Brooklyn Park, MN vs. Bloomington, MN: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Many assume Bloomington is more affordable than Brooklyn Park due to its smaller size, but is that really true? This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison between Brooklyn Park and Bloomington. It’s perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life costs of living in these two Minnesota cities in 2025.
Housing Costs: Brooklyn Park vs Bloomington
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how typical rents and mortgages compare:
| Housing Type | Brooklyn Park | Bloomington |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $1,450 | $1,600 |
| 3BR House (Median Price) | $325,000 | $360,000 |
🏆 Winner: Brooklyn Park. A household moving from Bloomington to Brooklyn Park might save $400/month on housing alone.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are a sneaky expense that add up. In similar mid-size Minnesota cities, monthly utility costs typically range:
- Electricity: $100-150
- Gas: $50-80 (higher in winter)
- Water/Sewer/Trash: $60-100
🏆 Winner: Tie. Utility rates are regulated statewide, so costs are comparable.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Food and everyday items are another big slice of the budget pie. Grocery costs run about 5% lower in Brooklyn Park compared to Bloomington. Eating out is also a bit cheaper – a meal for two averages $50 in Brooklyn Park vs $55 in Bloomington.
🏆 Winner: Brooklyn Park, but the difference is small for most households.
Taxes and Fees
Property taxes hover around 1.2% in both cities. Brooklyn Park has slightly lower city service fees, while Bloomington HOAs tend to cover more (offsetting direct costs). State income and sales taxes are the same.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Tax rates are nearly identical.
Cost of Living Summary
| Category | Brooklyn Park | Bloomington |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,450 | $1,600 |
| Utilities | $250 | $250 |
| Groceries | $400 | $420 |
| Transportation | $300 | $250 |
| Taxes | $500 | $550 |
| Misc | $400 | $450 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,300 | $3,520 |
Note: All income figures are expressed in gross monthly income (pre-tax).
Lifestyle Fit
Cost isn’t everything – consider other tradeoffs too:
- Bloomington is more walkable and has better public transit. Brooklyn Park is more car-dependent.
- Brooklyn Park offers more space for the money. Lots and homes tend to be larger.
- Both have reasonable commutes to Minneapolis jobs (20-30 minutes).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brooklyn Park more affordable than Bloomington?
Yes, the cost of living is about 5-10% lower in Brooklyn Park – mainly due to cheaper housing.
Which city has lower rent?
Brooklyn Park rents average $150 less per month for a comparable apartment.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Brooklyn Park home prices are roughly 10% lower than Bloomington across all housing types.
Conclusion
Overall, Brooklyn Park comes out ahead on affordability, especially for housing costs. However, the difference isn’t huge. Bloomington can be a great fit for those who value walkability and don’t mind a bit less space.
Ultimately, both cities offer a relatively affordable cost of living for the Twin Cities area. Your specific budget, housing needs, and lifestyle preferences should guide the choice between them.
Make sure to read our guides on monthly budgeting in Brooklyn Park and choosing between moving pods and trucks if you do decide to make the leap. Happy calculating!