Is Denver, CO cheaper than Decatur, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 20.9% more expensive than Decatur, IL. This translates to spending an extra $1564 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Decatur, IL, you'd need approximately $168,767.771 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Denver, CO is 65.9% more expensive than in Decatur, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,088/month in Decatur, IL.

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

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $1564 more per month than Decatur, IL, or $18768 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Decatur, IL vs Denver, CO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Decatur, IL — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from St. Louis, MO area

Current salary in Decatur, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.6K/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $168.8K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 20.9%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,564

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$18.8K

Per year

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

Decatur, IL

Population:69K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$99K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:121

Median Home:$513K

Decatur, IL

The Prairie State

69K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 69K residents.

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: Decatur, IL vs Denver, CO

Category	Decatur, IL	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$1,958/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $1,291more	65.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,272/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $190more	14.9%
🏥Healthcare	$539/mo	$632/mo	↑ $93.30more	17.3%
📦Other	$1,681/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $93.15more	5.5%
🛒Groceries	$971/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $58.26more	6.0%
⚡All Utilities	$548/mo	$519/mo	↓ $28.62less	5.2%

🏠Housing

↑ 65.9%

Decatur, IL

$1,958

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$1,291

🚗Transportation

↑ 14.9%

Decatur, IL

$1,272

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$190

🏥Healthcare

↑ 17.3%

Decatur, IL

$539

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$93.30

📦Other

↑ 5.5%

Decatur, IL

$1,681

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$93.15

🛒Groceries

↑ 6.0%

Decatur, IL

$971

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$58.26

⚡All Utilities

↓ 5.2%

Decatur, IL

$548

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$28.62

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Decatur, 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$858

To$1,720

↑ $862

1 Bed

From$868

To$1,840

↑ $972

2 Bed

From$1,088

To$2,190

↑ $1,102

3 Bed

From$1,412

To$2,870

↑ $1,458

Decatur, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $730–$910/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.

$6,968

Monthly in Decatur, IL

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$1,697

Difference

Home Values

Decatur

Denver

$99K

Median Value

$513K

↑ +8.9%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +33.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$84K - $114K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 417% more expensive than Decatur

Calculate payment - Decatur 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

Decatur, 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

Decatur, 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.