Bellingham, WA vs Portland, OR: Cost of Living Comparison
Bellingham has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Bellingham | Portland | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 132 | 134 | Bellingham |
| Housing | 166 ($1,035) | 160 ($1,117) | Portland |
| Transportation | 104 ($3.50) | 104 ($3.50) | Tie |
| Food & groceries | 88 ($361) | 119 ($488) | Bellingham |
| Utilities | 133 ($299) | 130 ($288) | Portland |
| Healthcare | 133 ($216) | 130 ($208) | Portland |
| Median annual wage | 130 ($62,990) | 118 ($57,000) | Portland |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bellingham, WA or Portland, OR cheaper to live in?
Bellingham, WA is cheaper overall by about 2 index points (Bellingham, WA: 132, Portland, OR: 134; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Bellingham, WA vs Portland, OR?
A single adult needs roughly $46,200/year in Bellingham, WA and $46,900/year in Portland, OR to cover basic living costs.