Bellingham, WA vs Walla Walla, WA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Walla Walla is 29.6% cheaper than Bellingham. With a cost index of 99 vs 129, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Walla Walla to Bellingham should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Bellingham is $1,478/month compared to $1,176/month in Walla Walla — a 26% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Walla Walla is more affordable at $356,600 median vs $577,400.

Median household income in Bellingham is $65,821 compared to $65,493 in Walla Walla (+0.5%). Bellingham does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Bellingham spend roughly 26.9% of their income on rent, more than the 21.5% in Walla Walla.

Climate-wise, Walla Walla is notably warmer with an average of 54.3°F compared to 51.2°F in Bellingham. Bellingham receives more rainfall at 34.7" per year compared to 18.7" in Walla Walla.