Cost of Living in Bloomington, IN
Population 78,791 · Indiana · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Bloomington cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $290,000, rents near $1,160 a month. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.2% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Bloomington is about 45 miles southwest of Indianapolis city (balance), the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 40% higher than Indianapolis city (balance)'s $207,000.
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 $289,700 — 5% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,160/month, 12% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $48,918/year is 34% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.2%, above the national average of 4.8%. Indiana's top state income tax rate is 3.0% and the combined sales tax is 7.0%. The climate averages highs of 64.0°F and lows of 43.6°F. Overall, Bloomington has a cost of living index of 92 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 8% 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 39 | 43 | 54 | 66 | 74 | 82 | 85 | 84 | 78 | 67 | 53 | 42 |
| Low °F | 22 | 25 | 33 | 43 | 53 | 62 | 64 | 62 | 55 | 44 | 34 | 27 |
| Precip" | 3.38 | 2.67 | 3.82 | 4.94 | 4.47 | 5.09 | 4.89 | 3.34 | 3.60 | 3.70 | 3.73 | 3.29 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Bloomington, IN?
Bloomington has a cost index of 92 (100 = national average). It is 8% below the national average.
What is average rent in Bloomington, IN?
The median gross rent in Bloomington is $1,160 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Bloomington?
The median home value in Bloomington is $289,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Bloomington?
The median household income in Bloomington is $48,918 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Bloomington, IN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Bloomington is 7.0%. The Indiana state income tax top rate is 3.0%.
Is Bloomington, IN affordable?
Bloomington is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 92 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Bloomington?
Bloomington has average high temperatures of 64.0°F and average lows of 43.6°F. Annual precipitation is 46.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Bloomington at a Glance
- Population
- 78,791
- Median Income
- $48,918
- Home Value
- $289,700
- Median Rent
- $1,160/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 64.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
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Indiana Rankings
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