City Guide

Bellingham, WA

Overview
Living In Bellingham
Cost of Living In Bellingham
Migration
Things to do
Transportation

Overview

Bellingham, WA, is recognized for its fishing, lumber industry, breweries, and its college town vibe. The city is home to around 92,000 residents, so if you plan on moving to Bellingham, you can expect to experience some small-town charm. An interesting fact is that the city has easy access to outdoor recreation, including the San Juan Islands and the North Cascades. Bellingham is truly an adventurer's paradise. Another fun tidbit about the city is that it hosts many annual events and is home to Western Washington University.

What’s it like to live in Bellingham, WA ?

If you're looking to buy a home for sale in Bellingham, WA you'll find that the median sale price is and homes stay on the market for 11 days. You'll find that the median sale prices of a single family home and a condo/co-op in Bellingham are and , respectively. Bellingham area townhouses have a median sale price of , making them less expensive than single family homes. If you’re not ready to buy a home, consider one of the many apartments for rent in Bellingham, WA

Explore our Bellingham housing market page for insights about how home values have changed over the years and how Bellingham home prices compare to other markets. Explore our Bellingham rental market trends page for insights about how rental prices have changed and how Bellingham rental prices compare to other rental markets. If you're curious about the most valuable home features in Bellingham, or looking for a new home improvement project, discover what home features and design trends may help increase your home's value.

Popular neighborhoods in and around Bellingham

Neighborhood	Median Sale Price	Compete Score	Walk Score	Real Estate
Fairhaven	$615,280	58 / 100	80 / 100	For Sale For Rent
South Bellingham	$592,780	--	25 / 100	For Sale For Rent
Edgemoor	$1,640,216	64 / 100	21 / 100	For Sale For Rent
Mount Baker	$591,655	58 / 100	42 / 100	For Sale For Rent
Samish	$1,040,280	72 / 100	24 / 100	For Sale For Rent

Note: Home prices vary by seasonLast Updated: 2025-06-30

Bellingham Articles & Neighborhood Content

Popular homes for sale in Bellingham

See all homes for sale

$699,950
3 beds
2.25 baths
1339 sq ft
2216 St. Clair St, Bellingham, WA 98226
$485,000
3 beds
2 baths
1440 sq ft
2315 Fir St, Bellingham, WA 98229
$853,000
3 beds
1.5 baths
968 sq ft
522 12th St, Bellingham, WA 98225
$650,000
3 beds
1.5 baths
1456 sq ft
2715 Patton St, Bellingham, WA 98225
$299,999
1 bed
0.75 baths
756 sq ft
3315 Northwest Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225
$795,000
4 beds
2.5 baths
2154 sq ft
3219 Heights Pl, Bellingham, WA 98226
$449,000
3 beds
1 bath
1030 sq ft
1814 Wilson Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225
$500,000
4 beds
1.5 baths
1298 sq ft
1113 High St, Bellingham, WA 98225
$675,000
4 beds
2 baths
1605 sq ft
2212 22nd St, Bellingham, WA 98225
$925,000
4 beds
2.5 baths
2500 sq ft
3025 Ellis St, Bellingham, WA 98225

