Cost of Living in Bloomington, IL
Population 78,703 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Buyers in Bloomington can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $199,000 against $75,449 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country. An unemployment rate of 2.6% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Bloomington is about 40 miles southeast of Peoria, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 33% higher than Peoria's $150,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Bloomington
The median home value in Bloomington is $198,800 — 35% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,004/month, 24% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $75,449/year is 1% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.6%, below the national average of 4.8%. Illinois's top state income tax rate is 5.0% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. Overall, Bloomington has a cost of living index of 70 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 30% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Bloomington, IL?
Bloomington has a cost index of 70 (100 = national average). It is 30% below the national average.
What is average rent in Bloomington, IL?
The median gross rent in Bloomington is $1,004 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Bloomington?
The median home value in Bloomington is $198,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Bloomington?
The median household income in Bloomington is $75,449 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Bloomington, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Bloomington is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Bloomington, IL affordable?
Yes, Bloomington is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 70 — about 30% below the US national average of 100.
Bloomington at a Glance
- Population
- 78,703
- Median Income
- $75,449
- Home Value
- $198,800
- Median Rent
- $1,004/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.6%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Illinois Rankings
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