Cost of Living in Bradley, IL

Population 15,331 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023

Cost Index
(100 = US avg)

Page updated: April 2026 · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year

Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Bradley sits on the smaller end of the Illinois city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible.

Located 30 miles southeast of Joliet, Bradley falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 34% lower than Joliet's $249,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 54

Rent 90

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Bradley

The median home value in Bradley is $164,400 — 46% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,181/month, 10% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $62,940/year is 16% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.8%, 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, Bradley has a cost of living index of 68 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 32% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value

$164,400

46% below avg

Zillow Home Value

$163,013

Zillow ZHVI

Median Rent

$1,181/mo

10% below avg

Zillow Rent

$1,543/mo

Zillow ZORI

Price-to-Rent Ratio

11.6x

Favors buying

Property Tax Rate

2.2%

Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio

$651

1 BR

$741

2 BR

$899

3 BR

$1,196

4 BR

$1,364

Owner-occupied 63.4%

Renter-occupied 36.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent

$1,181

Groceries national estimate

$400

Utilities local estimate

$88

Transportation local gas prices

$126

Estimated Total $1,795/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚

Eggs (dozen)

$0.548

🍞

White Bread (lb)

$1.912

🥩

Ground Beef (lb)

$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute

24.3 min

10% below avg

Gas Price

$3.145/gal

0% below avg

Work From Home

5.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone

79.0%

Carpooled

8.3%

Public transit

0.4%

Walked

4.9%

Bicycle

0.5%

Work from home

5.6%

⚡ Utilities

Electricity

$0.176/kWh

0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 5.0%

Total Sales Tax 8.7%

State rate 6.3%

Avg local rate 2.5%

Property Tax 2.2%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income

$62,940

16% below avg

Per Capita Income

$34,140

Unemployment Rate

3.8%

21% below avg

Poverty Rate

8.9%

Labor Force Participation

69.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 10.5%

Graduate degree 7.2%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 35.5

Male median age 33

Female median age 37.3

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Bradley, IL?

Bradley has a cost index of 68 (100 = national average). It is 32% below the national average.

What is average rent in Bradley, IL?

The median gross rent in Bradley is $1,181 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Bradley?

The median home value in Bradley is $164,400 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Bradley?

The median household income in Bradley is $62,940 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Bradley, IL?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Bradley is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.

Is Bradley, IL affordable?

Yes, Bradley is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 68 — about 32% below the US national average of 100.

Bradley at a Glance

Population: 15,331
Median Income: $62,940
Home Value: $164,400
Median Rent: $1,181/mo
Unemployment: 3.8%
Sales Tax: 8.7%

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