Is Denver, CO cheaper than Rock Island, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 20.6% more expensive than Rock Island, IL. This translates to spending an extra $1545 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Rock Island, IL, you'd need approximately $168,534.653 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Denver, CO is 50.8% more expensive than in Rock Island, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $827/month in Rock Island, IL.

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

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $1545 more per month than Rock Island, IL, or $18535 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Rock Island, IL vs Denver, CO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Rock Island, IL — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Madison, WI area

Current salary in Rock Island, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.5K/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $168.5K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 20.6%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,545

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$18.5K

Per year

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

Rock Island, IL

Population:36K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$122K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:121

Median Home:$513K

Rock Island, IL

The Prairie State

36K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 36K 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: Rock Island, IL vs Denver, CO

Category	Rock Island, IL	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,154/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $1,095more	50.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,222/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $239more	19.6%
📦Other	$1,556/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $218more	14.0%
🛒Groceries	$894/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $135more	15.1%
⚡All Utilities	$474/mo	$519/mo	↑ $45.46more	9.6%
🏥Healthcare	$670/mo	$632/mo	↓ $37.90less	5.7%

🏠Housing

↑ 50.8%

Rock Island, IL

$2,154

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$1,095

🚗Transportation

↑ 19.6%

Rock Island, IL

$1,222

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$239

📦Other

↑ 14.0%

Rock Island, IL

$1,556

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$218

🛒Groceries

↑ 15.1%

Rock Island, IL

$894

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$135

⚡All Utilities

↑ 9.6%

Rock Island, IL

$474

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$45.46

🏥Healthcare

↓ 5.7%

Rock Island, IL

$670

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$37.90

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Rock Island, 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$591

To$1,720

↑ $1,129

1 Bed

From$672

To$1,840

↑ $1,168

2 Bed

From$827

To$2,190

↑ $1,363

3 Bed

From$1,085

To$2,870

↑ $1,785

Rock Island, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $910–$910/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.

$6,970

Monthly in Rock Island, IL

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$1,695

Difference

Home Values

Rock Island

Denver

$122K

Median Value

$513K

↑ +3.2%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +19.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$122K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 322% more expensive than Rock Island

Calculate payment - Rock Island 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

Rock Island, 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

Rock Island, 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.