Cost of Living in Bellingham, WA - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,285 (excluding rent), and $2,832 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $3,297 (excluding rent), and $5,598 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$19.96 $19.96

$13.97 $13.97

$29.94 $29.94

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$83.9 $83.9

$49.32 $49.32

$118 $118

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$13.25 $13.25

$11.03 $11.03

$15.04 $15.04

Cappuccino

$5.23 $5.23

$3.51 $3.51

$7.01 $7.01

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.57 $2.57

$2.05 $2.05

$3.59 $3.59

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.99 $1.99

$1.46 $1.46

$2.43 $2.43

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$6.82 $6.82

$4.38 $4.38

$9.74 $9.74

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.93 $5.93

$3.96 $3.96

$8.90 $8.90

Milk (1 liter)

$1.00 $1.00

$0.65 $0.65

$1.56 $1.56

White Bread (500g)

$3.67 $3.67

$1.08 $1.08

$8.08 $8.08

Rice (white) (1kg)

$4.20 $4.20

$1.77 $1.77

$6.55 $6.55

Eggs

$4.35 $4.35

$1.66 $1.66

$9.60 $9.60

Local Cheese (1kg)

$17.23 $17.23

$8.73 $8.73

$30.55 $30.55

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$16.05 $16.05

$6.70 $6.70

$22.35 $22.35

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$14.99 $14.99

$10.97 $10.97

$20.85 $20.85

Apples (1kg)

$5.57 $5.57

$2.61 $2.61

$6.50 $6.50

Banana (1kg)

$1.62 $1.62

$1.32 $1.32

$3.10 $3.10

Oranges (1kg)

$4.15 $4.15

$2.80 $2.80

$10.76 $10.76

Tomato (1kg)

$5.30 $5.30

$2.88 $2.88

$6.68 $6.68

Potato (1kg)

$3.05 $3.05

$2.72 $2.72

$4.53 $4.53

Onion (1kg)

$2.23 $2.23

$2.80 $2.80

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.10 $2.10

$1.26 $1.26

$2.94 $2.94

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.53 $2.53

$1.52 $1.52

$4.05 $4.05

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$12.33 $12.33

$11.84 $11.84

$13.81 $13.81

Wine (Bottle)

$19.62 $19.62

$7.85 $7.85

$31.40 $31.40

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.75 $1.75

$2.53 $2.53

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.80 $4.80

$2.06 $2.06

$8.23 $8.23

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.01 $1.01

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$30.34 $30.34

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$9.82 $9.82

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.66 $1.66

$1.84 $1.84

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$52.8 $52.8

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.15 $1.15

$1.06 $1.06

$1.30 $1.30

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$34.5K $34.5K

$23.5K $23.5K

$36.5K $36.5K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$25.8K $25.8K

$24.0K $24.0K

$30.0K $30.0K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$178 $178

$79.0 $79.0

$316 $316

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$53.7 $53.7

$35.47 $35.47

$152 $152

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$74.3 $74.3

$60.2 $60.2

$121 $121

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$67.4 $67.4

$39.20 $39.20

$98.0 $98.0

Cinema Ticket

$17.97 $17.97

$13.97 $13.97

$18.96 $18.96

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,425 $1,425

$1,376 $1,376

$1,474 $1,474

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$23.1K $23.1K

$16.5K $16.5K

$26.8K $26.8K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$51.5 $51.5

$25.14 $25.14

$80.4 $80.4

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$28.35 $28.35

$11.94 $11.94

$74.6 $74.6

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$96.5 $96.5

$64.9 $64.9

$125 $125

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$149 $149

$99.6 $99.6

$199 $199

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,693 $1,693

$1,487 $1,487

$1,834 $1,834

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,437 $1,437

$1,279 $1,279

$1,574 $1,574

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,797 $2,797

$2,515 $2,515

$3,219 $3,219

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,490 $2,490

$2,301 $2,301

$2,701 $2,701

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$4,060 $4,060

$3,925 $3,925

$4,141 $4,141

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$4,132 $4,132

$4,105 $4,105

$4,159 $4,159

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$4,253 $4,253

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.61

6.19

7.25

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: March 2, 2026

Bellingham, WA Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Bellingham, WA - Frequently Asked Questions

Cost of Living in Bellingham, WA, United States sits between small-city charm and approachable amenities. For travelers and expats, it often feels more manageable than larger West Coast hubs while still offering reliable services, diverse eateries, and active outdoor recreation within easy reach. Housing tends to vary by neighborhood, with compact apartments downtown and larger options toward the hills; look for short-term rentals if you’re still scouting. Utilities, groceries, and transportation scale with your lifestyle, but you’ll find plenty of budget-savvy choices, especially outside peak tourist months. Real value comes from choosing a neighborhood that fits your pace and daily routines. Tip: block out a couple of weeks to compare living costs in different parts of town.

Daily life in Bellingham is anchored by accessibility and nature. Housing search starts with online listings, local boards, and room-sharing networks; downtown and Fairhaven offer compact options near shops and cafes, while suburbs provide more space at lower rents. Food culture ranges from farmers markets to casual eateries and affordable grocers; planning meals can keep weekly costs predictable. For transport, biking is popular and the bus system covers key routes; many remote workers pair this with short jaunts to nearby trails. Bellingham, WA, United States living cost is often gentler than major metros, helping you budget for gear, weekend trips, or a longer stay. Tip: pilot your commute by biking or walking a few days a week to see what fits.

Quality of life here blends outdoor access with a compact urban core. To budget smartly, use a simple framework: separate needs (rent, utilities, groceries) from wants (fitness, dining, entertainment), and build a small buffer for surprises. Neighborhood fit matters: South Hill, York, and Sunnyland offer different vibes, walkability, and access to parks; visit on weekends to feel the rhythm. Seasonality affects activities more than prices: summers invite hiking and sailing; winters reward coziness and local events. Look for libraries, community centers, and coffee roasters that double as social hubs. Tip: start with a 4-week plan to sample neighborhoods and pace your expenses before signing longer leases.