Arlington Heights, IL vs. Bolingbrook, IL: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Which Chicago suburb gives you more for your money – Arlington Heights or Bolingbrook? This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison between Arlington Heights and Bolingbrook, perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life expenses of living in these two cities in 2025.
Housing Costs
Housing is typically the biggest factor in cost of living differences. Here’s how Arlington Heights and Bolingbrook stack up:
| Housing Type | Arlington Heights | Bolingbrook |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,850 | $1,650 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $450,000 | $375,000 |
🏆 Winner: Bolingbrook. Housing costs, both renting and buying, tend to be 10-20% lower in Bolingbrook compared to Arlington Heights.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities, with Arlington Heights running slightly higher due to larger average home sizes. Expect monthly utility bills around:
- $180 in Arlington Heights
- $160 in Bolingbrook
Both cities experience cold winters and hot summers, so budget for higher heating and A/C usage during peak months.
🏆 Winner: Bolingbrook, but only by a small margin. Utility costs are comparable.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery and restaurant prices are very similar between Arlington Heights and Bolingbrook. Both have easy access to major grocery chains and a range of dining options. Budget around $400-500 per person monthly for food costs in either city.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Grocery and daily living costs are nearly identical.
Taxes and Fees
Illinois has a flat income tax rate of 4.95% as of 2025. However, there are some differences in local taxes:
- Arlington Heights has a slightly higher property tax rate around 2.5%
- Bolingbrook’s property taxes are closer to 2.2% on average
- Vehicle stickers and city service fees are marginally higher in Arlington Heights
🏆 Winner: Bolingbrook. Expect to pay a bit less in property taxes and city fees compared to Arlington Heights.
Cost Summary
| Expense | Arlington Heights | Bolingbrook |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,850 | $1,650 |
| Utilities | $180 | $160 |
| Groceries | $500 | $500 |
| Transportation | $130 | $140 |
| Taxes | 2.5% property tax | 2.2% property tax |
| Misc | $250 | $250 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,910 | $2,700 |
Lifestyle Fit
Arlington Heights offers a denser suburban feel, with more walkable neighborhoods and a 30-40 minute train commute to downtown Chicago. Bolingbrook provides more space for the money, but has longer commutes and requires driving for most errands.
Bolingbrook summers are typically 5°F warmer than Arlington Heights. Both cities get ample sunshine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlington Heights more affordable than Bolingbrook?
No, Bolingbrook is generally 5-10% cheaper than Arlington Heights, mainly due to lower housing and tax costs.
Which city has lower rent?
Bolingbrook has lower rent, with a typical 2BR apartment around $200 less per month than in Arlington Heights.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Bolingbrook tends to have lower home prices. A budget of $400K will go farther in Bolingbrook than Arlington Heights.
Conclusion
While both Arlington Heights and Bolingbrook provide a high quality of life, Bolingbrook comes out ahead in this cost of living comparison. A household moving from Arlington Heights to Bolingbrook might save $200-300 per month on housing and taxes alone.
However, Arlington Heights may still be worth the premium for those who value walkable suburbs and shorter train commutes to Chicago. Ultimately, the best fit depends on your budget, lifestyle, and housing needs.
Looking to move to Arlington Heights or Bolingbrook? See our 2025 moving company picks. Already living in Arlington Heights? Check out these sample monthly budgets and cost of living guide for managing your expenses in 2025.