Key Economic Benchmarks
Median Household Income
$66,755$5,563 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-YearFair market rent & 30% rule in Bellingham, WA
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Bellingham, WA
Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Bellingham, WA MSA. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.
| Unit Size | Monthly Rent | Annual Rent | 30% Rule Min. Income | % of Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Efficiency | $1,463 | $17,556 | $58,520 | 26.3% |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $1,493 | $17,916 | $59,720 | 26.8% |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark | $1,794 | $21,528 | $71,760 | 32.2% |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $2,495 | $29,940 | $99,800 | 44.9% |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $3,010 | $36,120 | $120,400 | 54.1% |
50/30/20 Living Budget in Bellingham, WA
Based on the local median household income of $66,755/year ($5,563/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:
Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Washington
Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and Washington state income tax based on the local median baseline.
Related Regional & Financial Profiles
Compare earnings and living costs across Washington with official federal datasets:
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Bellingham, WA
What is the median household income in Bellingham, WA?
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Bellingham, WA is $66,755 per year (approximately $5,563 per month).
What is the average rent in Bellingham, WA?
According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Bellingham, WA are $1,463 for a studio, $1,493 for 1 bedroom, $1,794 for 2 bedrooms, $2,495 for 3 bedrooms, and $3,010 for 4 bedrooms.
How does the cost of living in Bellingham, WA compare to the national average?
Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Bellingham, WA is 103.3 (3.3% higher than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).
How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Bellingham, WA?
Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,794/month) in Bellingham, WA requires a minimum gross household income of $71,760 per year ($5,980 per month).
What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Bellingham, WA?
For a typical household earning the median income of $66,755/year ($5,563/month) in Bellingham, WA, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $2,781/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,669/month to discretionary spending, and $1,113/month to savings and debt repayment.
What are typical electricity and utility costs in Bellingham, WA?
Residential electricity rates in Washington average 14.9¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $134 per month.