Is Chicago, IL cheaper than Denver, CO?

Based on cost of living data, Chicago, IL is 1.7% cheaper than Denver, CO. This translates to saving $130 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Denver, CO, you'd need approximately $148,445.455 in Chicago, IL to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Chicago, IL is 5.6% cheaper than in Denver, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,925/month in Chicago, IL compared to $2,190/month in Denver, CO.

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

Moving from Denver, CO to Chicago, IL could save you approximately $130 per month, or $1555 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Denver, CO

Tap to swap

Chicago, IL

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Denver, CO

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $130/month moving to Chicago, IL

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.4K in Chicago, IL

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO area

Overall Cost

↓ 1.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$130

Savings

Annual Impact

$1.6K

Per year

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

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$513K

Chicago, IL

Population:2746K

Cost Index:98

Median Home:$305K

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

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: Denver, CO vs Chicago, IL

Category	Denver, CO	Chicago, IL	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,462/mo	$1,680/mo	↑ $219more	15.0%
🏠Housing	$3,248/mo	$3,066/mo	↓ $182less	5.6%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$595/mo	↓ $37.17less	5.9%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,758/mo	↓ $16.74less	0.9%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$1,029/mo	→ $0	0.0%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$519/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🚗Transportation

↑ 15.0%

Denver, CO

$1,462

Chicago, IL

$1,680

Difference

$219

🏠Housing

↓ 5.6%

Denver, CO

$3,248

Chicago, IL

$3,066

Difference

$182

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 5.9%

Denver, CO

$632

Chicago, IL

$595

Difference

$37.17

less

📦Other

↓ 0.9%

Denver, CO

$1,774

Chicago, IL

$1,758

Difference

$16.74

less

🛒Groceries

→ 0.0%

Denver, CO

$1,029

Chicago, IL

$1,029

Difference

same

⚡All Utilities

→ 0.0%

Denver, CO

$519

Chicago, IL

$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$1,720

To$1,600

↓ $120

1 Bed

From$1,840

To$1,710

↓ $130

2 Bed

From$2,190

To$1,925

↓ $265

3 Bed

From$2,870

To$2,480

↓ $390

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/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.

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$8,648

Monthly in Chicago, IL

$17.27

Difference

Home Values

Denver

Chicago

$513K

Median Value

$305K

↓ -4.2%

YoY Change

↑ +1.8%

↑ +13%

5-Year Change

↑ +10.2%

$352K - $933K

Price Range

$116K - $611K

Homes in Chicago are 40% less expensive than Denver

Calculate payment - Denver 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

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

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

Denver, 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.