Can A Carpenter Afford Rent in Bellingham, WA?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 34.7% of gross income.
Bellingham rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Washington state estimate).
About rent and a carpenter salary
Carpenter pay sits modestly above the US median household income and covers comfortable rent in most lower- and mid-cost metros. Union carpenters in high-cost cities often earn well above the BLS mean. At the national-average carpenter salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,524 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Washington cities have lower median rent than Bellingham, which improves the affordability math on a carpenter salary:
Compare with full rent data for Bellingham
View full rent data for Bellingham, WA →Frequently asked questions
Can a carpenter afford rent in Bellingham, WA?
Median rent in Bellingham is $1,976 a month. A typical carpenter in Washington earns about $68,253 a year, which makes that rent 34.7% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a carpenter afford in Bellingham?
Using the 30% rule, a carpenter salary in Washington (~$68,253/yr) supports up to $1,706 a month in rent. Bellingham's current median rent is $1,976/mo, which is $270/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a carpenter work to cover rent in Bellingham?
At an hourly equivalent of about $33 an hour, a carpenter in Washington works roughly 60.2 hours a month to cover Bellingham's median rent of $1,976.
Where is rent cheaper than Bellingham for a carpenter?
Nearby Washington cities with lower median rent include Ferndale ($1,971/mo), Shoreline ($1,971/mo), Port Orchard ($1,971/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a carpenter salary.