Median rent is 47% lower in Bloomington ($1,004/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in Bloomington, where the median home runs $198,800 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Los Angeles ($80,366 vs $75,449 a year). Taken together, Bloomington is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 102.6 against 113.3 — about 9% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Bloomington, IL.
Quick verdict
Bloomington is 9% cheaper overall
Cost index: 102.6 in Bloomington vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Bloomington, IL
City B
Los Angeles, CA
How much would you need to earn in Los Angeles, CA to maintain your standard of living from Bloomington, IL?
Equivalent salary in Los Angeles, CA
$82,794
You'd need $7,794 more (10% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Bloomington
Illinois
Los Angeles
California
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Bloomington — median rent of $1,004/mo versus $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, a 47% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $198,800 in Bloomington — 77% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% versus 13.30% in California, so Bloomington is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 7.25% in California; Bloomington has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Bloomington
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Air quality data is available for Los Angeles (avg AQI 77.0) but not yet for Bloomington.
Pick Bloomington if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 102.6 vs 113.3).
Pick Los Angeles if you prioritize higher median household income ($80,366/yr).
Pick Bloomington if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,004/mo median).
Pick Bloomington if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.95%).
Is Bloomington cheaper than Los Angeles?
Bloomington is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 102.6 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 9% lower in Bloomington.
How much is rent in Bloomington vs Los Angeles?
Median rent is $1,004/mo in Bloomington, IL and $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA. Bloomington, IL has the lower rent by about 47%.
Which has higher salaries — Bloomington or Los Angeles?
Median household income is $75,449 in Bloomington, IL and $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA. Los Angeles, CA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Bloomington or Los Angeles?
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% and California's is 13.30%. Bloomington, IL has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Los Angeles to match my Bloomington income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Bloomington, IL is equivalent to roughly $110,393 in Los Angeles, CA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology