Moving from Denver to Chicago (2026)
Chicago has a COL index of 107 vs 122 for Denver (100 = US average). You'd pay about 12% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$84/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
122107
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$2,000$1,900
per month
State tax
4.4%4.9%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,466$4,434
per month
Salary needed in Chicago to match your Denver lifestyle
Based on the 12% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Denver | Equivalent in Chicago |
|---|---|
| $40K | $35,082 |
| $50K | $43,852 |
| $60K | $52,623 |
| $75K | $65,779 |
| $80K | $70,164 |
| $100K | $87,705 |
| $120K | $105,246 |
| $150K | $131,557 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Denver vs Chicago
| Expense | Denver | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,466 | $4,434 |
| 1BR rent | $2,000 | $1,900 |
| Groceries | $388 | $388 |
| Transport | $114 | $105 |
| Utilities | $140 | $165 |
| Internet | $65 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $1,759 | $1,811 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Chicago cheaper than Denver?
Yes. Chicago has a cost of living index of 107 vs 122 for Denver (100 = US average). That's about 12% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Denver to Chicago?
On a $75K salary, moving from Denver to Chicago could save roughly $84/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,008/year.
What salary do I need in Chicago to match my Denver lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Denver, you'd need roughly $65,779/year in Chicago. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Chicago to DenverDenver vs Chicago — full comparisonDenver cost of livingChicago cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only