Median rent is 16% lower in Bloomington ($1,160/mo vs $1,380/mo). Buying is cheaper in Bloomington, where the median home runs $289,700 versus $315,200. Households earn more in Chicago ($75,134 vs $48,918 a year). Taken together, Bloomington is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 102.6 against 105.7 — about 3% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Chicago, IL.
Quick verdict
Bloomington is 3% cheaper overall
Cost index: 102.6 in Bloomington vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Bloomington, IN
City B
Chicago, IL
How much would you need to earn in Chicago, IL to maintain your standard of living from Bloomington, IN?
Equivalent salary in Chicago, IL
$77,240
You'd need $2,240 more (3% 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
Indiana
Chicago
Illinois
👥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
Median rent is modestly lower in Bloomington at $1,160/mo compared to $1,380/mo in Chicago (16% gap). Median home values are within 8% of each other: $289,700 in Bloomington and $315,200 in Chicago.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Indiana's top income tax rate is 3.05% versus 4.95% in Illinois, so Bloomington is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 7.00% in Indiana and 6.25% in Illinois; Chicago has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Bloomington
Income tax: 3.05%
Sales tax: 7.00%
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Air quality data is available for Chicago (avg AQI 21.0) but not yet for Bloomington.
Pick Bloomington if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 102.6 vs 105.7).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize higher median household income ($75,134/yr).
Pick Bloomington if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,160/mo median).
Pick Bloomington if you prioritize lower state income tax (3.05%).
Is Bloomington cheaper than Chicago?
Bloomington is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 102.6 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 3% lower in Bloomington.
How much is rent in Bloomington vs Chicago?
Median rent is $1,160/mo in Bloomington, IN and $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL. Bloomington, IN has the lower rent by about 16%.
Which has higher salaries — Bloomington or Chicago?
Median household income is $48,918 in Bloomington, IN and $75,134 in Chicago, IL. Chicago, IL 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 Chicago?
Indiana's top income tax rate is 3.05% and Illinois's is 4.95%. Bloomington, IN has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Chicago to match my Bloomington income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Bloomington, IN is equivalent to roughly $102,986 in Chicago, IL (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