City Comparison
Chicago vs Bloomington
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Bloomington scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Chicago
Bloomington
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Bloomington is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
15% lower than in Chicago.
Housing costs are a major driver: Chicago's average rent is
86% higher than Bloomington's.
| Metric | Chicago | Bloomington | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,050 | $1,100 | +86% |
| Groceries | $450 | $685 | -34% |
| Utilities | $175 | $391 | -55% |
| Transport | $130 | $300 | -57% |
| Healthcare | $260 | $120 | +117% |
| Monthly Total | $3,065 | $2,596 | +18% |
| Cost Index | 118 | 89 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Chicago offers 3% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Bloomington delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Chicago is estimated at
$60,000 vs $44,700 in Bloomington.
| Metric | Chicago | Bloomington |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $78,000 | $76,000 |
| Salary Needed | $60,000 | $44,700 |
| Purchasing Power | 66,102 idx | 85,393 idx |
| Household Income | $76,223 | $77,384 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Chicago runs warmer on average — a 51.4°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Chicago comes out ahead with 260 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Chicago sees 28.5 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Chicago | Bloomington |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 51.40°F | °F |
| Summer High | 81.00°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 19.00°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 32.80 in | in |
| Snowfall | 28.50 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 260 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | % |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Bloomington has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
7,500 minutes (125 hours) per year compared to Chicago.
Chicago scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Chicago leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Chicago | Bloomington |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 32 min | 17 min |
| Transit Score | 75.0/100 | 50.0/100 |
| Walkability | 78.0/100 | 60.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 55.00 | 35.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Chicago is the larger city
— approximately 33.6x the population of Bloomington.
From a growth perspective, Bloomington is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Bloomington has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Chicago | Bloomington |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,665,000 | 79,268 |
| Pop. Growth | — | 0.20% |
| Median Age | 35.5 | 36.2 |
| Unemployment | 4.80% | 3.90% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Chicago
Advantages
Extensive and reliable public transit network via the CTA 'L' trains and buses covering the entire city
World-class cultural attractions, including the Art Institute of Chicago and world-renowned dining options
18 miles of continuous public lakefront trail and numerous sandy beaches along Lake Michigan
Significantly more affordable housing compared to coastal tech hubs like New York and San Francisco
Diverse and resilient economy anchored by multiple Fortune 500 headquarters and major financial institutions
Drawbacks
Severe winter weather with freezing temperatures and significant snowfall averaging 28.5 inches annually
High property and sales taxes that contribute to a higher overall cost of living burden
Persistent violent crime challenges concentrated in specific neighborhoods on the south and west sides
Heavy traffic congestion on major expressways during peak morning and evening commuting hours
State pension obligations and local fiscal deficits that put pressure on municipal services and taxation
Bloomington
Advantages
The cost of living in Bloomington is 11% lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Bloomington boasts a strong job market with a 2.83% job growth rate from 2023 to 2024, particularly in Finance & Insurance and Healthcare.
The average commute time is 17 minutes, significantly shorter than the national average, leading to less time spent in traffic.
The median household income of $77,384 in 2024 is competitive, supporting a comfortable lifestyle.
The city offers a balanced quality of life with access to good hospitals, schools, and recreational activities.
Drawbacks
Utilities costs in Bloomington are 5.7% higher than the national average, potentially impacting monthly budgets.
Healthcare costs are 6.2% higher than the national average, which could be a consideration for residents.
Public transportation options are available, but the city exhibits high car dependency, with 75% of residents using personal vehicles for commuting.
While generally safe, the city has an average crime rate, suggesting areas where vigilance may be necessary.
The median rent of $1,100 per month, while affordable compared to national averages, can still be a significant expense for some households.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Chicago
#531Illinois, USA
50.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,050
Avg Salary
$78,000
Cost Index
118
Commute
32 min
Transit Score
75.0/100
Walkability
78.0/100
Sunny Days
260/yr
Avg Temp
51.40°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.80%
Livability
78
Business
74
Bloomington
#117Illinois, USA
66.5 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,100
Avg Salary
$76,000
Cost Index
89
Commute
17 min
Transit Score
50.0/100
Walkability
60.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.20%
Unemployment
3.90%
Livability
74
Business
70
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