Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown Bellingham Neighborhood of Bellingham, WA from $500 (86 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Downtown Bellingham area of Bellingham.

property at 109 Samish Way

$1,325 - $2,625

Studio To 2 Bedroom Rentals

Available Jun 17

109 Samish Way

BellinghamWA98225

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much

Learn the official definition (spending 30% or more of your gross income on housing) and how to calculate your exact rent-to-income ratio. This guide offers expert tips on factoring in total housing costs (including utilities and fees) and budgeting accurately to avoid unnecessary financial strain.

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Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between

Thinking about getting a co-signer for your rental application? We break down what a co-signer is, the potential benefits, and the serious risks for both parties. Find out if it's the right choice for you.

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property at 1021 High St

$2,000 - $2,800

2 To 3 Bedroom Rentals

Available Jul 7

1021 High St

BellinghamWA98225

Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

When searching for a roommate, follow this list of essential steps and set clear expectations to create a solid foundation for a harmonious living situation.

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property at 2924 Moore St

$2,375 - $2,475

3 Bedroom Rentals

Available May 6

2924 Moore St

BellinghamWA98226
property at 1019 Jersey St

$2,550 - $5,450

3 To 7 Bedroom Rentals

Available Aug 31

1019 Jersey St

BellinghamWA98225
property at 1017 Jersey St

$2,550

3 Bedroom Rentals

Available Aug 31

1017 Jersey St

BellinghamWA98225
property at 828 N Garden St

$2,650 - $2,800

3 Bedroom Rentals

Available Sep 5

828 N Garden St

BellinghamWA98225

The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Touring a rental? This guide helps you know exactly what to look for, from safety features to hidden flaws, so you can confidently sign your lease or keep searching.

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property at 523 N Forest St

$2,700 - $2,900

3 Bedroom Rentals

Available Jul 3

523 N Forest St

BellinghamWA98225
property at 826 N Garden St

$2,600 - $2,700

3 Bedroom Rentals

Available Sep 5

826 N Garden St

BellinghamWA98225
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The Millworks
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

The Millworks

100 W Laurel StBellingham, WA 98225
  • Utilities Included
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Gateway Lofts
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Gateway Lofts

202 E Holly StBellingham, WA 98225
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Calypso North
Studio to 4 Bedroom Apartments

Calypso North

3815 Elwood AveBellingham, WA 98229
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1118 N Forest
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

1118 N Forest

1118 N Forest StBellingham, WA 98225

Smart Renter's Guide: Calculating Affordable Rent & Housing Costs

Wondering how to determine your rental budget? This comprehensive guide covers everything from the 30% rule to hidden fees and effective budgeting strategies.

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Showing Results 1-50, Page 1 of 2

Downtown Bellingham, Bellingham, WA Local Guide

Cheapest Available Downtown Bellingham Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the Downtown Bellingham area of Bellingham, WA is a 3 Beds unit found at Forest Hill Apartments priced from $845. Gateway Lofts has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,000. Here are the most affordable Downtown Bellingham apartments for rent in Bellingham, WA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Forest Hill Apartments3x1.53BR,1BA$845
Gateway LoftsStudioStudio,1BA$1,000
The Calypso at Samish HillStudioStudio,1BA$1,395
The SandpiperStudio/1BAStudio,1BA$1,405
Maritime Heritage4th Floor Studio (429-456sqft.)Studio,1BA$1,470
Ironworks at Old TownStudioStudio,1BA$1,495
Monterra Apartments1-Bedroom Apartment1BR,1BA$1,517
Kerf ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$1,672
Calypso North1x11BR,1BA$1,720

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Bellingham, WA

As of April 13, 2026 the best value apartment in the Downtown Bellingham area is the $0.56 price per square foot 3x1.5 Model at Forest Hill Apartments in the in the WWU neighborhood starting from $845. The second greatest value Downtown Bellingham apartment is the 3BR/3.0BA Model at Blueberry Tri-Plex starting at $2,495 with a $1.68 price per square foot in the Puget neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Downtown Bellingham apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Forest Hill Apartments3x1.53BR,1.5BA$0.56
Blueberry Tri-Plex3BR/3.0BA3BR,3BA$1.68
The WilderD44BR,4BA$0.67
Broadway Apartments3 Bed/ 2 Bath3BR,2BA$2.07
Briarwood Apartments2 BD/2 Bath2BR,2BA$2.29
Viking SuitesType C- 3 BD3BR,2BA$2.14
Inglewood Apartments2-Bed 1-Bath Apartment Renovated2BR,1BA$2.28
813 Billy Frank Jr. St2x12BR,1BA$2.47
Calypso North1x11BR,1BA$2.44
620 Lincoln St, Unit #115620 Lincoln St1BR,1BA$2.51

10 Hidden Costs of Renting You Should Budget for Before Signing a Lease

Avoid financial stress when renting. Learn about the 10 most common hidden costs—from pet fees to utilities—you must budget for before you sign a lease.

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Don't Settle: How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Discover the insider tips from an attorney and real estate agent on how to negotiate your next apartment lease. Find out what's on the table and what's not, so you can save money and get the best terms possible.

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The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro

Moving is tough, especially long-distance. Learn how to minimize stress & expenses with proven strategies from a real estate pro, covering everything from logistics to finances.

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Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting

Discover how your credit score impacts your ability to lease or buy a home. Learn how credit scores are determined, how to check yours, and strategies to improve it for real estate success.

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Quick Rent Budget Calculator

How much rent can you afford?

The common "Rule of Thumb" is that rent should be no more than 30% of your income. How much is that? Enter your monthly income and click "Calculate My Budget" to find out.

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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Downtown Bellingham, Bellingham, WA

Ranked #8

Among cities in Washington for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

3.5
Pet Friendly

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Best Local Schools in
Downtown Bellingham, Bellingham, WA

School data provided by Great Schools

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Downtown Bellingham Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in Downtown Bellingham?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Downtown Bellingham is under $1,720.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Downtown Bellingham?

The cheapest apartment in Downtown Bellingham is Monterra Apartments which is listed at $1,517, while the average apartment in Downtown Bellingham costs $5,250.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Downtown Bellingham?

Student, low-income, and by-the-bed apartments are typically the cheapest rentals in most cities, though they require qualifying criteria to rent. There are 24 regular apartments in Downtown Bellingham that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.

How do the prices of cheap apartments compare to the average apartment in Downtown Bellingham?

Cheap apartments in Downtown Bellingham have an average cost of $362 which is $4,888 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Downtown Bellingham.

Expert Rental Resources

The rental experts at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provide you with top advice, tools, and tips for understanding the leasing process and finding the perfect rental. Here are a few helpful rental and leasing articles from our experts to guide you on your search.

Articles, How-To's, and Tips

decorative image for What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much article

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article draws from first-hand renter experiences and recurring financial challenges reported after moving in.

decorative image for Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters article

Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Other than tax professionals, I can’t think of anyone who looks forward to tax season. For everybody else, April is a stressful month to collect information and meet deadlines.

decorative image for 18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property article

18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting your next home can feel thrilling and overwhelming at the same time.

decorative image for A Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment article

A Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment

Written by: Bob Mallory

Packing up everything you own to move is so stressful for many that ending your apartment lease can feel like a small or unimportant task. Ending your lease involves more than simply turning over your keys on the last day.