Bolingbrook, IL vs. Naperville, IL: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Bolingbrook vs Naperville. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Bolingbrook vs Naperville in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is typically the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how Bolingbrook and Naperville compare for common housing types:
| Housing Type | Bolingbrook | Naperville |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,450 | $1,800 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $325,000 | $475,000 |
🏆 Winner: Bolingbrook
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between Bolingbrook and Naperville. Expect to pay around $150-$250 per month for electricity, gas, water, and trash, depending on your home size and usage. Both cities experience cold winters and hot summers, so budget for higher heating and cooling bills seasonally.
🏆 Winner: Tie
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery and restaurant prices are comparable in Bolingbrook and Naperville. A typical family of four might spend $800-$1,000 per month on groceries in either city. Eating out is slightly cheaper in Bolingbrook, with dinner for two averaging $50 vs. $60 in Naperville.
🏆 Winner: Bolingbrook
4. Taxes and Fees
Bolingbrook has a lower property tax rate of 2.3% compared to Naperville’s 2.6%. For a $350,000 home, that’s a difference of $1,050 per year. Both cities charge similar vehicle sticker fees and utility taxes. In Bolingbrook, HOA fees often include landscaping and trash, while Naperville residents may pay extra.
🏆 Winner: Bolingbrook
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Bolingbrook | Naperville |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,450 | $1,800 |
| Utilities | $200 | $200 |
| Groceries | $900 | $950 |
| Transportation | $75 | $60 |
| Taxes | $625 | $1,025 |
| Misc | $400 | $450 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,650 | $4,485 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
While Bolingbrook offers more affordable housing and slightly lower costs overall, Naperville has a vibrant downtown with great walkability. Naperville also has more public transportation options for commuters. Both cities are family-friendly Chicago suburbs with good schools, parks, and amenities.
Naperville averages 5°F cooler than Bolingbrook in July. Bolingbrook gets 3″ more snow annually.
7. FAQ
- Is Bolingbrook more affordable than Naperville?
Yes, Bolingbrook has a lower overall cost of living, especially for housing.
- Which city has lower rent?
Bolingbrook has lower average rent prices than Naperville, by about $300-$400 per month.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Bolingbrook has lower median home prices and property taxes, making it more affordable for buyers.
8. Conclusion
Bolingbrook is the more budget-friendly choice, well-suited for young families or professionals looking to keep housing costs down. Naperville’s higher costs come with perks like a walkable downtown and train access to Chicago. To further optimize your spending in either city, check out our Monthly Budget Examples for Bolingbrook Residents or Cost of Living in Bolingbrook (2025 Guide).
Ultimately, both Bolingbrook and Naperville provide a high quality of life for Chicago suburbanites. We hope this cost of living comparison helps you choose the best fit for your finances and lifestyle preferences.