Performance
Score Breakdown
Bloomington
Dallas
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Dallas is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
8% higher compared to Bloomington.
Housing costs are a major driver: Bloomington's average rent is
22% lower than Dallas's.
| Metric | Bloomington | Dallas | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,100 | $1,412 | -22% |
| Groceries | $685 | $450 | +52% |
| Utilities | $391 | $281 | +39% |
| Transport | $300 | $126 | +138% |
| Healthcare | $120 | $135 | -11% |
| Monthly Total | $2,596 | $2,404 | +8% |
| Cost Index | 89 | 101 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Bloomington offers 25% 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 Bloomington is estimated at
$44,700 vs $96,970 in Dallas.
| Metric | Bloomington | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $76,000 | $60,900 |
| Salary Needed | $44,700 | $96,970 |
| Purchasing Power | 85,393 idx | 60,297 idx |
| Household Income | $77,384 | $70,518 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Bloomington | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | % | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Bloomington has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,500 minutes (75 hours) per year compared to Dallas.
Dallas scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
| Metric | Bloomington | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 17 min | 26 min |
| Transit Score | 50.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Walkability | 60.0/10 | 60.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 35.00 | 41.00 |
| Car Dependency | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Dallas is the larger city
— approximately 0.1x the population of Bloomington.
From a growth perspective, Dallas 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 | Bloomington | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 79,268 | 1,336,440 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.20% | 0.52% |
| Median Age | 36.2 | 33.4 |
| Unemployment | 3.90% | 4.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
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.
Dallas
Advantages
Violent crime in Dallas dropped by 12% in 2025, indicating an improving safety landscape.
The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is a leader in economic growth, ranking highly for job creation and business investment.
Dallas is recognized as a top city for dining out, offering affordable options for mid-range meals.
Texas has no state income tax, which can lead to higher take-home pay for residents.
The city boasts a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem, ranking 27th globally for startups in 2026.
Drawbacks
Property crime remains a significant challenge in Dallas, particularly in certain neighborhoods.
Utility costs in Dallas are higher than the national average, primarily due to electricity expenses.
Dallas experiences notable traffic congestion, with commuters spending considerable time in traffic.
Despite overall metro growth, the city of Dallas experienced a slight population decline in 2025.
While public transit exists, high car dependency is a reality for navigating the sprawling Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Bloomington
#21Illinois, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,100
Avg Salary
$76,000
Cost Index
89
Commute
17 min
Transit Score
50.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.20%
Unemployment
3.90%
Livability
74
Business
70
Dallas
#1Texas, USA
85.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,412
Avg Salary
$60,900
Cost Index
101
Commute
26 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.52%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
80
Business
88
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