Is Denver, CO cheaper than Des Plaines, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 11.1% more expensive than Des Plaines, IL. This translates to spending an extra $830 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Des Plaines, IL, you'd need approximately $159,954.339 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Denver, CO is 28.5% more expensive than in Des Plaines, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,472/month in Des Plaines, IL.

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

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $830 more per month than Des Plaines, IL, or $9954 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Des Plaines, IL vs Denver, CO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Des Plaines, IL — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Chicago, IL area

Current salary in Des Plaines, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $830/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $160.0K in Denver, CO

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

Overall Cost

↑ 11.1%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$830

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$10.0K

Per year

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

Des Plaines, IL

Population:58K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$310K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:111

Median Home:$513K

Des Plaines, IL

The Prairie State

58K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 58K 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: Des Plaines, IL vs Denver, CO

Category	Des Plaines, IL	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,529/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $720more	28.5%
📦Other	$1,610/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $164more	10.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,539/mo	$1,462/mo	↓ $77.82less	5.1%
🏥Healthcare	$569/mo	$632/mo	↑ $62.63more	11.0%
🛒Groceries	$985/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $44.05more	4.5%
⚡All Utilities	$497/mo	$519/mo	↑ $22.22more	4.5%

🏠Housing

↑ 28.5%

Des Plaines, IL

$2,529

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$720

📦Other

↑ 10.2%

Des Plaines, IL

$1,610

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$164

🚗Transportation

↓ 5.1%

Des Plaines, IL

$1,539

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$77.82

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 11.0%

Des Plaines, IL

$569

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$62.63

🛒Groceries

↑ 4.5%

Des Plaines, IL

$985

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$44.05

⚡All Utilities

↑ 4.5%

Des Plaines, IL

$497

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$22.22

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Des Plaines, 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$1,223

To$1,720

↑ $497

1 Bed

From$1,308

To$1,840

↑ $532

2 Bed

From$1,472

To$2,190

↑ $718

3 Bed

From$1,892

To$2,870

↑ $978

Des Plaines, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,680–$1,680/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.

$7,730

Monthly in Des Plaines, IL

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$935

Difference

Home Values

Des Plaines

Denver

$310K

Median Value

$513K

↑ +4.3%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +33.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$310K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 65% more expensive than Des Plaines

Calculate payment - Des Plaines 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

Des Plaines, 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

Des Plaines, 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.