Bellingham Average Rental Prices Decline Monthly
New data shows local rental costs dropped in October compared to the previous month.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Apartments
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The average rental price in Bellingham reached $1,995 in early October. This represents a $55 decrease since September and a $205 drop compared to October 2025.
Why it matters
The shift reflects a broader downward trend in housing costs across Whatcom County, where seven cities reported price decreases during the same period.
Bellingham rental prices are now 0.25% higher than the national average, while Washington state costs are 3% above that same benchmark. The figures were calculated using Zillow data covering various property types.
The players
Zillow
Zillow is a real estate technology company that provides data on property values and rental market trends.
The details
Researchers utilized property-wide rental data to compare costs against both monthly and yearly benchmarks. The decline in Bellingham aligns with a cooling trend observed across Whatcom County as part of a larger regional data set.
Timeline
October 2025 served as the annual comparison baseline.
September 2026 served as the monthly comparison baseline.
October 5, 2026, was the date of the primary data collection.
Culture Shift
The decline in local rental costs reflects a broader cooling trend in Pacific Northwest housing markets documented by the Zillow Observed Rent Index. This shift marks a departure from the sustained upward pressure on residential rents seen in the region over previous years.
Renters in Bellingham may see more competitive pricing or greater room for negotiation on lease renewals given the month-over-month decrease. Prospective tenants can use these current averages as a baseline when evaluating the affordability of units compared to the broader Washington market.
The takeaway
Renters should review their local market conditions frequently to leverage these pricing shifts during lease negotiations. Monitoring monthly trends helps households identify if they are paying rates consistent with the broader county-wide downward movement.
Further reading
For more on the current housing market, explore the latest trends in Bellingham Apartments.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Bellingham Herald.
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