $29,940 | $99,800 | $47.98/hr |
| 4 bedrooms | $3,010 | $36,120 | $120,400 | $57.88/hr |
Cost of living in Bellingham, WA: income, prices and a budget →
Living and working in Bellingham, WA
Rent in Bellingham, WA: common questions
How much is rent going up in Bellingham, WA in 2027?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for fiscal 2027, which takes effect October 1, 2026, is $1,872 for a two-bedroom, up 4.3% from $1,794. A one-bedroom goes from $1,493 to $1,529, a studio from $1,463 to $1,489.
These are HUD's estimates of what a typical recently rented unit costs, used for housing vouchers. A landlord's increase on your lease follows your lease and your state's rules, not this figure.
What is the average rent in Bellingham, WA?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for 2026 is $1,493 for a one-bedroom and $1,794 for a two-bedroom, utilities included. That is $21,528 a year for the two-bedroom.
It is not an average of current listings. HUD sets it at the rent 40% of recent movers paid or less for a standard unit, so asking rents on newer places usually run higher.
How much do you need to make to afford rent in Bellingham, WA?
To keep a $1,794 two-bedroom at 30% of gross pay, one full-time worker needs $34.50 an hour, or $71,760 a year. A one-bedroom at $1,493 takes $28.71 an hour.
How much is a 1, 2 or 3-bedroom apartment in Bellingham, WA?
At HUD's 2026 Fair Market Rent: studio $1,463, one bedroom $1,493, two $1,794, three $2,495 and four $3,010 a month.
Is rent affordable in Bellingham, WA?
For the typical household, earning $66,755 a year ($5,563 a month, Census ACS), a two-bedroom at $1,794 takes 32.2% of income. Under 30% is the usual line for affordable; this is over it.
How is the income needed for rent worked out?
Rent for a year divided by 0.30, the share of gross income HUD treats as affordable: ($1,794 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $71,760. Divided by 2,080 working hours, that is $34.50 an hour.