Cost of Living in Bellingham, WA
Population 92,367 · Washington · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Bellingham is priced well above national norms — a median of $577,000, roughly 89% above the US figure — typical of the coastal premium that Washington.
Bellingham is about 55 miles north of Everett, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 8% higher than Everett's $532,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Bellingham
The median home value in Bellingham is $577,400 — 89% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,478/month, 12% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $65,821/year is 12% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.6%, above the national average of 4.8%. Washington charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 58.9°F and lows of 43.4°F. Overall, Bellingham has a cost of living index of 159 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 59% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 46 | 49 | 53 | 58 | 64 | 68 | 73 | 73 | 68 | 59 | 51 | 46 |
| Low °F | 34 | 35 | 38 | 42 | 47 | 52 | 55 | 55 | 50 | 43 | 38 | 34 |
| Precip" | 4.49 | 2.85 | 3.36 | 2.77 | 2.23 | 1.61 | 0.88 | 1.13 | 2.01 | 3.85 | 5.20 | 4.33 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Bellingham, WA?
Bellingham has a cost index of 159 (100 = national average). It is 59% above the national average.
What is average rent in Bellingham, WA?
The median gross rent in Bellingham is $1,478 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Bellingham?
The median home value in Bellingham is $577,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Bellingham?
The median household income in Bellingham is $65,821 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Bellingham, WA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Bellingham is 9.2%. Washington has no state income tax.
Is Bellingham, WA affordable?
Bellingham is above average in cost of living, with an index of 159 — about 59% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Bellingham?
Bellingham has average high temperatures of 58.9°F and average lows of 43.4°F. Annual precipitation is 34.7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Bellingham at a Glance
- Population
- 92,367
- Median Income
- $65,821
- Home Value
- $577,400
- Median Rent
- $1,478/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 58.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
Washington Rankings
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