Rentometer, Inc. | Data as of 10/22/2025
Whatcom County in Washington offers a vibrant rental landscape that blends urban convenience with easy access to some of the Pacific Northwest’s most beloved natural scenery. The county’s core city, Bellingham, serves as a cultural hub with bustling waterfront districts, historic Fairhaven, and a thriving arts scene, while nearby communities such as Lynden, Ferndale, and the coastal towns of La Conner and Anacortes provide a quieter, small‑town feel. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate proximity to the San Juan Islands, Mount Baker, and the pristine waters of Bellingham Bay, making the area attractive to students, professionals, and families seeking both lifestyle and affordability.
Renters can choose from a diverse array of apartments and houses, each catering to different space and budget needs. Studio apartments typically sit in the $1400s, while one‑bedroom units often fall within the $1500 to $1600 range. Two‑bedroom apartments are commonly priced in the $1900s, and three‑bedroom options reach the $2400‑$2500 bracket, with larger four‑plus bedroom units moving toward the $2800‑$3000 range. For those preferring detached homes, studio‑style houses start in the $1300s, one‑bedroom homes around $1700, two‑bedroom residences near $2100‑$2200, three‑bedroom houses in the $2800‑$2900 range, and expansive four‑plus bedroom homes often approach the $3700‑$3800 level. These price tiers reflect the county’s balanced mix of modern rentals and classic Pacific‑Northwest homes.
Neighborhoods such as downtown Bellingham, the historic Fairhaven district, and the university‑adjacent areas provide walkable amenities, cafes, and public transit, while suburbs like Whatcom Meadows and the West Bellingham corridor offer newer developments and family‑friendly environments. Whether you’re seeking a compact studio close to campus, a spacious house near hiking trails, or a mid‑size apartment within a vibrant community, Whatcom County rentals deliver a compelling blend of affordability, convenience, and natural beauty.
| Property Type | Bedrooms | Average | Median | Min - Max | 25th - 75th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment | Studio | $1,424 | $1,407 | $650 - $2,169 | $1,350 - $1,500 |
| Apartment | 1 Bedroom | $1,554 | $1,505 | $700 - $3,740 | $1,395 - $1,700 |
| Apartment | 2 Bedroom | $1,905 | $1,850 | $730 - $3,575 | $1,720 - $2,186 |
| Apartment | 3 Bedroom | $2,524 | $2,500 | $1,129 - $4,250 | $2,300 - $2,650 |
| Apartment | 4+ Bedroom | $2,497 | $2,362 | $691 - $5,475 | $1,009 - $3,600 |
| House | 1 Bedroom | $1,835 | $1,825 | $1,440 - $2,250 | $1,800 - $2,250 |
| House | 2 Bedroom | $2,224 | $2,100 | $1,250 - $3,500 | $1,975 - $2,450 |
| House | 3 Bedroom | $2,864 | $2,800 | $300 - $5,500 | $2,500 - $3,000 |
| House | 4+ Bedroom | $3,668 | $3,500 | $2,200 - $5,950 | $3,100 - $4,200 |
In the current period, the average rent in Whatcom was $1,436 for Studio, $1,567 for 1 Bedroom, $1,962 for 2 Bedroom, $2,780 for 3 Bedroom, and $3,258 for 4+ Bedroom.
Data provided by Rentometer, Inc.