Salary & Cost of Living in Bellingham, WA
Bellingham, WA: $55,000 median salary, cost of living index 112, $16.66/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$55,000
$26/hr
Cost of Living
112
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$16.66
per hour
Unemployment
3.2%
rate
Bellingham, WA Overview
Population
93,734
Median Salary
$55,000
Average Salary
$62,000
Avg Commute
18 min
Median Home Price
$500,000
Median Rent
$1,500/mo
Job Growth
+1.8%
Sales Tax
8.6%
Bellingham is located in Washington with a population of 93,734. The median household salary is $55,000 per year ($26/hour), which is $4,384 below the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +1.8%.
Bellingham Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Bellingham, WA, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$46,231
$3,852.58/month · $1,778.12/biweekly · Effective Rate: 15.9%
Gross Pay
$55,000
Federal Tax
-$4,562
State Tax
$0
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$4,208
Net Pay
$46,231
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $4,583.33 | $55,000.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$380.13 | -$4,561.50 |
| Washington State Tax (0%) | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$284.17 | -$3,410.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$66.46 | -$797.50 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $3,852.58 | $46,231.00 |
Salary Comparison: Bellingham vs Other Cities
See how Bellingham's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bellingham, WA | $55,000 | 112 | $49,107 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Santa Ana, CA | $55,000 | 150 | $36,667 |
| Ontario, CA | $55,000 | 108 | $50,926 |
| New Haven, CT | $55,000 | 115 | $47,826 |
| Cape Coral, FL | $55,000 | 98 | $56,122 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Bellingham
Bellingham's cost of living index is 112 (national average = 100). Living in Bellingham is 12% more expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$500,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,500
Annual Rent Cost
$18,000
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $46,231 annual take-home pay in Bellingham has the purchasing power of approximately $41,278 in an average-cost US area. You would need to earn $61,600 in Bellingham to match a $55,000 salary in an average-cost city.
Top Industries in Bellingham
Bellingham's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $55,000.
Salary Tips for Bellingham Workers
- No state income tax advantage. Washington has no state income tax, which means more of your paycheck stays in your pocket. Invest the savings in a Roth IRA or 401(k) for long-term growth.
- Research top industries. Bellingham's top industries include Education, Healthcare, Tourism. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $55,000 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Bellingham, WA?
The median salary in Bellingham, WA is $55,000 per year, or $26 per hour. The average salary is $62,000. This is $4,384 below the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Bellingham, WA?
Bellingham's cost of living index is 112 (national average = 100), meaning it is 12% more expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $500,000 and the median monthly rent is $1,500.
What are the best industries in Bellingham?
The top industries in Bellingham, WA include Education, Healthcare, Tourism. The city has a job growth rate of 1.8% and an unemployment rate of 3.2%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $55,000.
How does Bellingham's salary compare to other cities?
Bellingham's median salary of $55,000 is 7.4% below the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 112), the real purchasing power is approximately $49,107.
What is the minimum wage in Bellingham, WA?
The minimum wage in Bellingham, WA is $16.66 per hour. This equals approximately $34,653 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This is $9.41 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.