Example household · Bremerton, WA · $83,730 · same pay · 1 adult

Bellingham skyline

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Bremerton vs Bellingham

Bremerton and Bellingham

Photo: Robert Ashworth / Wikimedia, CC BY 2.0

Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.

Same pay in both cities. One adult, one bedroom.

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So you know: homicide deaths in Bellingham are under the US rate in this release, 2.3 versus 6.5 per 100,000. CDC via County Health Rankings, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).

Why people look at Bremerton to Bellingham

In 2022-2023, 109 households filed a move from Bremerton to Bellingham (about 138 people, average adjusted gross income $50,697). 86 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.

A one-bedroom asking rent is about $1,596 in Bremerton and $1,471 in Bellingham. Bremerton has no state tax on wages. Bellingham has no state tax on wages. Local pay in Bellingham is 94% of the national level for the same work, against 106% in Bremerton.

Bellingham averages 131 sunny days, with July highs around 75°F and January nights around 27°F. Bremerton is 154 sunny days, 78°F in July, 36°F in January. Commutes average 22 minutes in Bellingham and 30 in Bremerton.

These figures are projections built from available public data. Conditions change, and the numbers may not reflect current prices, taxes, or immigration rules. Check official sources before you make decisions.

How we figure this

Who already made this move

In 2022-2023, 109 households moved Bremerton → Bellingham (about 138 people, average AGI $50,697). 86 households went the other way.

Source: IRS SOI county-to-county migration. Not a moving company; not a recommendation.

The monthly number is take-home pay minus rent and the other bills. The gap between Bremerton and Bellingham changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.

What the move itself costs

About 109 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.

Full-service mover
$1,650–$3,050
Container or pod
$1,100–$2,050
Rent a truck
$400–$750

Movers in Bellingham and how to hire one →

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Questions

Is Bellingham cheaper than Bremerton after tax and rent?

Yes. Bellingham leaves about $80 more a month, so the cost of living is lower there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $1,596 in Bremerton and $1,471 in Bellingham.

Does Bellingham have state income tax?

Bellingham is in Washington, which has no state income tax.

Did people actually move from Bremerton to Bellingham?

Yes, when the IRS published that flow. The count and their average income are on this page. Leftover prices the same household in both cities.