BELLINGHAM, Wash. – A new report lists Whatcom County as the fifth most expensive county in Washington state for household bills.

DoxoInsights reports that household expenses here are 21% higher than the national average.

It says the average Whatcom household pays nearly $2,500 a month on household bills which is 45% of their income.

A breakdown of monthly bills showed that mortages, rent and auto loans are the highest costs, followed by utility, health insurance and cable service bills.

The report noted that monthly health insurance bills here are over three times higher than the national average.

Lynden is listed as 31st most expensive city for household expenses in the state, while Bellingham ranks 40th.