The Verdict
Living in Chicago is 6% more expensive than Denver.
If you move from Chicago to Denver, you will pay more for housing and more for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a $75,000 salary in Chicago, you would need to earn about $68,382 in Denver.
of 6 categories
categories
of 6 categories
Category Breakdown
Compare costs across 6 key categories
City Profiles
What makes each city unique
Why people love Chicago:
Why people love Denver:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Chicago | Denver | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $1,925 | $2,030 | +$105 |
| Monthly groceries | $383 | $405 | +$22 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $280 | $308 | +$28 |
| Public transport pass | $117 | $124 | +$7 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $190 | $176 | $-14 |
| Total Monthly | $2,895 | $3,043 | +$148 |
* Estimates based on NYC = 100 index. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and location within city.
Who Should Choose Which City?
Recommendations based on your priorities
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Want lower overall living costs (6% cheaper)
- Prioritize safety (score: 73/100)
- Want higher earning potential ($4,300/mo avg)
- Work in tech or startups
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Denver to match a Chicago salary
| Salary in Chicago | Equivalent in Denver | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $45,588 | $4,412 less |
| $75,000 | $68,382 | $6,618 less |
| $100,000 | $91,176 | $8,824 less |
| $125,000 | $113,971 | $11,029 less |
| $150,000 | $136,765 | $13,235 less |
| $200,000 | $182,353 | $17,647 less |
Chicago vs Denver: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 6%. Denver is the more affordable option.
Rent: Chicago has a rent index of 55, while Denver has 58.
Average Salaries: Chicago: $4,200/month vs Denver: $4,300/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Chicago wins 4, while Denver wins 2.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.