City Comparison
Des Plaines vs Bloomington
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Bloomington scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Des Plaines
Bloomington
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
| Metric | Des Plaines | Bloomington | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,650 | $1,100 | +50% |
| Groceries | $420 | $685 | -39% |
| Utilities | $175 | $391 | -55% |
| Transport | $110 | $300 | -63% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $120 | +100% |
| Monthly Total | $2,595 | $2,596 | -0% |
| Cost Index | 104 | 89 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Bloomington offers 3% lower 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 Des Plaines is estimated at
$58,000 vs $44,700 in Bloomington.
| Metric | Des Plaines | Bloomington |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $74,000 | $76,000 |
| Salary Needed | $58,000 | $44,700 |
| Purchasing Power | 71,154 idx | 85,393 idx |
| Household Income | $82,500 | $77,384 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Des Plaines runs warmer on average — a 51°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Des Plaines comes out ahead with 247 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Des Plaines sees 28.1 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Des Plaines | Bloomington |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 51.00°F | °F |
| Summer High | 82.80°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 17.30°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 36.40 in | in |
| Snowfall | 28.10 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 247 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | % |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Bloomington has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
6,000 minutes (100 hours) per year compared to Des Plaines.
Des Plaines scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Bloomington leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Des Plaines | Bloomington |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 29 min | 17 min |
| Transit Score | 62.0/100 | 50.0/100 |
| Walkability | 58.0/100 | 60.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 52.00 | 35.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Bloomington is the larger city
— approximately 0.8x the population of Des Plaines.
From a growth perspective, Des Plaines 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 | Des Plaines | Bloomington |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 60,653 | 79,268 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.40% | 0.20% |
| Median Age | 40.5 | 36.2 |
| Unemployment | 4.30% | 3.90% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Des Plaines
Advantages
Exceptional commuter access via the Metra Union Pacific Northwest line providing direct service to downtown Chicago
Immediate proximity to O'Hare International Airport, making air travel and logistics highly convenient
Robust parks and recreation system featuring the scenic Des Plaines River Trail and numerous community facilities
Strong local safety profile with violent and property crime rates consistently below the national average
Vibrant and diverse dining and entertainment scene centered around the revitalized downtown district
Drawbacks
Higher-than-average property taxes characteristic of the greater Chicago metropolitan region
Competitive housing market with rising purchase prices limiting options for first-time buyers
Traffic congestion during peak commuting hours along major thoroughfares and interstate ramps
Cold and snowy winter conditions requiring dedicated seasonal maintenance and snow removal
Aircraft noise in certain neighborhoods due to proximity to O'Hare International Airport flight paths
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.
Des Plaines
#264Illinois, USA
62.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,650
Avg Salary
$74,000
Cost Index
104
Commute
29 min
Transit Score
62.0/100
Walkability
58.0/100
Sunny Days
247/yr
Avg Temp
51.00°F
Pop. Growth
0.40%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
77
Business
72
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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