Home › Compare › Denver, CO vs Chicago, IL

Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Chicago, IL

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

4.5% Chicago, IL is cheaper overall
20.5% 20.5% cheaper housing
3.0% 3.0% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 20.5% cheaper
Denver
132
Chicago
105
🛒 Groceries 3.0% more
Denver
101
Chicago
104
🚗 Transportation 8.6% more
Denver
105
Chicago
114
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Denver
104
Chicago
103
⚡ Utilities 5.2% more
Denver
96
Chicago
101

Detailed Breakdown

Category Denver, CO Chicago, IL Difference
Overall Cost Index1121074.5% less
Housing13210520.5% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,620$1,7004.9% more
Median Home Price$540,000$310,00042.6% less
Groceries1011043.0% more
Transportation1051148.6% more
Healthcare104103~Same
Utilities961015.2% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Denver, CO Chicago, IL
State Income Tax4.40%4.95%
State Sales Tax2.90%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.49%1.95%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Denver, CO
$82,000
Median household income
Chicago, IL
$74,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Chicago costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

→
$—

Based on overall cost index: Denver (112) vs Chicago (107). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Denver3.5%
Chicago4.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Denver3.6%
Chicago2.1%
Top Industries
DenverTech, Aerospace, Energy
ChicagoFinance, Manufacturing, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Denver27 min
Chicago35 min
Walk Score
Denver61
Chicago78
Air Quality (AQI)
Denver45
Chicago44
Avg Temperature
Denver51°F
Chicago50°F
Population
Denver713,252
Chicago2,665,039

Moving from Denver to Chicago?

Get free, no-obligation moving quotes from top-rated movers. Compare prices and save up to 40% on your move.

Get My Free Moving Estimate →
✓ 500+ vetted movers ✓ Free quotes in 24hrs ✓ No obligation

Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

Denver vs Austin → Denver vs Nashville → Denver vs Raleigh → Chicago vs Portland → Chicago vs Phoenix → Chicago vs Miami →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Denver or Chicago cheaper to live in?+
Chicago is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 20.5%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Denver vs Chicago?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,620/month in Denver and $1,700/month in Chicago — a difference of about $80 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Denver or Chicago?+
Colorado has a state income tax of 4.40% and sales tax of 2.90%. Illinois has a state income tax of 4.95% and sales tax of 6.25%. 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 Denver to Chicago?+
Median household income in Denver is $82,000 compared to $74,000 in Chicago. 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 Denver vs Chicago?+
The median home price in Denver is $540,000 versus $310,000 in Chicago — a difference of $230,000. Property tax rates also differ: Colorado averages 0.49% while Illinois averages 1.95%.