Is Denver, CO cheaper than East Chicago, IN?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 13.2% more expensive than East Chicago, IN. This translates to spending an extra $992 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in East Chicago, IN, you'd need approximately $161,908.442 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Denver, CO is 31.0% more expensive than in East Chicago, IN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $794/month in East Chicago, IN.

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

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $992 more per month than East Chicago, IN, or $11908 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

East Chicago, IN vs Denver, CO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 East Chicago, IN — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Chicago, IL area

Current salary in East Chicago, IN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $992/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $161.9K in Denver, CO

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

Overall Cost

↑ 13.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$992

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$11.9K

Per year

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

East Chicago, IN

Population:26K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$125K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:113

Median Home:$513K

East Chicago, IN

The Hoosier State

26K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Indiana, this city has a population of 26K 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: East Chicago, IN vs Denver, CO

Category	East Chicago, IN	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,480/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $768more	31.0%
📦Other	$1,580/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $195more	12.3%
🏥Healthcare	$564/mo	$632/mo	↑ $68.11more	12.1%
🛒Groceries	$976/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $53.54more	5.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,510/mo	$1,462/mo	↓ $48.30less	3.2%
⚡All Utilities	$492/mo	$519/mo	↑ $27.00more	5.5%

🏠Housing

↑ 31.0%

East Chicago, IN

$2,480

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$768

📦Other

↑ 12.3%

East Chicago, IN

$1,580

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$195

🏥Healthcare

↑ 12.1%

East Chicago, IN

$564

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$68.11

🛒Groceries

↑ 5.5%

East Chicago, IN

$976

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$53.54

🚗Transportation

↓ 3.2%

East Chicago, IN

$1,510

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$48.30

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 5.5%

East Chicago, IN

$492

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$27.00

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

East Chicago, IN 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$581

To$1,720

↑ $1,139

1 Bed

From$649

To$1,840

↑ $1,191

2 Bed

From$794

To$2,190

↑ $1,396

3 Bed

From$970

To$2,870

↑ $1,900

East Chicago, INZIP-level data

1BR range: $850–$850/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.

$7,601

Monthly in East Chicago, IN

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$1,063

Difference

Home Values

East Chicago

Denver

$125K

Median Value

$513K

↓ -3.9%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +52.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$125K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 309% more expensive than East Chicago

Calculate payment - East Chicago Calculate payment - Denver

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $1.8K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$146

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.2%

Rate difference

East Chicago, IN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Indiana State Tax

Effective: 3.2%

$4.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.9%

$41.9K

Take-Home Pay

$9,012/month

$108.1K

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

East Chicago, IN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

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.