Is Chicago, IL cheaper than Colorado Springs, CO?

Based on cost of living data, Chicago, IL is 5.0% more expensive than Colorado Springs, CO. This translates to spending an extra $371 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Colorado Springs, CO, you'd need approximately $154,456.311 in Chicago, IL to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Chicago, IL is 7.3% more expensive than in Colorado Springs, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,925/month in Chicago, IL compared to $1,800/month in Colorado Springs, CO.

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

Living in Chicago, IL costs approximately $371 more per month than Colorado Springs, CO, or $4456 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Colorado Springs, CO

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Chicago, IL

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Colorado Springs, CO

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $371/month more in Chicago, IL

$150.0K in your current city equals $154.5K in Chicago, IL

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Colorado Springs, CO area

Overall Cost

↑ 5.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$371

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$4.5K

Per year

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

Colorado Springs, CO

Population:479K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$415K

Chicago, IL

Population:2746K

Cost Index:105

Median Home:$305K

Colorado Springs, CO

The Centennial State

479K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Colorado, this city has a population of 479K residents.

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Colorado Springs, CO vs Chicago, IL

Category	Colorado Springs, CO	Chicago, IL	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,270/mo	$1,680/mo	↑ $410more	32.3%
🏠Housing	$2,859/mo	$3,066/mo	↑ $208more	7.3%
⚡All Utilities	$454/mo	$519/mo	↑ $65.57more	14.5%
📦Other	$1,791/mo	$1,758/mo	↓ $33.48less	1.9%
🏥Healthcare	$626/mo	$595/mo	↓ $30.98less	5.0%
🛒Groceries	$999/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $29.98more	3.0%

🚗Transportation

↑ 32.3%

Colorado Springs, CO

$1,270

Chicago, IL

$1,680

Difference

$410

🏠Housing

↑ 7.3%

Colorado Springs, CO

$2,859

Chicago, IL

$3,066

Difference

$208

⚡All Utilities

↑ 14.5%

Colorado Springs, CO

$454

Chicago, IL

$519

Difference

$65.57

📦Other

↓ 1.9%

Colorado Springs, CO

$1,791

Chicago, IL

$1,758

Difference

$33.48

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 5.0%

Colorado Springs, CO

$626

Chicago, IL

$595

Difference

$30.98

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 3.0%

Colorado Springs, CO

$999

Chicago, IL

$1,029

Difference

$29.98

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,240

To$1,600

↑ $360

1 Bed

From$1,520

To$1,710

↑ $190

2 Bed

From$1,800

To$1,925

↑ $125

3 Bed

From$2,505

To$2,480

↓ $25.00

Colorado Springs, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,210–$2,050/mo

Chicago, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,140–$2,370/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.

$7,999

Monthly in Colorado Springs, CO

$8,648

Monthly in Chicago, IL

$649

Difference

Home Values

Colorado Springs

Chicago

$415K

Median Value

$305K

↓ -2.2%

YoY Change

↑ +1.8%

↑ +22.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +10.2%

$314K - $709K

Price Range

$116K - $611K

Homes in Chicago are 26% less expensive than Colorado Springs

Calculate payment - Colorado Springs Calculate payment - Chicago

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $825

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$68.75

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.6%

Rate difference

Colorado Springs, 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

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

Additional Tax Information

Colorado Springs, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

Chicago, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

💡 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.