Is Denver, CO cheaper than Chicago, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 1.8% more expensive than Chicago, IL. This translates to spending an extra $132 per month.

What salary do I need in Denver, CO to live like I do in Chicago, IL?

If you earn $150,000 in Chicago, IL, you'd need approximately $151,581.869 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Chicago, IL and Denver, CO?

Housing in Denver, CO is 5.9% more expensive than in Chicago, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,925/month in Chicago, IL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Chicago, IL to Denver, CO?

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $132 more per month than Chicago, IL, or $1582 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Chicago, IL

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Denver, CO

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Chicago, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $132/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $151.6K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI area

Overall Cost

↑ 1.8%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$132

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$1.6K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Chicago, IL

Population:2746K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$305K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:102

Median Home:$513K

Chicago, IL

The Prairie State

2.7M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major transportation hub
•Architectural landmark city
•Great Lakes location

Major Industries

FinanceTechnologyManufacturingTransportation

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid

Notable Facts

•Mile-high city (5,280 ft)
•Outdoor recreation hub
•Major cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Chicago, IL vs Denver, CO

Category	Chicago, IL	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,680/mo	$1,462/mo	↓ $219less	13.0%
🏠Housing	$3,066/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $182more	5.9%
🏥Healthcare	$595/mo	$632/mo	↑ $37.17more	6.3%
📦Other	$1,758/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $16.74more	1.0%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$1,029/mo	→ $0	0.0%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$519/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🚗Transportation

↓ 13.0%

Chicago, IL

$1,680

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$219

less

🏠Housing

↑ 5.9%

Chicago, IL

$3,066

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$182

🏥Healthcare

↑ 6.3%

Chicago, IL

$595

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$37.17

📦Other

↑ 1.0%

Chicago, IL

$1,758

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$16.74

🛒Groceries

→ 0.0%

Chicago, IL

$1,029

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

same

⚡All Utilities

→ 0.0%

Chicago, IL

$519

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

same

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)

Chicago, IL has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,600

To$1,720

↑ $120

1 Bed

From$1,710

To$1,840

↑ $130

2 Bed

From$1,925

To$2,190

↑ $265

3 Bed

From$2,480

To$2,870

↑ $390

Chicago, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,140–$2,370/mo

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,648

Monthly in Chicago, IL

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$17.27

Difference

Home Values

Chicago

Denver

$305K

Median Value

$513K

↑ +1.8%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +10.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$116K - $611K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 68% more expensive than Chicago

Calculate payment - Chicago Calculate payment - Denver

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $825

Per year

Monthly Difference

$68.75

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.6%

Rate difference

Chicago, IL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Illinois State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,797/month

$105.6K

Denver, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

Additional Tax Information

Chicago, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.