🇺🇸 Chicago vs 🇺🇸 Denver
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇺🇸
Chicago
United States
$2,400–$3,800/mo
$2,400 – $3,800 / month (local)
🇺🇸
Denver
United States
$2,462–$3,897/mo
$2,462 – $3,897 / month (local)
Denver is 3% more expensive
Chicago wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Chicago (USD) | Denver (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,800–$2,800 | $1,846–$2,872 | 🟢 Chicago |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $950–$1,500 | $974–$1,538 | 🟢 Chicago |
| Utilities | $75–$145 | $77–$149 | 🟢 Chicago |
| Groceries | $380–$570 | $390–$585 | 🟢 Chicago |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $50–$90 | $51–$92 | 🟢 Chicago |
| Public transport (monthly) | $95–$115 | $97–$118 | 🟢 Chicago |
| Internet & Mobile | $30–$50 | $31–$51 | 🟢 Chicago |
| Gym membership | $35–$65 | $36–$67 | 🟢 Chicago |
| Cinema ticket | $14–$18 | $14–$18 | Tie |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,400–$3,800 | $2,462–$3,897 | 🟢 Chicago |
See how your salary compares in both cities
Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).
Quality of life comparison
Housing5.3 / 10 · 4.4 / 10
Chicago▲ better
Denver
Safety9.3 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
Chicago▲ better
Denver
Healthcare9.3 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
Chicago▲ better
Denver
Education8.9 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
Chicago▲ better
Denver
Environment8.0 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Chicago
Denver▲ better
Economy8.0 / 10 · 7.2 / 10
Chicago▲ better
Denver
Culture8.6 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
Chicago▲ better
Denver
Internet9.0 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Chicago▲ better
Denver
Who should choose which city?
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Denver
- ✓Architecture
- ✓Food
- ✓Transit
- ✓Finance
Choose Denver if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Denver offers vs Chicago
- ✓Mountains
- ✓Sun
- ✓Young workforce
- ✓Outdoor industry
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📊
Full Chicago guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Chicago →📊
Full Denver guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Denver →