Rental listings in Bellingham

See how much rent you can afford See all rental listings

1 / 28
3D WALKTHROUGH
—
2 beds
2.5 baths
999-1,016 sq ft
Parkside | 4233 Traverse Dr, Bellingham, WA 98226
Apartment
Parkside - 4233 Traverse Dr, Bellingham, WA 98226
1 / 40
$948+ /mo
0-1 beds
1 bath
340-462 sq ft
Mount Baker Apartments | 308 W Champion St, Bellingham, WA 98225
Apartment
Mount Baker Apartments - 308 W Champion St, Bellingham, WA 98225
1 / 17
$1,400+ /mo
0 beds
1 bath
429-489 sq ft
Maritime Heritage | 1818 D St, Bellingham, WA 98225
Apartment • 6 units available
Maritime Heritage - 1818 D St, Bellingham, WA 98225
1 / 43
NEW 5 HRS AGO
$1,498+ /mo
0-2 beds
1-2 bath
400-928 sq ft
Barkley Apartments | 3126 Racine St, Bellingham, WA 98226
Apartment • 12 units available
Barkley Apartments - 3126 Racine St, Bellingham, WA 98226
1 / 11
$1,250/mo
0 beds
1 bath
331 sq ft
194 E. Bakerview Rd | 194 E Bakerview Rd, Bellingham, WA 98226
Apartment
194 E. Bakerview Rd - 194 E Bakerview Rd, Bellingham, WA 98226
1 / 24
NEW 1 HR AGO
3D WALKTHROUGH
$1,345+ /mo
0-3 beds
1-2 bath
457-1,020 sq ft
Harvard Suites | 705 32nd St, Bellingham, WA 98225
Apartment • 7 units available
Harvard Suites - 705 32nd St, Bellingham, WA 98225
1 / 26
NEW 20 HRS AGO
$1,400/mo
2 beds
1 bath
688 sq ft
Heron's Nest | 2170 Douglas Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225
Apartment • 1 unit available
Heron's Nest - 2170 Douglas Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225
1 / 9
$1,125/mo
1 bed
1 bath
525 sq ft
BH T 1015 Viking Village | 1015 Otis St, Bellingham, WA 98225
Apartment • 1 unit available
BH T 1015 Viking Village - 1015 Otis St, Bellingham, WA 98225
1 / 13
—
1 bed
0 baths
—sq ft
Michigan Street Townhomes | 2251 Michigan St, Bellingham, WA 98229
Apartment
Michigan Street Townhomes - 2251 Michigan St, Bellingham, WA 98229
1 / 24
NEW 11 HRS AGO
$1,843+ /mo
2 beds
1 bath
945 sq ft
Edgemont | 3420 W McLeod Rd, Bellingham, WA 98225
Apartment • 3 units available
Edgemont - 3420 W McLeod Rd, Bellingham, WA 98225
1 / 10
—
1-2 bed
1 bath
—sq ft
The Texas St Apartments | 1717 Texas St, Bellingham, WA 98229
Apartment
The Texas St Apartments - 1717 Texas St, Bellingham, WA 98229
1 / 23
3D WALKTHROUGH
$1,875+ /mo
2 beds
1-2 bath
865-923 sq ft
Forest Park | 2605 W Maplewood Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225
Apartment • 4 units available
Forest Park - 2605 W Maplewood Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225

What is the cost of living in Bellingham?

The cost of living in Bellingham is 21% higher than the national average. Housing is typically the largest expense for most American households. In Bellingham, the average monthly rent is $1,946, while the median home price is $644,780. Overall, housing in Bellingham is 44% higher than the national average. Groceries, like produce, dry goods, and other essential household items, cost 7% higher in Bellingham. Though healthcare costs 13% higher in Bellingham compared to the national average, costs vary greatly by location, person, personal health, and health insurance. In Bellingham, an optometry check-up costs around $231.21, while a dentist appointment is $129.37 on average. Learn more about the cost of living in Bellingham. Discover how utilities, transportation, and lifestyle, compares against the national average.

Compared to the national average

21%

Cost of living

44%

Home prices

Cost of living calculator

Compare cities across the U.S.

Bellingham Migration & Relocation Trends

In Feb '25 - Apr '25, 54% of Bellingham homebuyers searched to move out of Bellingham, while 46% looked to stay within the metropolitan area.

Where are people moving to Bellingham from?

Across the nation, 0.54% of homebuyers searched to move into Bellingham from outside metros.
Seattle homebuyers searched to move into Bellingham more than any other metro followed by Los Angeles and Spokane.

Where are people from Bellingham moving to?

46% of Bellingham homebuyers searched to stay within the Bellingham metropolitan area.
Phoenix was the most popular destination among Bellingham homebuyers followed by Ellensburg and Aberdeen.

Number of People Moving to Bellingham

least

most

People are moving to Bellingham from

Inbound		Net inflow
Metros		Feb '25 - Apr '25
1	Seattle, WA	3,122
2	Los Angeles, CA	177
3	Spokane, WA	105
4	San Francisco, CA	102
5	Portland, OR	93
6	San Diego, CA	52
7	Washington, DC	41
8	Houston, TX	41
9	Chicago, IL	26
10	Denver, CO	16

People are leaving Bellingham for

Outbound		Net outflow
Metros		Feb '25 - Apr '25
1	Phoenix, AZ	68
2	Ellensburg, WA	29
3	Aberdeen, WA	24
4	Hilo, HI	20
5	Tucson, AZ	19
6	Kahului, HI	17
7	Pittsburgh, PA	10
8	Port Angeles, WA	9
9	Boise, ID	9
10	Moses Lake, WA	8

Methodology

This data does not reflect actual moves. The latest migration analysis is based on a sample of about two million Redfin.com users who searched for homes across more than 100 metro areas. To be included in this dataset, a Redfin.com user must have viewed at least 10 homes in a three month period. This dataset excludes all rentals data.

