Chicago, IL vs Denver, CO: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between Chicago, IL and Denver, CO. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
Chicago, IL
IL
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 105.7
- Housing RPP
- 110.9
- Goods RPP
- 106.7
- 2-BR median rent
- $1,714/mo
Illinois flat income tax 4.95%. Chicago city tax adds ~2.25% effective burden.
Denver, CO
CO
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 107.4
- Housing RPP
- 145.8
- Goods RPP
- 105.5
- 2-BR median rent
- $2,201/mo
Colorado flat income tax 4.4%. Denver city tax 2.25% on wages.
Equivalent salary
Denver, CO is more expensive than Chicago, IL by about 1.6% (RPP 105.7 to 107.4).
$60,000 in Chicago, IL
-> $60,965
in Denver, CO
$100,000 in Chicago, IL
-> $101,608
in Denver, CO
$150,000 in Chicago, IL
-> $152,412
in Denver, CO
This tool provides estimates only. Equivalent-salary figures are derived from BLS Regional Price Parities (RPP) and HUD Fair Market Rents — they are averages, not guarantees. Actual cost of living varies by neighborhood, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. Not financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Denver, CO cheaper or more expensive than Chicago, IL?
- Denver, CO (RPP 107.4) is more expensive than Chicago, IL (RPP 105.7) by about 1.6%.
- What salary do I need in Denver, CO if I earn $100,000 in Chicago, IL?
- You would need approximately $101,608 in Denver, CO to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Chicago, IL. Formula: $100,000 x (107.4 / 105.7).