Housing Costs in Bolingbrook
Housing is typically the largest expense for Bolingbrook residents. As of 2025, the median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Bolingbrook is approximately $1,850 per month. For those looking to purchase a home, the typical mortgage payment for a 3-bedroom house falls in the range of $2,100 to $2,600 monthly, assuming a 20% down payment.
It’s important to note that many Bolingbrook neighborhoods have Homeowners Associations (HOAs), which can add an additional $200 to $400 to your monthly housing costs. While HOA fees are common, they are not mandatory in all areas of the city.
For comparison, here is a table of typical housing costs in Bolingbrook:
| Housing Type | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Rent) | $1,850 |
| 3BR House (Mortgage) | $2,100 – $2,600 |
| HOA Fees | $200 – $400 |
Utilities and Energy Bills
Utility costs in Bolingbrook are relatively moderate compared to other Chicagoland suburbs. Residents can expect to pay around $120 per month for electricity, $80 for natural gas, $60 for water, and $30 for trash collection. Keep in mind that these are averages, and your actual costs may vary based on factors like home size, energy efficiency, and usage patterns.
It’s worth noting that utility bills in Bolingbrook tend to spike during the summer months due to increased air conditioning usage. In July and August, it’s not uncommon for electric bills to double or even triple. To budget accordingly, plan for seasonal fluctuations in your energy costs.
Here’s a monthly estimate of typical utility costs for a 3-bedroom home in Bolingbrook:
- Electricity: $120
- Natural Gas: $80
- Water: $60
- Trash: $30
- Total: $290/month
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Food is another significant expense for Bolingbrook households. According to recent data, the average grocery bill for a single person in Bolingbrook is around $350 per month. For a family of four, this figure jumps to approximately $1,100 monthly. These estimates assume a mix of home-cooked meals and occasional dining out.
To give you a sense of local prices, a gallon of milk in Bolingbrook typically costs $3.50, a dozen eggs are about $2.80, and a pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast averages $4.20. Dining out can add up quickly, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around $18 per person, not including tip.
Don’t forget to budget for household essentials like toiletries, cleaning supplies, and paper goods. A reasonable estimate for these items is $75 to $150 per month, depending on your household size and consumption habits.
Taxes and Hidden Fees
Bolingbrook residents pay a property tax rate of 0.55%, which is slightly lower than the national average. For a home valued at $300,000, this translates to an annual property tax bill of $1,650, or about $138 per month.
In addition to property taxes, Bolingbrook has a sales tax rate of 7.5%, which applies to most goods and services. Vehicle registration fees are also worth mentioning, with annual costs ranging from $151 for a standard passenger car to $250 or more for large vehicles like pickup trucks and SUVs.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of key taxes and fees in Bolingbrook:
| Tax/Fee Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Property Tax | 0.55% |
| Sales Tax | 7.5% |
| Vehicle Registration (Car) | $151/year |
| Vehicle Registration (SUV/Truck) | $250+/year |
Summary Budget Table
To help you visualize the cost of living in Bolingbrook, here’s a summary table that aggregates typical monthly expenses for different household types. Please note that these figures are based on gross monthly income (pre-tax) and assume a comfortable lifestyle:
| Expense Category | Single Person | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (Rent/Mortgage) | $1,850 | $2,100 | $2,600 |
| Utilities | $200 | $290 | $380 |
| Groceries & Dining | $500 | $800 | $1,200 |
| Transportation | $300 | $500 | $750 |
| Healthcare | $250 | $500 | $800 |
| Misc. Expenses | $400 | $600 | $900 |
| Total Monthly Budget | $3,500 | $4,790 | $6,630 |
Lifestyle Considerations
When evaluating the cost of living in Bolingbrook, it’s important to consider lifestyle factors beyond just the numbers. For many residents, the appeal of Bolingbrook lies in its balance of affordability and convenience.
Compared to downtown Chicago, Bolingbrook offers significantly lower housing costs and a more suburban feel, with ample parks, green spaces, and family-friendly amenities. However, this comes with a longer commute for those working in the city, with an average one-way trip of 45 minutes to an hour.
Within Bolingbrook, there are tradeoffs to consider as well. Newer homes in master-planned communities often come with higher price tags and HOA fees, but they may offer more modern features and amenities. Older neighborhoods tend to be more affordable, but may require more maintenance and updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Bolingbrook an affordable place to live?
A: Compared to other Chicago suburbs, Bolingbrook offers a relatively affordable cost of living, especially in terms of housing. However, it’s still more expensive than many other parts of the country.
Q: How much do I need to earn to live comfortably in Bolingbrook?
A: To maintain a comfortable lifestyle, a single person in Bolingbrook should aim for a gross monthly income of at least $3,500. For a family of four, a combined income of $6,500 or more is recommended.
Q: Are property taxes high in Bolingbrook?
A: Bolingbrook’s property tax rate of 0.55% is actually slightly lower than the national average. However, due to higher home values, the actual amount paid may be substantial.
Q: How do Bolingbrook’s costs compare to nearby cities like Naperville or Aurora?
A: Bolingbrook is generally more affordable than Naperville, particularly when it comes to housing. Prices are relatively comparable to Aurora, though Bolingbrook may offer a slightly lower cost of living overall.
Q: What’s the job market like in Bolingbrook?
A: Bolingbrook has a diverse economy with a mix of healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and professional services jobs. The city’s unemployment rate is typically lower than the national average.
Q: Are there any hidden costs to watch out for in Bolingbrook?
A: Be mindful of potential HOA fees, which can add hundreds of dollars to your monthly housing costs. Also, keep in mind that Illinois has a relatively high sales tax rate.
Q: What’s the best way to save money living in Bolingbrook?
A: Look for housing options without HOA fees, bundle your utilities and insurance for discounts, and take advantage of Bolingbrook’s many free parks and recreation areas.
While the cost of living in Bolingbrook is higher than the national average, many residents find that the city strikes a good balance between affordability, convenience, and quality of life. By understanding the typical expenses outlined here and making informed choices, you can create a sustainable budget that allows you to enjoy all that Bolingbrook has to offer.