Bellingham is located in Washington and has an overall cost of living that is +23% compared to the national average. Understanding the full picture of living expenses — from housing and rent to grocery bills and healthcare — is essential when considering a move to Bellingham.

Housing: Median rent in Bellingham is $2,223 / month, and the median home price is $740,834. Housing costs are +39% compared to the national average, which significantly impacts monthly budgets.

Groceries: Daily essentials like bread ($4.38), milk ($5.07), and eggs ($5.01) reflect the local grocery landscape. Overall grocery costs are +7% vs the national average.

Healthcare: Medical costs include doctor visits ($161.37), dentist visits ($129.62), and prescription drugs ($23.36). These costs should be factored into your monthly budget when planning a move.

Washington has no state income tax, which means residents of Bellingham keep more of their earnings. This is especially beneficial for high-income earners and retirees.

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Bellingham, Washington Cost of Living FAQ

Common questions about living costs in Bellingham.

Bellingham, Washington has an overall cost of living that is +23% the national average. Housing costs are +39% vs the national average. Grocery prices are +7% vs average. Utilities are +6% vs average. This makes Bellingham a relatively expensive city.

The median rent in Bellingham, Washington is $2,223 / month. Average energy bills run $232.46 / month. Phone bills average $207.38 / month. Housing is typically the largest expense for residents.

Healthcare costs in Bellingham: doctor's visit averages $161.37, dentist visit averages $129.62, prescription drugs average $23.36. Overall healthcare expenses in the area are influenced by the +7% grocery cost difference.

Bellingham is one of 135 cities tracked in Washington. With an overall cost +23% vs the national average, it tends to be pricier than some smaller communities. Visit our Washington state page to compare all cities side-by-side and find the best fit for your budget.

Bellingham offers cost of living +23% compared to the national average. Key factors to consider: median home price of $740,834, rent of $2,223 / month, and no state income tax in Washington. Explore our detailed cost breakdown above to see if Bellingham fits your budget.