Evanston, IL vs. Bolingbrook, IL: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Evanston vs Bolingbrook. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Evanston vs Bolingbrook in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is typically the biggest factor in cost of living differences. Here’s how Evanston and Bolingbrook stack up:
| Housing Type | Evanston | Bolingbrook |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $2,400 | $1,850 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $650,000 | $450,000 |
🏆 Winner: Bolingbrook. Housing costs are significantly lower in Bolingbrook compared to Evanston, with savings of over $500/month on rent and $200,000 on home prices.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities. Expect monthly bills around:
- Electricity: $120-150
- Gas: $80-100 (higher in winter)
- Water/Sewer/Trash: $60-80
🏆 Winner: Tie. No significant difference in utility costs between Evanston and Bolingbrook.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are about 5% higher in Evanston compared to Bolingbrook. For a family of four, budget around $1,000/month in Evanston vs $950/month in Bolingbrook.
Dining out and entertainment costs are also slightly higher in Evanston. Expect to pay around 10% more for a meal out.
🏆 Winner: Bolingbrook. Slightly lower costs on groceries and dining out add up to monthly savings.
4. Taxes and Fees
Illinois has a flat income tax rate of 4.95%. However, there are some differences in local taxes:
- Evanston sales tax: 10%
- Bolingbrook sales tax: 8.5%
- Evanston property tax rate: 2.1% of assessed value
- Bolingbrook property tax rate: 2.4% of assessed value
In Evanston, HOA fees often include landscaping and trash, while these are typically separate in Bolingbrook.
🏆 Winner: Evanston. Lower property taxes and bundled HOA fees offset the slightly higher sales tax.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Evanston | Bolingbrook |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR home) | $3,600 | $2,500 |
| Utilities | $300 | $300 |
| Groceries | $1,000 | $950 |
| Transportation | $200 | $250 |
| Taxes (property) | $1,100 | $900 |
| Misc | $800 | $700 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $7,000 | $5,600 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
While Bolingbrook offers lower housing costs and more space, Evanston provides better walkability, public transit access, and proximity to Chicago. Evanston is about 10°F cooler than Bolingbrook in the summer.
Bolingbrook can be a great fit for families looking for affordable homes and good schools, while Evanston appeals more to young professionals who value city access and don’t mind less space. Ultimately, budget is a key deciding factor, with Evanston costing about 25% more per month.
7. FAQ
- Is Evanston more affordable than Bolingbrook? No, Evanston has a higher overall cost of living, mainly due to housing costs.
- Which city has lower rent? Bolingbrook has lower rent, with a typical 2BR apartment costing about $550 less per month than in Evanston.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? Bolingbrook has significantly lower home prices. Expect to pay around $200,000 less for a comparable 3BR home.
8. Conclusion
While both are desirable Chicago suburbs, Bolingbrook offers a meaningfully lower cost of living than Evanston. A household moving from Evanston to Bolingbrook might save $1,400/month on housing alone.
Budget-conscious families and those looking for more space will likely prefer Bolingbrook. However, Evanston can be worth the premium for walkability, transit access, and proximity to Chicago.
Considering other Chicago suburbs? Check out our cost of living guide for Evanston or our monthly budget examples for Evanston residents.