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Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Colorado Springs, CO

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

5.6% Colorado Springs, CO is cheaper overall
4.8% 4.8% more expensive housing
5.8% 5.8% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 4.8% more
Chicago
105
Colorado Springs
110
🛒 Groceries 5.8% cheaper
Chicago
104
Colorado Springs
98
🚗 Transportation 14.0% cheaper
Chicago
114
Colorado Springs
98
🏥 Healthcare 2.9% cheaper
Chicago
103
Colorado Springs
100
⚡ Utilities 8.9% cheaper
Chicago
101
Colorado Springs
92

Detailed Breakdown

Category Chicago, IL Colorado Springs, CO Difference
Overall Cost Index1071015.6% less
Housing1051104.8% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,700$1,35020.6% less
Median Home Price$310,000$400,00029.0% more
Groceries104985.8% less
Transportation1149814.0% less
Healthcare1031002.9% less
Utilities101928.9% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Chicago, IL Colorado Springs, CO
State Income Tax4.95%4.40%
State Sales Tax6.25%2.90%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.95%0.49%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Chicago, IL
$74,000
Median household income
Colorado Springs, CO
$72,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Colorado Springs outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Colorado Springs to maintain your Chicago lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Chicago (107) vs Colorado Springs (101). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Chicago4.8%
Colorado Springs3.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
Chicago2.1%
Colorado Springs3.1%
Top Industries
ChicagoFinance, Manufacturing, Healthcare
Colorado SpringsMilitary, Tech, Tourism

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Chicago35 min
Colorado Springs24 min
Walk Score
Chicago78
Colorado Springs34
Air Quality (AQI)
Chicago44
Colorado Springs40
Avg Temperature
Chicago50°F
Colorado Springs49°F
Population
Chicago2,665,039
Colorado Springs478,961

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Chicago and Colorado Springs → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Colorado Springs →

Compare Other Cities

Chicago vs Austin → Chicago vs Denver → Chicago vs Nashville → Colorado Springs vs Raleigh → Colorado Springs vs Portland → Colorado Springs vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chicago or Colorado Springs cheaper to live in?+
Colorado Springs is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 4.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Colorado Springs?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,700/month in Chicago and $1,350/month in Colorado Springs — a difference of about $350 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Chicago or Colorado Springs?+
Illinois has a state income tax of 4.95% and sales tax of 6.25%. Colorado has a state income tax of 4.40% and sales tax of 2.90%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Chicago to Colorado Springs?+
Median household income in Chicago is $74,000 compared to $72,000 in Colorado Springs. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Chicago vs Colorado Springs?+
The median home price in Chicago is $310,000 versus $400,000 in Colorado Springs — a difference of $90,000. Property tax rates also differ: Illinois averages 1.95% while Colorado averages 0.49%.