What is there to do in Bellingham, WA ?

Some of the best things to do in Bellingham, WA, range from exploring local parks and taking in the view of Mount Baker, to checking out some of the top restaurants in town and enjoying the art history of the region. Home to a number of museums, make sure to check out Spark Museum of Electrical Invention, Whatcom Museum, and Maritime Heritage Center. If you're looking to see a show make sure to visit Mount Baker Theatre and The Upfront Theatre, just a handful of performing arts venues the city has to offer. There are plenty of green spaces - arboretums, hiking trails, and waterfront parks - to be found throughout Bellingham. For example, you can enjoy a picnic at Boulevard Park, take a hike at Whatcom Falls Park, or explore the scenic views of Lake Whatcom at Bloedel Donovan Park. Whether you're looking for some local seafood or a taste of the town, make sure not to skip over Bellingham's best restaurants. For a quick taste of the town, stop by Anthony's Restaurant, Mykonos Greek Restaurant, or EL Gitano Mexican Restaurant Bellingham.

Explore some of the best things to do in Bellingham

All
Foodies
Pet Lovers
Fun for All
Outdoor Enthusiasts
Arts & Culture

Cruisin Coffee Airport
Lake Padden Park
Fairhaven Park
Lutherwood Bible Camp
Western Washington University Performing Arts Center
Cruisin Coffee Cordata
Fairhaven Dog Park
Fitness Evolution
Bellingham RV Park
Mount Baker Theatre
Woods Coffee
Tails A Wagging
Lake Louise
SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention
Horseshoe Cafe
Stimpson Family Nature Reserve
Makeshift Art Space
Zoom Zoom Espresso
Pine & Cedar Lakes Trail
Lightcatcher Building
Skylarks Hidden Cafe
South Bay Trail
Perch & Play
Mount Bakery
Cafeblue
Anmly

Foodies

Whether you’re a self-proclaimed foodie, or simply love great food, Bellingham has many restaurants, cafes, and dessert shops to choose from.

Pet Lovers

Pet lovers unite! Explore the many pet-friendly amenities in Bellingham, like dog parks, pet stores, groomers, veterinarians, and more.

Outdoor Enthusiasts

Discover the many outdoor activities in Bellingham. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore parks, nature preserves, campgrounds, and more.

Arts & Culture

If you’re an art connoisseur, history buff, or music maven, consider visiting one of Bellingham's local art galleries, museums, or music venues.

What's the best way to get around Bellingham, WA ?

The best way to get around Bellingham is by car, but there are many methods for getting around the city. If you’re exploring the city by foot, Bellingham has a walk score of 49, meaning this area is car dependent. Another way to get around the city is by public transportation. Bellingham has a transit score of 37, with a few nearby public transportation options. Most bus stations and rail stations are located in 98225 and 98226. You can also get around Bellingham by bike. With a bike score of 58, there is some amount of infrastructure for biking.

49 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

37 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

58 / 100

Bikeable

Bike Score®

Bellingham Transportation

Bus Station

Buses can be found throughout the city and are easily accessible to commute in the city.

Rail Station

Bellingham has 2 heavy rail stations; Amtrak, Amtrak Train Station. This allows you to use heavy rail to commute in and out of the city from the surrounding area and even travel to other cities.

Tram Station

Our data indicates this city does not have this transportation type.

Metro Station

Our data indicates this city does not have this transportation type.

Marine Terminals & Ferries

Bellingham has 2 marine terminals; Bellingham Cruise Terminal, Fairhaven Ferry Cruise Terminal. There are a few ferry lines, which are good for a day trip to a handful of places in the area.

Car & Bike Rentals

Renting a car is another good way to get around the city. There are 11 car rental locations.

Airports

Bellingham has 1 airport which allows you to easily travel.

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