Denver vs Chicago: Cost of Living Comparison
Compare cost of living between Denver, CO and Chicago, IL. Side-by-side breakdown of housing costs, rent, groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, state taxes, and salary equivalents.
vs
City A
Denver
Colorado
Cost Index105.8
Median Rent$1,831/mo
Median Income$95K
State Tax4.4%
Average
City B
Chicago
Illinois
Cost Index103.6
Median Rent$1,440/mo
Median Income$78K
State Tax4.95%
Average
Salary Equivalency Calculator
How much would you need in Chicago to match your lifestyle in Denver?
$80,000
Denver
$80,000
Cost Index: 105.8
Chicago
$78,346
Cost Index: 103.6
You need $1,654 less in Chicago to maintain the same lifestyle.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index scores where 100 = national average. Green highlights the city with the advantage.
Overall Cost Index-2.1%
Denver105.8
Chicago103.6
Median Rent-21.4%
Denver$2K
Chicago$1K
Median Income-17.8%
Denver$95K
Chicago$78K
Grocery Index+2.6%
Denver321.9
Chicago330.5
Utilities Index~equal
Denver100.0
Chicago100.0
Transportation-28.1%
Denver343.7
Chicago247.2
Healthcare~equal
Denver100.0
Chicago100.0
State Tax Rate+12.5%
Denver4.40%
Chicago4.95%
Side-by-Side Chart
Denver: Pros & Cons
Higher median income ($95K)
Lower state income tax (4.4%)
Lower grocery costs
Lower unemployment (3.6%)
2% higher overall cost of living
Higher rent — $1,831/mo vs $1,440/mo
Chicago: Pros & Cons
2% lower overall cost of living
Lower rent — $1,440/mo vs $1,831/mo
Higher state income tax (4.95%)
Denver vs Chicago – FAQ
Common questions about comparing cost of living between Denver and Chicago.
Denver has a cost of living index of 105.8, while Chicago scores 103.6. Denver is approximately -2.1% more expensive overall. This comparison accounts for housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.
Median 2-bedroom rent in Denver is $1,831/month compared to $1,440/month in Chicago — a difference of 21%. Rent is typically the largest monthly expense, so this significantly impacts overall affordability.
Due to cost of living differences, you would need approximately 98% of your Denver salary to maintain the same standard of living in Chicago. For example, a $75,000 salary in Denver would need to be about $73,449 in Chicago. Use the salary slider above to calculate your specific equivalent.
The cost of living index is calculated using data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (Regional Price Parities), US Census Bureau (median incomes and home values), HUD (Fair Market Rents), and Bureau of Labor Statistics (consumer price data). A score of 100 represents the national average. Scores above 100 indicate higher-than-average costs, while scores below 100 are more affordable.
Denver has a median household income of $94,718 with an unemployment rate of 3.6%. Chicago has a median household income of $77,902 with an unemployment rate of 4.5%. While income is higher in Denver, remember to factor in cost of living when comparing real purchasing power.
Beyond cost of living, consider: (1) state income tax differences — some states have no income tax; (2) housing market trends and whether to rent or buy; (3) job market strength in your industry; (4) healthcare costs and access; (5) climate and lifestyle preferences; (6) commute times and transportation options; and (7) proximity to family. Our comparison tool covers the financial factors, but quality of life matters too.