Bellingham, WA

Very High · 132

Washington · Population 92,367 · Updated March 2026

$1,478
Median Rent / Month
$65,821
Median Income
$577,400
Median Home Value
$1,501
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Bellingham

26.9%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Moderate
Rent takes 25-35% of median income — moderate affordability.

Tax Burden in Washington

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

0%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
6.5%
Sales Tax
0.92%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$17,736
Annual Rent
$0
State Income Tax
$5,312
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Bellingham has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 132 (where 100 equals the national median), Bellingham residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,478/month while earning a median household income of $65,821/year.

The median home value in Bellingham, WA is $577,400, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,501 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. With a rent-to-income ratio of 26.9%, Bellingham falls within the generally affordable range, though it's approaching the 30% burden threshold.

Washington has no state income tax, which can represent significant savings compared to high-tax states. Combined with a 6.5% sales tax rate and 0.92% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment helps keep costs manageable in Bellingham.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Bellingham

What is the cost of living in Bellingham, WA?
The cost of living index in Bellingham, WA is 132 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,478, median household income is $65,821/year, and the median home value is $577,400.
Is Bellingham, WA affordable?
No, Bellingham is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 132. The rent-to-income ratio is 26.9%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Bellingham, WA?
The median gross rent in Bellingham, WA is $1,478 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $17,736.
What is the median household income in Bellingham?
The median household income in Bellingham, WA is $65,821 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Washington?
Washington has a top income tax rate of 0%, a sales tax of 6.5%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.92%. Notably, there is no state income tax.