Bellingham average rent cost drops in May; Washington prices remain steady
Our recent rental price survey shows average home rental prices decreasing in Bellingham compared to last month, as other cities across Whatcom County increased.
Bellingham rental prices
The average price for a Bellingham rental unit including all bedrooms and all property types was $2,275 on May 3, according to data from Zillow. That’s a decrease of $98 compared to April’s average price, but an increase of $25 compared to May 2025.
“The price range for all bedrooms and all property types is $569 to $11,000,” according to Zillow’s May data. Bellingham’s average rental price in May is 14% higher than the national average, according to Zillow.
Whatcom County rental prices
Zillow rent price data can also be compared by city. Here are Whatcom County’s average rent prices on May 3:
- Deming: Decreased to $1,875
- Blaine: Decreased to $2,325
- Bellingham: Decreased to $2,275
- Ferndale: Decreased to $2,015
- Point Roberts: Stayed the same as last month at $2,200
- Everson: Increased to $2,100
- Birch Bay: Stayed the same as last month at $2,000
- Sumas: Decreased to $1,638
- Lynden: Increased to $2,000
Renting in the most affordable city in Whatcom County, Sumas, could save you almost $700 per month compared to the most expensive, Blaine.
Compared to last month, prices decreased in five cities, increased in two, and remained steady in two.
Washington rental prices
Zillow also tracks and compares rental prices by state.
The average price for rentals of all bedrooms and all property types across Washington was $1,995 on May 3, according to data from Zillow. That’s the same as April’s average price, and a $5 difference compared to May of last year.
The average rental prices vary between $1,400 per month for a studio apartment to $5,134 for a four-bedroom rental, according to Zillow’s May data. That’s a decrease from $1,405 per month for a studio apartment to $6,489 for a four-bedroom rental in April.
Washington’s average rental price is 0.25% lower than the national average in May, a change in the trend after the state’s average rent price remained above the national average for several months.
According to Zillow, Washington’s average rent price is still less than some of the other states with a high cost of living. In May, California’s average rental price is $2,695, while Colorado is at $2,100, Massachusetts is at $3,200, New York is at $3,200, Hawaii is at $3,150 and New Jersey is at $2,400.
Compared to neighboring states, Washington’s average rental prices are more expensive. Oregon’s average is $1,725 and Idaho’s average is $1,707.
