Bellingham, WA, US
A coastal college town near Vancouver BC with outdoor access, craft breweries, and a growing tech scene.
Above Average vs US Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Bellingham vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 8.8%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $58,000
- Unemployment: 3.5%
- Population: 92,293
Climate
- Sunny Days: 157/year
- Summer High: 72°F
- Winter Low: 35°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6a
Housing
- Median Home: $500,000
- 1BR Rent: $1500/mo
Cost of Living
Bellingham's cost of living index is 115.2 (US average = 100).
| Category | Bellingham | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 115.2 | 100 | +15.2% |
| Housing | 132.5 | 100 | +32.5% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $500,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $1500/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,875/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $333 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Bellingham:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $91 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $68 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $60 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $70 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | $35 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | $324 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Bellingham scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Bellingham has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 55°F | 35°F | 2.5" |
| April | 57°F | 50°F | 2.8" |
| July | 72°F | 47°F | 1.5" |
| October | 52°F | 53°F | 2.2" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
Bellingham faces the following natural hazards:
Cascadia subduction zone with major earthquake risk.
Frequent wildfire seasons.
Mountainous and coastal regions with landslides.
Cascade Range with frequent avalanches.
River flooding.
Periodic drought conditions.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 0% (None)
- Sales Tax: 8.8%
- Property Tax: ~0.94% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.5%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Bellingham per 100,000 residents:
Data source: FBI Uniform Crime Reporting
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Bellingham, WA, US?
The cost of living index in Bellingham is 115.2, which is Higher the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Bellingham?
The median home price in Bellingham is $500,000. The housing index is 132.5.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Bellingham is approximately $1500/mo.
Does Bellingham, WA have income tax?
Bellingham is in WA, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Bellingham?
Bellingham enjoys approximately 157 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 72°F, while winter lows can drop to around 35°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.