Is Denver, CO cheaper than Waukegan, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 12.1% more expensive than Waukegan, IL. This translates to spending an extra $905 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Waukegan, IL, you'd need approximately $160,858.881 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Denver, CO is 29.6% more expensive than in Waukegan, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,258/month in Waukegan, IL.

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

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $905 more per month than Waukegan, IL, or $10859 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Waukegan, IL vs Denver, CO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in Waukegan, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $905/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $160.9K in Denver, CO

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

Overall Cost

↑ 12.1%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$905

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$10.9K

Per year

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

Waukegan, IL

Population:88K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$250K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:112

Median Home:$513K

Waukegan, IL

The Prairie State

88K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 88K 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: Waukegan, IL vs Denver, CO

Category	Waukegan, IL	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,506/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $742more	29.6%
📦Other	$1,596/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $178more	11.2%
🏥Healthcare	$567/mo	$632/mo	↑ $65.19more	11.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,526/mo	$1,462/mo	↓ $64.02less	4.2%
🛒Groceries	$981/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $48.48more	4.9%
⚡All Utilities	$495/mo	$519/mo	↑ $24.45more	4.9%

🏠Housing

↑ 29.6%

Waukegan, IL

$2,506

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$742

📦Other

↑ 11.2%

Waukegan, IL

$1,596

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$178

🏥Healthcare

↑ 11.5%

Waukegan, IL

$567

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$65.19

🚗Transportation

↓ 4.2%

Waukegan, IL

$1,526

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$64.02

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 4.9%

Waukegan, IL

$981

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$48.48

⚡All Utilities

↑ 4.9%

Waukegan, IL

$495

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$24.45

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Waukegan, 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$1,042

To$1,720

↑ $678

1 Bed

From$1,119

To$1,840

↑ $721

2 Bed

From$1,258

To$2,190

↑ $932

3 Bed

From$1,621

To$2,870

↑ $1,249

Waukegan, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,450–$1,450/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.

$7,670

Monthly in Waukegan, IL

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$995

Difference

Home Values

Waukegan

Denver

$250K

Median Value

$513K

↑ +7.6%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +55.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$250K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 105% more expensive than Waukegan

Calculate payment - Waukegan 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

Waukegan, 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

Waukegan, 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.