A+
4%
Overall NAT. AVG.
0%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
13%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Bradley Illinois National
Cost of living9698100
Groceries100100100
Health care100100100
Housing8795100
Transportation103101100
Utilities10099100
Lifestyle & Entertainment99100100
Household Items100100100
Education & Childcare101100100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Bradley, IL

The cost of living in Bradley affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Bradley is 96, which is 4% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care in Bradley are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Bradley can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

Is Bradley Affordable?

Wondering if Bradley is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Bradley, for example, the median home price is 24.4% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 13.6% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Bradley boasting a median household income of $80,919, which is 0.5% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Bradley?

Groceries: Over the past 2-3 years, grocery expenses have experienced substantial upward trends. In certain markets, food prices have surged by over 20% during this period, while others have witnessed more modest increases. These fluctuations in food costs can wield significant influence over the overall cost of living in a given region. In Bradley, the groceries index is 0.4% lower than the national average.

Housing: A sought-after location with high housing demand often leads to increased property values and rental rates, which can significantly inflate the overall cost of living. Conversely, areas with low housing demand, particularly in less desirable locales, tend to experience the opposite effect, causing prices to drop and contributing to a more affordable cost of living. In Bradley, the housing index stands at 13% lower than the national average.

Urbanization: Urban areas with extensive amenities and job opportunities tend to have a higher cost of living due to increased demand for services and relocation, resulting in higher home prices and higher rents. Less densely populated rural areas, or areas with less demand tend to have fewer amenities and slower job growth, which results in a lower cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Bradley are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Bradley is 2% lower than the Illinois average
  • The cost of living in Bradley is 4% lower than the national average
  • Bradley housing is 13% lower than the national average
  • Illinois general sales tax is 22% higher than the national average
  • Illinois state income tax is 91% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Bradley

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Compare Bradley, IL Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$93,633$7,803$2,185$2,809
      Renters$63,972$5,331$1,493$1,919
      The affordability of the housing market in Bradley, IL as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Bradley homeowners, the median income is $93,633. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $2,185 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $63,972. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $1,493 for their rent related monthly costs.

      Illinois Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Illinois 6.25% 10.25%

      Illinois Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Illinois 4.95% 4.95%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Hopkins Park, IL6067921.2%
      Beaverville, IL3838316.9%
      Papineau, IL1338415.9%
      Kankakee, IL26,4618811.7%
      St. Anne, IL1,2918614.0%
      Bradley, IL15,608963.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Newport, KY15,609928.2%
      Olivehurst, CA15,61112020.4%
      Belvedere Park, GA15,6041021.7%
      Swampscott, MA15,59915857.6%
      Bellair-Meadowbrook Terrace, FL15,6171000.4%
      Bradley, IL15,608963.7%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.