Bellingham, Washington Short Term Rental Regulations
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Reviewed by Karolyn Hutson
Last updated August 26, 2023
Bellingham Short-Term Rental Regulations
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Short Term City Rating6.0
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Competition
6.8 -
Real Estate Cost
4.0 -
STR Regulations
N/A -
Seasonality
5.0 -
Rental Rates
8.3
Bellingham, Washington Quick Stats
Short-term rentals have gained a lot of traction in the last few years. The trends and statistics of this sector are constantly changing, and having access to accurate data is essential for making sound investment decisions.
- Population
- 92,314
- STR License Required
- No
- Tourist Season
- June to September
- County
- Whatcom
- Airports
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
- Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Want to learn more about Bellingham?
Hostscouts has you covered. Our guides for this city cover topics that can help you research cities across the US quickly and easily.
Check out our Bellingham rental analytics guide if you're interested in data on the Bellingham rental market.
Review the popular activities that hosts include in their property positing in Bellingham.
The most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings.
Explore nightly rates that hosts list their properties and the average fees for pets and additional guests.
What are the most popular property sizes for rent? Research whether a 1, 2, or 3 bedroom best fits Bellingham guests.
Interested in other Washington cities?
Check out the Washington Airbnb rules directory
What makes Bellingham a great place to invest?
- Outdoor Recreation: Bellingham is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Surrounded by mountains, forests, and water, the opportunities for recreation are endless. Visitors can go hiking in the Chuckanut Mountains, kayaking in Bellingham Bay, or skiing at the nearby Mt. Baker Ski Area. This wide array of outdoor activities attracts a steady stream of visitors year-round, creating a constant demand for short-term rentals.
- Vibrant Arts Scene: Bellingham boasts a lively arts and culture scene. From galleries and theaters to music venues and festivals, there is always something happening in the city. The Downtown Bellingham Art Walk, held monthly, attracts visitors and locals alike to explore the city's galleries, studios, and public art. Events like these draw cultural tourists to the city, increasing the demand for short-term accommodations.
- Proximity to Major Cities: Bellingham's location is incredibly strategic. It is situated just 90 miles north of Seattle and 50 miles south of Vancouver, making it an ideal base for travelers looking to explore the Pacific Northwest. Its proximity to these major cities, combined with its own unique attractions, makes Bellingham an attractive destination for short-term renters.
- Educational Institutions: Home to Western Washington University, Bellingham attracts students, faculty, and visitors attending university events. Whether it’s parents visiting their children, prospective students touring the campus, or attendees of conferences and events, there is a steady demand for short-term rentals in the area.
- Natural Beauty: Bellingham is surrounded by stunning natural beauty. From the sparkling waters of Bellingham Bay to the lush forests of Larrabee State Park, the area is a haven for nature lovers. Visitors come to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the tranquility of nature. This natural beauty not only attracts visitors but also encourages repeat visits, contributing to a sustained demand for short-term rentals.
Bellingham Nearby Cities
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40 miles away
- Rating: 5.5
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56 miles away
- Rating: 5.5
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Local Real Estate
How expensive is the real estate in Bellingham?
The cost of real estate can vary widely depending on the location, size, and features of the property, as well as market conditions. The median home value in Bellingham has decreased -10% over the past year, and the average price per square foot is $357, which is higher than the national average.
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Median Sale Price
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$727,262
-10% YoY
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Median per Square Foot
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$357
-7% YoY
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Average Monthly Rent
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$2,153
0% YoY
The most common terms hosts include in their listings for Bellingham, Washington
Common terms for Bellingham short term rental listings.
When potential guests are scrolling through listings on Airbnb, they’re looking for certain essential information to help them decide if your property is the right fit for their needs. As a host, ensuring that your listing includes all the relevant information that guests will be looking for is vital.
Some of the must-have elements of a property description include:
- Location: Guests will want to know where your property is located in relation to popular attractions, public transportation, and other points of interest.
- Amenities: What amenities does your property offer? Be sure to list all features guests can access, such as a pool, hot tub, parking, etc.
- Informative: The average listing in Bellingham has a description approximately 2,729 words long. Make sure yours is long enough to describe your property but doesn't require your potential guest to read a novel.
After reviewing more than 254 listings in Bellingham, we've consolidated the most common terms on the word cloud. The larger text represents a term that is used more often. The top ten mentioned terms are Beach, View, Deck, Island, Beautiful, Hot tub, Outdoor, Perfect, Comfortable, and Water.
What are the most popular tourist activities in Bellingham?
Whether renting a house, an apartment, or a room, you should include popular tourist activities in your posting. The most common choices mentioned on property listings in Bellingham involve Boating, Hiking, Whale Watching, Kayaking, and Wildlife Viewing. When you write your listing, have a section with recommended activities near the property to give your guests an idea of what is available.
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Boating
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Hiking
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Whale Watching
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Kayaking
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Wildlife Viewing
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Sailing
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Cycling
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Beach
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Mountain Biking
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Marina
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Adventure Activities
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Rural
Local Attractions
What attractions do hosts highlight to guests?
There are quite a few popular attractions in Bellingham, including Western Washington University, Lake Whatcom, Bellis Fair Mall, Silver Reef Casino, and Mount Baker Theatre. Below we've included the most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings. Many hosts like to show off lesser-known regional landmarks visitors might not have heard of.
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Regional Landmark
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Silver Reef Casino
Included on 63% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Bellis Fair Mall
Included on 31% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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North Bellingham Golf Course
Included on 31% of listings
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Local Landmark
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Squalicum Beach
Included on 28% of listings
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Local Landmark
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Orcas Island Golf Course
Included on 28% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Doe Bay Hot Springs
Included on 24% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Cascade Lake
Included on 24% of listings
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Local Landmark
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Moran State Park
Included on 24% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Mount Baker Theatre
Included on 22% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Western Washington University
Included on 19% of listings
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Local Landmark
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Whatcom Falls Park
Included on 15% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Lake Whatcom
Included on 13% of listings
What’s the weather like in Bellingham, Washington?
The weather is generally milder than the national average, with an average high temperature of around 58°, while the average low is about 44°. The rainfall is much heavier, averaging about 42 inches per year, compared to the national average of about 27 inches. Snowfall is relatively rare, averaging less than 6 inches per year. The humidity levels in Bellingham are generally lower than the national average, and the city tends to be a bit cloudy for most of the year.
Winter
December through February
35° Low 46° High
Spring
March through May
43° Low 58° High
Summer
June through August
54° Low 71° High
Fall
September through November
45° Low 58° High
Cities Near Bellingham
Bellingham, Washington, is located in Whatcom County. Some cities that are located nearby include:
