MoveNumbers
Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

๐Ÿ“ Normal, IL โ€” ZIP-level rent data ยท COL adjusted from Chicago, IL area

$

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.9K/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $172.9K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates ยท COL index from area
Overall Cost
โ†‘ 25.4%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,907
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$22.9K
Per year

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

Normal, IL

Population:53K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$254K

Denver, CO

Population:716K
Cost Index:125
Median Home:$513K

Normal, IL

The Prairie State

53K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 53K residents.

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Semi-arid

Notable Facts

  • โ€ขMile-high city (5,280 ft)
  • โ€ขOutdoor recreation hub
  • โ€ขMajor cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Normal, IL vs Denver, CO

๐Ÿ Housing
โ†‘ 45.1%
Normal, IL
$2,239
Denver, CO
$3,248
Difference
$1,009
more
๐Ÿ“ฆOther
โ†‘ 24.4%
Normal, IL
$1,426
Denver, CO
$1,774
Difference
$348
more
๐Ÿ›’Groceries
โ†‘ 11.0%
Normal, IL
$927
Denver, CO
$1,029
Difference
$102
more
๐Ÿš—Transportation
โ†‘ 7.2%
Normal, IL
$1,363
Denver, CO
$1,462
Difference
$98.47
more
๐ŸฅHealthcare
โ†‘ 18.0%
Normal, IL
$536
Denver, CO
$632
Difference
$96.22
more
โšกAll Utilities
โ†‘ 11.0%
Normal, IL
$468
Denver, CO
$519
Difference
$51.53
more

๐Ÿ›๏ธ Local Income Taxes

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

Normal, IL has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

๐Ÿ Rent Comparison

Studio
From$607
To$1,720
โ†‘ $1,113
1 Bed
From$648
To$1,840
โ†‘ $1,192
2 Bed
From$848
To$2,190
โ†‘ $1,342
3 Bed
From$1,117
To$2,870
โ†‘ $1,753
Normal, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $940โ€“$940/mo

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620โ€“$2,540/mo

๐Ÿ’ก 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.

$6,959
Monthly in Normal, IL
$8,665
Monthly in Denver, CO
$1,706
Difference

Home Values

Normal
Denver
$254K
Median Value
$513K
โ†‘ +2.5%
YoY Change
โ†“ -4.2%
โ†‘ +34%
5-Year Change
โ†‘ +13%
$254K
Price Range
$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 102% more expensive than Normal

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
โ†‘ $825
Per year
Monthly Difference
$68.75
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.6%
Rate difference

Normal, 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

Normal, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%
Property Tax:2.2%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%
Property Tax:0.5%

๐Ÿ’ก 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.

Environment

Normal
Denver
54 Moderate
Air Quality
55 Moderate
35.8%
Good Air Days
35.2%
100 Very High
Climate Risk
95 High
๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒก๐Ÿซจ
Top Hazards
๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒช๐Ÿ’จ
โ–ฒ+3.2ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+3.3ยฐF
18 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
28 days
โ–ฒ+3.2ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+3.3ยฐF
18 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
28 days

๐Ÿ’ฐ See how taxes change too โ€” compare take-home pay between Illinois and Colorado on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

Cities cheaper than Normal, IL on a $150.0K salary

Similar cost to Denver, CO

Other cities in a similar price range

Want to compare different cities?

New Comparison