Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Bloomington?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Bloomington, you need to earn at least $46,200/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $73,119, which means the typical resident is $26,919 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 78,788

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$809	$2,697	$32,360	$-40,759
1 Bedroom	$959	$3,197	$38,360	$-34,759
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,155	$3,850	$46,200	$-26,919
3 Bedroom	$1,409	$4,697	$56,360	$-16,759
4 Bedroom	$1,733	$5,777	$69,320	$-3,799

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Bloomington's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$73,119

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$46,200

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$26,919

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 19.0%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Bloomington

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Bloomington's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,828

Studio

$809/mo

1 BR

$959/mo

2 BR

$1,155/mo

3 BR

$1,409/mo

4 BR

$1,733/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Bloomington.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Bloomington's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Bloomington

Bloomington, Illinois stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $73,119 significantly exceeds the $46,200 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $26,919 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Bloomington, a studio at $809/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,409/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $56,360.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $69,300 would position you well — though many residents in Bloomington manage on less given the favorable rent-to-income dynamics.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Bloomington, Illinois.

With a total population of 78,788, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 39,540 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $46,200 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

39,540

Active civilian employees in Bloomington

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Bloomington

What salary do I need to live in Bloomington, Illinois?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Bloomington under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $46,200. The median household income in Bloomington is $73,119.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Bloomington on $73,119?

The affordability verdict for Bloomington is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 19.0%, meaning median earners have a $26,919 surplus.

What is the average rent in Bloomington compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Bloomington is $959/month. With a median household income of $73,119, residents spend approximately 19.0% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Bloomington?

A studio in Bloomington rents for approximately $809/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $32,360 to afford this.

Is Bloomington considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $26,919 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Bloomington is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $46,200 to the local median household income.

How Bloomington Compares

Other cities in Illinois with salary requirements