Cost of Living in Bloomington, IL - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,057 (excluding rent), and $2,460 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,195 (excluding rent), and $4,345 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$15.38 $15.38

$14.89 $14.89

$34.74 $34.74

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$53.4 $53.4

$45.8 $45.8

$102 $102

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$10.91 $10.91

$8.93 $8.93

$14.88 $14.88

Cappuccino

$2.45 $2.45

$7.84 $7.84

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.99 $1.99

$3.97 $3.97

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.01 $2.01

$4.02 $4.02

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$5.97 $5.97

$3.98 $3.98

$7.96 $7.96

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.91 $4.91

$9.82 $9.82

Milk (1 liter)

$0.82 $0.82

$0.69 $0.69

$1.63 $1.63

White Bread (500g)

$3.01 $3.01

$1.98 $1.98

$5.53 $5.53

Rice (white) (1kg)

$4.23 $4.23

$2.98 $2.98

$6.57 $6.57

Eggs

$3.57 $3.57

$1.36 $1.36

$6.15 $6.15

Local Cheese (1kg)

$9.19 $9.19

$6.63 $6.63

$22.12 $22.12

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$6.66 $6.66

$4.46 $4.46

$15.57 $15.57

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$12.7 $12.7

$8.2 $8.2

$17.3 $17.3

Apples (1kg)

$4.42 $4.42

$1.35 $1.35

$8.98 $8.98

Banana (1kg)

$1.36 $1.36

$1.03 $1.03

$3.84 $3.84

Oranges (1kg)

$5.58 $5.58

$2.21 $2.21

$11.16 $11.16

Tomato (1kg)

$3.25 $3.25

$1.13 $1.13

$5.67 $5.67

Potato (1kg)

$2.06 $2.06

$0.65 $0.65

$3.24 $3.24

Onion (1kg)

$2.2 $2.2

$1.12 $1.12

$4.48 $4.48

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.83 $1.83

$1.01 $1.01

$3.56 $3.56

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.16 $2.16

$1.03 $1.03

$3.49 $3.49

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$9.68 $9.68

$7.46 $7.46

$12.34 $12.34

Wine (Bottle)

$15.03 $15.03

$12.02 $12.02

$20.03 $20.03

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.77 $1.77

$1.76 $1.76

$2.54 $2.54

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.25 $2.25

$1.26 $1.26

$5.02 $5.02

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.23 $1.23

$1.97 $1.97

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$39.33 $39.33

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.05 $2.05

$5.13 $5.13

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.23 $2.23

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$33.62 $33.62

$23.73 $23.73

$33.62 $33.62

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.9 $0.9

$0.75 $0.75

$1.09 $1.09

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$33.8K $33.8K

$23.5K $23.5K

$36.2K $36.2K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$25.2K $25.2K

$23.9K $23.9K

$25.4K $25.4K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$171 $171

$135 $135

$345 $345

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$63.5 $63.5

$42.97 $42.97

$150 $150

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$72.8 $72.8

$49.26 $49.26

$118 $118

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$59.4 $59.4

$29.48 $29.48

$89.3 $89.3

Cinema Ticket

$8.58 $8.58

$8.07 $8.07

$30.28 $30.28

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,747 $1,747

$1,400 $1,400

$1,834 $1,834

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$27K $27K

$39.5K $39.5K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$47.63 $47.63

$35.1 $35.1

$60.2 $60.2

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$41.41 $41.41

$12.12 $12.12

$75.8 $75.8

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$86 $86

$75.8 $75.8

$126 $126

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$129 $129

$90.6 $90.6

$201 $201

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,119 $1,119

$1,889 $1,889

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,370 $1,370

$1,012 $1,012

$1,518 $1,518

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,111 $2,111

$1,767 $1,767

$2,454 $2,454

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,025 $2,025

$1,721 $1,721

$2,531 $2,531

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,321 $1,321

$1,316 $1,316

$1,326 $1,326

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,316 $1,316

$1,311 $1,311

$1,321 $1,321

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$4,518 $4,518

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.53

6.19

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: November 29, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Bloomington, IL - Frequently Asked Questions

Bloomington offers steady services without the price spikes of major metro areas. The Cost of Living in Bloomington, IL, United States feels approachable for short stays or longer assignments, especially if you tailor housing to your daily routines and commute. You’ll find a mix of rental options near campus, downtown, and quiet residential streets, with choices that balance space and price. Dining and groceries cover a range of budgets, and seasonal events add value beyond the core costs. Tip: Start with a neighborhood walk to gauge daily costs and set a monthly cap for dining and transit.

Daily life centers on a compact, walkable core and university-adjacent neighborhoods. Housing options span characterful apartments to family homes, with rents and utilities that tend to cluster in the mid-range for the region. Bloomington, IL, United States living cost tends to be moderate, with value found in longer leases, shared housing, or renting a room while you explore. Food options include farmers' markets, budget grocers, and casual dining that won't break the bank. For transport, you'll rely on a reliable bus network and bike-friendly streets, plus quick access to highways for weekend trips. Co-working spaces and cafes with solid Wi-Fi support for remote work. Tip: Try a two-week housing search to compare areas before committing.

Quality of life here blends small-city charm with easy access to outdoor recreation and a lively college-town vibe. Build a simple budgeting framework: separate fixed costs (rent, internet) from flexible ones (groceries, transit) and set a monthly cap for discretionary spending. Seasonality matters: heating in winter and air conditioning in summer can shape utility use, while outdoor activities shift with the calendar. To find the right fit, visit several neighborhoods – Downtown, Northside, and the east campus area – to feel walkability, noise levels, and access to parks. Tip: Check neighborhood calendars for free events and local markets that help you stretch your budget while enriching daily life.