Rent comparison · HUD FY2026
Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA MSA vs Bellingham, WA MSA
How do Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA MSA and Bellingham, WA MSA rents compare? A side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent breakdown, studio through 4-bedroom.
- $1,682
- Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA MSA (1BR)
- $1,493
- Bellingham, WA MSA (1BR)
- +13%
- 1BR difference
Side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent comparison. Data from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
A 1-bedroom in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA MSA is 13% more expensive than Bellingham, WA MSA at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($1,682 vs $1,493). Both figures are the 40th percentile of gross rents (utilities included, telephone excluded) set by HUD for the federal fiscal year 2026. Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher payment standards in each area are set between 90% and 110% of these FMR numbers. Source: HUD Fair Market Rents.
How Do Rents Compare By Bedroom?
| Bedrooms | Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA MSA | Bellingham, WA MSA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,538 | $1,463 | +$75 (+5%) |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,682 | $1,493 | +$189 (+13%) |
| 2 Bedroom | $1,960 | $1,794 | +$166 (+9%) |
| 3 Bedroom | $2,613 | $2,495 | +$118 (+5%) |
| 4 Bedroom | $3,288 | $3,010 | +$278 (+9%) |
vs US National Average
National average 1BR: $959. Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA MSA is 75% above the US average. Bellingham, WA MSA is 56% above.
Sources: HUD Fair Market Rents FY 2026. Population and median income from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).