Is Denver, CO cheaper than North Chicago, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 14.3% more expensive than North Chicago, IL. This translates to spending an extra $1074 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in North Chicago, IL, you'd need approximately $162,883.401 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Denver, CO is 32.2% more expensive than in North Chicago, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,324/month in North Chicago, IL.

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

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $1074 more per month than North Chicago, IL, or $12883 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

North Chicago, IL vs Denver, CO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 North Chicago, IL — COL adjusted from Chicago, IL area + state data

Current salary in North Chicago, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.1K/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $162.9K in Denver, CO

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

Overall Cost

↑ 14.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,074

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$12.9K

Per year

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

North Chicago, IL

Population:30K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$305K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:114

Median Home:$513K

North Chicago, IL

The Prairie State

30K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 30K 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: North Chicago, IL vs Denver, CO

Category	North Chicago, IL	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,457/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $792more	32.2%
📦Other	$1,565/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $210more	13.4%
🏥Healthcare	$561/mo	$632/mo	↑ $70.79more	12.6%
🛒Groceries	$971/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $58.17more	6.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,496/mo	$1,462/mo	↓ $34.00less	2.3%
⚡All Utilities	$490/mo	$519/mo	↑ $29.34more	6.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 32.2%

North Chicago, IL

$2,457

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$792

📦Other

↑ 13.4%

North Chicago, IL

$1,565

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$210

🏥Healthcare

↑ 12.6%

North Chicago, IL

$561

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$70.79

🛒Groceries

↑ 6.0%

North Chicago, IL

$971

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$58.17

🚗Transportation

↓ 2.3%

North Chicago, IL

$1,496

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$34.00

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 6.0%

North Chicago, IL

$490

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$29.34

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

North 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$908

To$1,720

↑ $812

1 Bed

From$1,097

To$1,840

↑ $743

2 Bed

From$1,324

To$2,190

↑ $866

3 Bed

From$1,816

To$2,870

↑ $1,054

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.

$7,539

Monthly in North Chicago, IL

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$1,126

Difference

Home Values

North Chicago

Denver

Median Value

$513K

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

Price Range

$352K - $933K

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

North 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

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

North Chicago, 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.